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 2009-2010

M. Orry Jacobs, President

Anthony C. Peebles, Vice President

William E. Welsh, Jr., Treasurer

J. Donald Cairns, Immediate Past President

Selma Baron
Charles P. Bolton
Steve D. Bullock
William B. Doggett
Oliver "Pudge" Henkel
Richard R. Hollington, Jr.
Bracy E. Lewis
Richard W. Pogue
Barbara Robinson
Fareed Siddiq
Brian D. Tucker
Kittie D. Warshawsky
Marcia J. Wexberg
Margaret S. Wheeler
Allan J. Zambie