Healthy Lakewood Foundation

Description

The Healthy Lakewood Foundation was born out of the closure of Lakewood Hospital, an institution that served the community for more than 100 years. The Master Agreement signed by representatives of the City of Lakewood, Cleveland Clinic, and Lakewood Hospital Association as part of the closure included provisions for the creation of a philanthropic foundation dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the Lakewood community. The Foundation would have assets totaling $32.4 million, accrued over approximately 16 years.

In 2017, the City of Lakewood empaneled volunteer residents to form the Foundation Planning Task Force, charged with laying the groundwork of the future Foundation. With expertise in nonprofit administration, finance, law, and healthcare, the group studied the history of the philanthropic sector, examined healthcare conversion foundations across the country, curated financial pro formas, and listened closely to stakeholders across the community over its 18-month process. These efforts resulted in a framework for a transparent public charity with a mission to advance programs, policies, and practices that inspire a Lakewood community in which health and wellness are reflected in all aspects of life.

The name, Healthy Lakewood Foundation, was chosen as a straightforward representation of the institution’s vision: Lakewood is a place where all people achieve their fullest health potential.