Official Charity Partners

UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital

UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital is a 244-bed, full-service children’s hospital and academic medical center. A trusted leader in pediatric health care for more than 125 years, UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital consistently ranks among the top children’s hospitals in the nation. As the region’s premier resource for pediatric referrals, UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital’s dedicated team of more than 1,300 pediatric specialists uses the most advanced treatments and latest innovations to deliver the complete range of pediatric specialty services for 700,000 patient encounters, annually. Committed to advanced care and advanced caring, UH Rainbow's goal is to provide comprehensive primary and community-based care - the kind of health care people need most - as well as access to the highest quality specialty care when necessary.  

Help support world-class pediatric care for boys and girls facing cancer, traumatic injuries, and other illnesses!  You can help UH Rainbow continue to be a leader in transforming child health in Northeast Ohio for babies, children and adolescents with critical illnesses or injuries. Give today knowing that your support will help fund care that saves children's lives.

For more information please visit the website.

Prayers From Maria

Prayers From Maria was inspired by the prayers of seven-year-old Maria McNamara, who lost her battle against a brain stem glioma in 2007. While Maria was receiving treatment at St. Jude, she prayed for other sick children that she met, hoping the doctors would find a way to help them and make them better. Prayers From Maria, founded by Maria’s parents Ed and Megan McNamara, is dedicated to answering Maria’s prayers by funding global research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for the deadliest childhood brain tumors and bringing hope to children and families who deal with the hardships of this disease. Maria’s Field of Hope in Avon, Ohio, has attracted thousands of visitors, elevating awareness and fundraising for childhood brain cancer research.

Our marathon team, known as the Sunflower Striders, has raised over $100,000 in research dollars by participating in the Cleveland Marathon throughout the years. Please support our team by joining or making a donation.

For information on how to join our team email us at: marathon@prayersfrommaria.org.

Empowering Epilepsy

Empowering Epilepsy enables people with epilepsy to take charge of their lives by connecting them to experts and peers for education, care and support at every age and stage. Since 2014, Empowering Epilepsy has been running innovative, results-driven programs and events throughout Northeastern Ohio to enable people with epilepsy to take charge of their lives. 

Approximately 65,000 people in Northeastern Ohio have seizures, while many more have these symptoms that remain undiagnosed.  It is estimated that one in ten people will experience a seizure in their lifetime, and one in 26 people will develop epilepsy.

Programs offered include conferences, sessions, and support groups, all with some of the top epilepsy specialists from Level 3 and 4 Epilepsy Centers. Our Empowering Epilepsy Headquarters also hosts art therapy classes, special events, educational sessions, and classes focused on improving participants' mind, body and spirit. Our center also offers lifestyle guidance through peer and expert interactions. Our programs are offered at low- or no cost, which we are able to provide due to the generosity of local, statewide and national donors and foundations.

To learn more contact Leigh Goldie at info@empoweringepilepsy.org

To learn more about Empowering Epilepsy's programs and services, visit our website: https://empoweringepilepsy.org

To learn more about our Empowering Epilepsy Team in the Cleveland Marathon, click here: https://www.empoweringepilepsy.org/event-cleveland-marathon

You may also join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/empoweringepilepsy

FMDSA

The Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America (FMDSA) has become the recognized leader in the support of Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD) awareness, education and research. We achieved our goal by successfully raising funds for the purpose of awarding FMD research grants, building awareness programs, and educating the public and medical community. Fibromuscular dysplasia causes your arteries to form abnormally creating areas of narrowing or stenosis.  First diagnosed in 1938, there is still no known cause or cure for FMD.  90% of patients are women and headache and high blood pressure are two of the most common symptoms of the disease. FMD can lead to arterial dissections, aneurysms, stroke and death.

For more information on fibromuscular dysplasia or our organization please visit our website. You may also join our campaign and get started!

Cystic Fibrosis Foundaton

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment, and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care.

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is fueled by a dedicated group of scientists, caregivers, donors, volunteers, and people with CF and their families who are united by a common goal: to find a cure for this devastating disease and help those with CF live longer, healthier lives.

Email us directly: northern-ohio@cff.org

For more information about the Northern Ohio Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, visit: https://www.cff.org/

Stella Maris

Proud Charity Partner of the Cleveland Marathon, Stella Maris is Cleveland’s oldest and best hope for addiction recovery. Founded in 1948, Stella Maris has been providing transformational chemical dependency treatment and mental health services to anyone regardless of race, religion, gender, or ability to pay. We offer a full continuum of services on our therapeutic campus to men and women; detoxification, inpatient and outpatient, partial hospitalization, medication assisted treatment, supportive housing for men and women, LGBTQ+ track, trauma services, peer support, case management, family therapy, and workforce development.

For more information, please visit www.stellamariscleveland.com. If a loved one or friend of yours is struggling with drugs or alcohol, please call (216) 781-0550, option #1.

Concussion Legacy Foundation

The Concussion Legacy Foundation's (CLF) mission is to support athletes, Veterans, and all affected by concussions and CTE; achieve smarter sports and safer athletes through education and innovation; and to End CTE through prevention and research. Our vision is a world without CTE, and concussion safety without compromise.

For information please go to: https://www.concussionfoundation.org

B Brave Foundation

B Brave Foundation exists to improve the lives of children with fatal neurological disorders.  We strive to bring comfort and reduce suffering by advocating for patients, supporting families and empowering caregivers.

For more information about our programs and initiatives, please visit bbravefoundation.org
Email: info@bbravefoundation.org or sarascaparotti@bbravefoundation.org

Cleveland Rape Crisis Center

Cleveland Rape Crisis Center supports survivors of rape and sexual abuse, promotes healing and prevention, and advocates for social change.

The Center reaches thousands of people each year - one third of them youth - through its direct services, prevention, education, training and outreach programs in Cuyahoga County, Ashtabula County, Geauga County and Lake County.

The Center is the sole provider of comprehensive healing services for survivors of rape and sexual abuse in Northeast Ohio, and one of the oldest and largest rape crisis centers in the nation.

For more information visit https://clevelandrapecrisis.org/

The ALS Association 

"The ALS Association is the world’s leading ALS organization, made up of volunteers who are living with ALS, loved ones, caregivers, advocates, and dedicated staff. The ALS Association's goal is to make ALS livable for everyone, everywhere, until they can cure it.

ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that effects the brain's ability to communicate with muscles throughout the body. People living with ALS become progressively more paralyzed and trapped in their own body until even their lungs don’t work anymore. On average, people affected by ALS live just 2-5 years after diagnosis. 

The ALS Association is on the ground in all 50 states providing support for people living with ALS and their loved ones while funding the most promising ALS research in the world. They lead local and national advocacy efforts to deliver more funding for ALS research and better policies for those impacted by the disease.  

Thanks to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and the generous support of donors, the ALS Association has been able to dramatically accelerate the fight against ALS by funding the development of new ALS treatments, by discovering new ALS genes, by creating new global research collaborations, and by significantly expanding access to ALS care.  

They are committed to making sure every person living with ALS, regardless of where they live, can access high-quality care and effective treatments."

 Please contact Erin Becks at erin.becks@als.org for more information or visit the website.

American Heart Association

The American Heart Association’s mission is “to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.” The AHA is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. A shared focus on cardiovascular health unites our more than 33 million volunteers and supporters as well as our more than 3,400 employees. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. We want to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Our size and scope let us have real impact. We have invested more than $4.5 billion in research, more than any U.S. nonprofit organization, including almost $23M locally here in Cleveland in the last 5 years.

Visit https://www.heart.org/ for more details!

Friends of CITY DOGS Cleveland

Friends of CITY DOGS Cleveland is a 501(c)3, volunteer run organization established in April 2020 with the mission of providing the animals taken in by Cleveland Animal Care and Control (CACC) with medical care and enrichment during their time at the kennel, preparing them for adoption into loving homes, and creating opportunities for potential adopters to get to know them as the great family members they were meant to be. Friends of CITY DOGS Cleveland is CACC’s  primary fundraising partner. CACC is the exclusive beneficiary of the Friends’ fundraising efforts. 

Join the Friends of CITY DOGS Cleveland Team!
Questions can be directed to: Beth Heffner, friendsofcitydogscleevents@gmail.com

Website: https://friendsofcitydogscleveland.com/ 

University Circle, Inc.

University Circle Inc. is the nonprofit that advocates for and manages the services and development of University Circle, one of the most spectacular one-square mile neighborhoods in the nation that is home to the cultural, educational and medical institutions that represent Cleveland to the world.  It operates under a progressive collective-impact model where its 37 member institutions collaborate on neighborhood progress via a common agenda, including programs that engage over 10,000 students, many underserved, and their families. 

Join the University Circle, Inc. team. Contact Madeline Francis for more information: Madeline.Francis@universitycircle.org

Check out the website at www.universitycircle.org.

Breakthrough T1D

As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as JDRF, helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.

 Breakthrough T1D is proud to be an official charity partner of the Cleveland Marathon. We invite you to join Team T1D as we go the distance to create a world without type 1 diabetes (T1D)!   

Breakthrough T1D is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.  Our strength lies in our exclusive focus and singular influence on the worldwide effort to end T1D. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes both children and adults suddenly. It has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent it. And, at present, there is no cure.

Every step you take and every mile you run brings us closer to our ultimate finish line – a world without T1D!  For additional information regarding Breakthrough T1D, please email Lia at lbenn@breakthroughT1D.org

Help Foundation, Inc.

HELP Foundation empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential, day support, vocational, and summer education programs to choose services and opportunities as respected and valued members of the community. HELP supports pathways that give every individual the chance to thrive and reach their full ability, contributing to a vibrant, inclusive community.

For more information please visit the Help Foundation website.

To join the Help Foundation team, please contact: Melissa Kocher at mkocher@helpfoundationinc.org

The Haven Home

The Haven Home compassionately serves under-resourced women and their children by empowering sustainable independence. Established in 2017 as an “Emergency Family Overflow Shelter”, our services have grown to also include asset-building programs, and community outreach.

Please visit the website for more information: https://thehavenhome.org.

Team Palestine for the Palestine Children's Relief Fund

GiGi's Playhouse Cleveland LLC

Our mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all. We change lives through consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome from prenatal through adulthood, their families and the community.

Visit GiGi's Playhouse website at: https://gigisplayhouse.org/cleveland/
Please contact Zachary Blau for additional information: ZBlau@gigisplayhouse.org

Hattie Larlham

Because we believe life is sacred, Hattie Larlham enhances the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through our commitment to comfort, joy, and achievement.

Join the Hattie Larlham TEAM! For more information, please contact Mary Horoszko at Mary.Horoszko@hattielarlham.org.

Visit the Hattie Larlham website: https://www.hattielarlham.org/

Special Deeds

Special Deeds Inc.'s purpose is to provide educational and financial assistance in order to facilitate positive, motivational life experiences for underserved populations in the Greater Cleveland Area. Our specialized focus is on children and adults with disabilities, as well as their families and support systems. Everyone deserves equal access to the resources, opportunities and cultural offerings of their community. We aim to bridge the gaps.

A need for one is a deed to be done.

Please join us. For more information on our initiatives please email Don McGee:dmcgee@specialdeeds.org or simply visit our website: www.specialdeeds.org

Michael's Promise

Where the healing begins.

Our mission is to help children and young adults overcome trauma from sexual abuse. We have created a safe space to offer love, support, and transformational tools to help heal. Survivors deserve to live a beautiful life without fear and shame.

Contact: Lisa Stewart @ lisa@soliaspa.com

Website

Love Doesn't Shove

Love Doesn’t Shove is dedicated to educating the community about the dynamics of healthy relationships to prevent dating violence and promote a safer, more joyous community. Through interactive presentations in schools throughout Ohio, we help equip students with efficient communication tools, behavioral awareness and help resources.

Contact: Education@lovedoesntshove.org

Website

St. Herman House - Cleveland

Founded in 1977, St Herman House has provided over 45 years of service to the poor and homeless in Cleveland. Our mission is to shelter and support homeless men on the path to well-being and independence and meet the basic needs of people in our community. St Herman House provides emergency shelter for 28 men and transitional housing for 12 men. We provide on-site case management to help residents address the barriers that have resulted in homelessness. We also provide other vital services to the community, including meals 7 days a week, as well as clothing, hygiene items and groceries. St Herman House also owns a 75-acre farm in Trumbull county, named Spruce Island Farm. We have a thriving beekeeping program with more than 60 beehives. We produce and sell our "Spruce Island Farm" honey at various local farmers markets.

For more information contact Mary Ellen Jordan at:  mejordan@focusna.org
or visit the website.

The Cleveland Foundry

The Cleveland Foundry is a Community Rowing and Sailing Center dedicated to transforming the lives of young people in the Northeastern Ohio region by providing access to the sports of rowing and sailing.

Both sailing and rowing have historically been exclusive sports, open only to those with financial means and access to the resources needed to participate. The Foundry aims to change this narrative by providing safe and inclusive programming to young people of all backgrounds.

Engaging youth in the sports of rowing and sailing helps to promote health and fitness; supports development of non-cognitive skills such as teamwork, communication, and perseverance; exposes students to scholarship and career opportunities; and provides access to two of our region’s most valuable natural assets: Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River.

The Row. Sail. Dream. outreach program connects youth of all experience levels, from the novice to the serious athlete, to the resources they need to be successful in the sports of rowing and sailing, including swimming lessons, STEM education, and supporting participation on the Foundry’s in-house rowing and sailing teams.

Visit the website for more information

American Cancer Society - Team DetermiNation

The American Cancer Society would not be successful without the help of our generous donors and volunteers. Because of you, we've helped thousands of people across the globe with lifesaving cancer research studies, crucial patient care programs, and education and prevention initiatives. That's why it's so important to get involved with The American Cancer Society Team DetermiNation for the 2024 Cleveland Marathon and fundraise – because when you do, you help save lives.

Please reach out to Alyssa Hancock for more information: alyssa.hancock@cancer.org

Website

The Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Since 1980, the Cleveland Area Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association has worked to uplift and empower those facing Alzheimer's and all other dementia in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties through our free care and support services.

Please reach out to Liv Passe for more information: oapasse@alz.org

Website

Canopy Child Advocacy Center   

We are Cuyahoga County’s child advocacy center. We work with youth and their families that are victims of child abuse through a multidisciplinary approach that ensures they are able to receive all services they need in one child friendly and trauma informed location to experience safety, healing, and well being. Services provided include mental health, victim advocacy, medical exams, access to investigative entities in once location, forensic interviews, case management, and multidisciplinary case review individualized for each child.

Please reach out to Mary Kate Varga for more information: mkvarga@canopycac.org

Website

Holden Forests & Gardens

Holden Forests & Gardens is comprised of two of Northeast Ohio’s most important environmental and cultural institutions—the Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Gardens. A leader in environmental stewardship, HF&G is committed to making Cleveland and the greater community a vibrant place where trees, plants, and people thrive. We pursue this vision through environmental education programming, tree and plant preservation and conservation, ecological research, and hosting 350,000 people annually to be inspired by nature.

As runners and walkers, we know that spending time in nature can reduce stress levels, muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure and can increase creativity and problem-solving skills. HF&G takes the benefits of nature one step further by ensuring current and future generations can benefit and learn from a sustainable and healthy environment. When you support HF&G through a donation or joining the People for Trees you are directly supporting HF&G’s efforts to maintain healthy tree and plant canopies and share these benefits with Northeast Ohio communities.

HF&G is thrilled to be a charity partner of the Cleveland Marathon for the first time. When you support team "People for Trees" you are supporting a greener, healthier world.

For more information about Holden Forests & Gardens, its impact on Northeast Ohio, or to visit, go to www.holdenfg.org

Please reach out to Ellie Rial for more information: erial@holdenfg.org