History:

Foundation History

The Cyrus Eaton Foundation

Established in 1957 by Mr. Eaton, The Cyrus Eaton Foundation has historically sought to enhance the quality of life in Cleveland, supporting its great institutions such as the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, of which Mr. Eaton was a charter member. 

As a new generation of family members came aboard the Foundation in 1979, it expanded its scope to include newer organizations that sprang into existence after Mr. Eaton's death in 1979, particularly in the areas of Health and Social Welfare, Preservation & Conservation, and the Arts.

In the words of Board President Raymond Szabo, who was Mr. Eaton's Assistant and an early officer of the Foundation : The Foundation's objective "has always been to further the aims of Mr. Eaton, and of the Pugwash Movement, which he would surely have called his life's greatest achievement.…Even though the Foundation’s primary focus is Cleveland and northeast Ohio, a major focus of our support is Pugwash—whether it be US Pugwash, International Pugwash, or the Pugwash Park Commission’s stewardship of its historic properties. …"

The Board of Trustees is composed entirely of volunteers who conduct the business of the Foundation, review grant proposals, visit sites, and award grants at two yearly meetings. To quote Mr. Szabo again, "In all that we do, we keep Mr. Eaton’s ideals and objectives uppermost in mind. "