The Cleveland Foundation has announced a $23 million gift from the estate of Beverly and Albert "Al" Higley.

The third-largest gift in the foundation's history will be added to the existing Higley Fund, transforming it into the foundation's largest supporting organization. Established by the couple in 1994, the Higley Fund has awarded more than $8 million to over a hundred and seventy-five social service organizations in the greater Cleveland area.

From 1971 to 1998, Al Higley, who passed away in 2012, was chair and CEO of the Albert M. Higley Co., which was founded by his father in 1925. Beverly Higley, who passed away in 2014, played an active role in local nonprofit organizations and causes and helped administer the family fund. Two of their children, Bruce G. Higley and Sharon Higley Watts, serve as directors of the fund.

"Our parents believed in this community and believed in the value of giving back to create opportunities for others,"said Bruce Higley, chair of the Higley Co. and president of the Higley Fund. "Their legacy as true champions of the people and places that make Cleveland a great home will now endure permanently through the Cleveland Foundation so future generations can benefit from their passion for our community."