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Nonprofiteer
← ECONOMIC GROWTH FOUNDATION

Form 990 for tax year 2024

Filed by ECONOMIC GROWTH FOUNDATION.

Totals

Total revenue
$4,989,111
Total expenses
$4,514,207
Contributions and grants received
$2,895,221
Grants paid
$0
Program service revenue
$2,045,941
Investment income
$47,949
Other revenue
$0
Total assets, end of year
$13,431,304
Total liabilities, end of year
$653,785
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$12,777,519
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$4,397,483
Management and general expenses
$116,724
Fundraising expenses
$0
Program service expenses (Part III)
$4,397,483

Program services were 97.4% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1e · Government grants (contributions)

    $1,721,017

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $1,174,204

  • 2a · Program service revenue: Intercompany

    total $1,295,555 · related or exempt $1,295,555

  • 2b · Program service revenue: Registration Revenue

    total $167,950 · related or exempt $167,950

  • 2f · All other program service revenue

    total $582,436 · related or exempt $582,436

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $47,949 · excluded $47,949

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $372,035 · program services $350,345 · management and general $21,690

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $1,987,389 · program services $1,924,965 · management and general $62,424

  • 8 · Pension plan contributions

    total $77,439 · program services $74,365 · management and general $3,074

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $303,160 · program services $295,343 · management and general $7,817

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $149,913 · program services $145,639 · management and general $4,274

  • 11b · Fees: legal

    total $393 · management and general $393

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $4,085 · management and general $4,085

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $557,248 · program services $556,822 · management and general $426

  • 12 · Advertising and promotion

    total $13,371 · program services $13,320 · management and general $51

  • 13 · Office expenses

    total $42,971 · program services $41,801 · management and general $1,170

  • 14 · Information technology

    total $38,325 · program services $37,764 · management and general $561

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $131,273 · program services $126,917 · management and general $4,356

  • 17 · Travel

    total $56,086 · program services $56,086

  • 19 · Conferences, conventions and meetings

    total $109,646 · program services $108,948 · management and general $698

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $79,006 · program services $76,801 · management and general $2,205

  • 24a · Other expenses: Sponsorships

    total $402,587 · program services $402,587

  • 24b · Other expenses: Memberships

    total $3,802 · program services $3,705 · management and general $97

  • 24e · All other expenses

    total $185,478 · program services $182,075 · management and general $3,403

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing

    beginning of year $464,564 · end of year $655,198

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $932,041 · end of year $854,561

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $560,708 · end of year $495,922

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    beginning of year $187,334 · end of year $255,626

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $21,772 · end of year $22,442

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $15,500

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $10,764

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $9,903 · end of year $4,736

  • 12 · Investments: other securities

    beginning of year $0 · end of year $100,430

  • 13 · Investments: program-related

    beginning of year $10,519,623 · end of year $10,990,754

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $51,635 · end of year $51,635

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $149,607 · end of year $88,496

  • 21 · Escrow or custodial account liability

    beginning of year $323,816 · end of year $1,273

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $442,673 · end of year $564,016

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $10,491,934 · end of year $11,125,632

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $1,339,550 · end of year $1,651,887

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

To promote and advance the civic, economic, and cultural growth of Greater Cleveland as a place to live, work, and conduct business.

Activities or mission (Part I)

To promote and advance the civic, economic, and cultural growth of Greater Cleveland.

  • Talent:Dynamic businesses need abundant talent to grow. Our focus is catalyzing business-led initiatives and work-based learning opportunities for in-demand jobs. We collaborate with employers, educators, and career training partners to increase enrollment and completion in degree and credential programs across high-growth industries. We also strengthen pathways into the workforce through internships, apprenticeships, and co-ops driven by industry needs. To build early awareness and engagement, we support programs that connect high school students to career exploration and real-world experiences, helping young people navigate their options and pursue meaningful employment.Retain college graduates: Through the Cleveland Talent Alliance, we helped host record-setting intern engagement events, including Summer in the Land, College Fest and a Winter Career Fair, connecting 1,700+ interns to the region and showcasing local career opportunities. 2024 also saw a rise in college and university enrollments and graduate retention in Greater Cleveland.Expand apprenticeships and tech credentials: In addition, we operated the Apprenticeship Hub with a focus on engaging companies and individuals in apprenticeships in non-traditional industries such as health care, financial services, and hospitality. We also promoted increased usage of tech credentialing to up-skill workers.Broaden career awareness among high school students through exposure programs: Through partnerships, we supported expansions of apprenticeship programs, linking high school and post-secondary students to career pathways. EGF engaged over 2,600 high school students from across the region in career connected learning experiences with industry volunteers from over 50 Northeast Ohio companies and supported the Greater Cleveland Career Consortium's expansion to 10 school districts, to broad access to career-connected and work-based learning programs.

    Expenses $2,063,090 · Revenue $444,172

  • Inclusive Opportunity:Our focus is on expanding inclusive opportunity and advancing equity across all levels of the business community. We work to grow minority-owned businesses by connecting them to customer opportunities, capital, and targeted advisory services. In collaboration with partners, we help promote inclusive workplace practices.Scale minority business enterprises through advisory services and access to customers: EGF is focused on increasing the number, scope and scale of minority-owned-businesses. Through the Mergers, Acquisitions & Partnerships (MAP) Lab and Emerging Developers Initiatives, businesses can access targeted growth resources and advisors. Customer opportunities are provided through supplier diversity initiatives including CommitCLE and the Construction, Utilities, & Buildings Equity Initiative. In 2024, clients of the Ohio MBDA Business Center secured $110 million in contracts. Also, more than 20 organizations signed onto the City of Cleveland Community Benefits Ordinance MOU, reinforcing commitments to business and workforce opportunity.Increasing Leadership and Workforce Diversity: Diverse leadership strengthens organizations by bringing a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. EGF serves as a convener and resource for employers on inclusion. Our workshops and conferences include a CEO Forum and an annual conference engaging human resources leaders.

    Expenses $1,935,505 · Revenue $1,590,769

  • Innovation:A thriving region depends on the strength and growth of its business community. The Economic Growth Foundation drives innovation by collaborating with partners to support businesses of all sizes, connecting them to growth opportunities, and talent resources. We help small and mid-sized firms access funding, cost-saving programs, and peer networks that foster collaboration. We also accelerate innovation across startups, corporations, and research institutions by advancing sector-specific strategies, supporting cross-sector partnerships, and encouraging investment in new technologies.

    Expenses $249,505 · Revenue $11,000

  • The Great Lakes Metro Chamber Coalition is a collective of chambers of commerce across the Great Lakes region that jointly advocate on core policy issues, including water quality, immigration reform, trade, transportation and infrastructure. EGF is a founding member of this coalition. The organization continues to staff and lead the coalition's work.

    Expenses $87,741

  • Appealing communities are essential to attracting and retaining vibrant businesses and talented people. We focus on shaping Greater Cleveland into a dynamic place where people want to live, work, and play. Through collaboration with public and private partners, we advance interconnected, inclusive development across downtown, the waterfront, and surrounding neighborhoods. We invest in both residential growth and commercial revitalization, supported by accessible and efficient transit. We push for better parks and trails, stronger arts and culture, and the kind of sports and entertainment experiences that make a city stand out. We advocate for expanded resources that enhance quality of life, and we work to strengthen air service and connectivity that supports both business and leisure travel.

    Expenses $61,642

As filed on the 2024 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • Dolan Paul

    Chair

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 4 related
  • Taylor Jr Eddie

    Secretary

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 4 related
  • Richardson Sean

    Treasurer

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 4 related
  • Arnold Craig

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Barlage Nic

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Cavoli James

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Connell Michele

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Cosgrove Bill

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • De Wagheneire Severine

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Evans Taylor

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Glass Steven

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Gorman Christopher

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Harmon Brad

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Haslam Dee

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Johnson Kevin

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Kaler Eric

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Liebert Rebecca

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Opsitnick Timothy

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Parmentier Jennifer

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Pastore Patrick

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Perez Cheryl

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Petz Heidi

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Read Deborah

    Director until 8/1/24

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Restivo Neal

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Stanek Michael

    Director until 2/1/24

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Tierney Brian

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Whiting Vanessa

    Director

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 2 related
  • Shah Baiju

    President & CEO

    Total calculated
    $746,264
    From this org
    $62,270
    From related orgs
    $629,619
    Other
    $54,375
    Hours/week
    4 + 36 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $50,684 + $512,475 related
    Bonus
    $11,133 + $112,567 related
    Other
    $453 + $4,577 related
    Deferred
    $1,532 + $15,488 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $3,362 + $33,993 related
    Filer's total
    $67,164 + $679,100 related
  • Ittu Yvette

    EVP Finance & Operations

    Total calculated
    $441,740
    From this org
    $6,668
    From related orgs
    $399,903
    Other
    $35,169
    Hours/week
    1 + 39 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $5,408 + $324,364 related
    Bonus
    $707 + $42,393 related
    Other
    $553 + $33,146 related
    Deferred
    $116 + $6,926 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $461 + $27,666 related
    Filer's total
    $7,245 + $434,495 related
  • Luteran John

    SVP, Fin. Operations & Air Services

    Total calculated
    $349,455
    From this org
    $8,687
    From related orgs
    $297,198
    Other
    $43,570
    Hours/week
    1 + 39 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $7,740 + $264,788 related
    Bonus
    $721 + $24,679 related
    Other
    $226 + $7,731 related
    Deferred
    $439 + $15,004 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $799 + $27,328 related
    Filer's total
    $9,925 + $339,530 related
  • Blakemore Patrice

    SVP, Equity & Inclusion

    Total calculated
    $271,345
    From this org
    $228,942
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $42,403
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $205,145
    Bonus
    $21,600
    Other
    $2,197
    Deferred
    $11,088
    Nontaxable benefits
    $31,315
    Filer's total
    $271,345
  • Coates Steven

    Controller Finance & Operations

    Total calculated
    $237,990
    From this org
    $9,834
    From related orgs
    $199,401
    Other
    $28,755
    Hours/week
    2 + 38 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $8,733 + $177,072 related
    Bonus
    $959 + $19,441 related
    Other
    $142 + $2,888 related
    Deferred
    $505 + $10,234 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $847 + $17,169 related
    Filer's total
    $11,186 + $226,804 related
  • Cox Katie

    SD, Assis. Controller, Fin. & Oper.

    Total calculated
    $172,291
    From this org
    $26,299
    From related orgs
    $112,120
    Other
    $33,872
    Hours/week
    8 + 32 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $23,499 + $100,181 related
    Bonus
    $2,698 + $11,502 related
    Other
    $102 + $437 related
    Deferred
    $1,399 + $5,961 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $5,037 + $21,475 related
    Filer's total
    $32,735 + $139,556 related
  • Gutzky Debra

    VP, Human Resources

    Total calculated
    $168,481
    From this org
    $5,405
    From related orgs
    $129,706
    Other
    $33,370
    Hours/week
    2 + 38 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $4,938 + $118,508 related
    Bonus
    $412 + $9,888 related
    Other
    $55 + $1,310 related
    Deferred
    $286 + $6,848 related
    Nontaxable benefits
    $1,049 + $25,187 related
    Filer's total
    $6,740 + $161,741 related
  • Nance Christopher

    VP, Construction/Inclusive

    Total calculated
    $166,021
    From this org
    $137,495
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $28,526
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $122,100
    Bonus
    $12,600
    Other
    $2,795
    Deferred
    $7,161
    Nontaxable benefits
    $21,365
    Filer's total
    $166,021
  • Grgurevic Marco

    MVP, Minority Business Growth

    Total calculated
    $160,117
    From this org
    $134,408
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $25,709
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $121,392
    Bonus
    $12,100
    Other
    $916
    Deferred
    $7,015
    Nontaxable benefits
    $18,694
    Filer's total
    $160,117

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

  • 3 · Compensation committee
  • 3 · Independent compensation consultant
  • 3 · Form 990 of other organizations
  • 3 · Compensation survey or study
  • 3 · Approval by the board or compensation committee
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments

Answered no

  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

The filer's explanations (Part III)

Part I, Line 4b
The Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations, Yvette Ittu, participates in a supplemental non-qualified 457(f) plan. In 2024, Greater Cleveland Partnership, the parent organization, contributed $13,720 to her 457(f) plan.
Part I, Line 7
Incentive compensation of EGF's officers, key employees, and highest compensated employees is discretionary and has been subjected to review by a compensation committee created by its parent, the Greater Cleveland Partnership.

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

No itemized grants to organizations on this return.

Related organizations on this return

Schedule R Part II: tax-exempt organizations related to the filer by control. It does not record shared board members or money.

Taxable family on this return

Schedule R Parts I, III and IV, as filed. These record ownership and control, not shared board members or money moved.

Related corporations and trusts

Part IV: related organizations taxable as a corporation or trust.

  • Group Services Inc

    C · Small business access to affordable/quality group insurance · OH · controlled entity

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2024
Filed
12 November 2025
IRS schema version
2024v5.2
Source object
202513179349304991

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