In 1940, several farsighted City Club members created an affiliated organization that would give individuals an opportunity to support free speech with contributions that would be tax-deductible. They established the Forum Foundation endowment whereby these contributions would grow through investments and generate an annual “grant” to support program related activities, primarily at The City Club.

The City Club Forum Foundation's mission is to provide annual, permanent unrestricted support for civic dialogue, and the best way is through The City Club of Cleveland's nationally renowned Friday Forum Speaker Series.

Over the years, the endowment has grown to nearly $2 million thanks to the generosity of many individuals who are annually recognized at a Friday Forum. These contributions, as well as several bequests, have been a tremendous asset to The City Club.

Board of Directors 2007-2008

Donald Cairns, President

M. Orry Jacobs, Vice President

Anthony Peebles, Secretary/Treasurer

Ruth Anna Carlson, Immediate Past President

Selma Baron
Charles P. Bolton
Robert Ginn
Richard R. Hollington, Jr.
Bracy E. Lewis
Randell McShepard
Njeri Nuru-Holm
Richard W. Pogue
Barbara Robinson
Mary Lou Stricklin
Brian D. Tucker
William E. Welsh, Jr.
Marcia J. Wexberg
Margaret S. Wheeler
Allan J. Zambie