The board of directors of the Cleveland Foundation has announced more than $18 million in grants, bringing its total grantmaking for 2004 to more than $87 million.

The foundation approved a $3.5 million grant — the second part of a $10 million commitment — to the Akron-based Fund for Our Economic Future for continued support of its regional economic program aimed at creating new jobs in the Greater Cleveland region. The fund, which was created by the philanthropic community in response to the economic challenges facing Northeast Ohio, has raised approximately $28 million from sixty-three contributors, and this year awarded more than $8 million to support initiatives designed to enhance the competitiveness of local employers, develop new technologies, and encourage entrepreneurial activities.

Other grants announced included $800,000 to the Cuyahoga County Board of County Commissioners, for its early childhood development program; $525,000 to Shorebank Enterprise Group, which focuses on investing in Cleveland's East Side neighborhoods; and $500,000 to United Way Services, for initiatives that support families and children, education, and senior services.

"As we conclude our ninetieth year, we're proud to have made these new grants aimed at ameliorating the most critical issues our community is currently facing, including the need for enhanced economic development and the elimination of persistent poverty," said foundation president and CEO Ronald Richard.

For a complete list of this quarter's grants, see: http://clevelandfoundation.org/page19831.cfm.