Posted January 13, 2026 in Articles
Lawrence School Grants Specialist Tracy Keenan
A strong school is built on strong connections, and each year, our foundation partners become an even more essential part of that shared purpose. This support provides the intentional frameworks and lasting foundations each student needs to find their confidence and truly thrive.
“Annual foundation support makes it possible to do what Lawrence School does so well,” says Grants Specialist Tracy Keenan. “These grants directly serve our commitment to creating a supportive environment where every student can thrive.”
For many families, accessing this specialized education starts right here. Need-based tuition assistance is the most direct way that foundation giving changes lives. As Keenan explains, these funds “literally make it possible for some students to attend Lawrence.” Without it, the doorway to a life-changing education would stay closed.
Grant support touches every corner of our campuses. Many foundations provide general operating funds, which means their support helps us maintain the quality of all our programs and facilities. This includes safety, which is always a top priority.
“School safety and security features such as video cameras, fencing, door locks, speakers, AEDs (automated external defibrillators), emergency flashing lights, and many more exist thanks to grants,” says Keenan.
This essential investment allows our students to feel safe enough to explore and learn without a second thought.
What does this wide-ranging support actually look like in a student’s life?
“Prioritizing tasks, managing time, creating a plan of action, and achieving goals are among the best skills learned at Lawrence,” shared Keenan. “Additionally, having sports, music, art, technology, and fabrication all available to students with learning differences, who may have missed these opportunities due to being pulled out of classrooms for specialized learning, is a true gem.”
The support received from foundations ensures students don’t miss out on these key activities. The Lower School band is a prime example. The band creates a valuable space for students who either want to continue their musical interests or try band for the very first time.
“The band would not exist without the Kulas Foundation grant support,” Keenan says. “Watching students bloom is a gift to those of us who work at Lawrence, and foundation support helps make it all possible.”
Getting a grant is just the start, though. Keeping those relationships strong is vital. Our Advancement team operates with a culture of gratitude, grant reporting, and connecting donors directly to the student experience. This transparency helps build valued partnerships that last.
Looking ahead, our biggest goals remain need-based tuition assistance and general operating support; anything that creates a safe and welcoming environment.
Ultimately, the focus is always on the learner.
“We like to dream big, keep strategic initiatives in mind, and maintain a focus on what matters most: Lawrence School students,” Keenan says.
We Thank the Following Foundations for Their Support
- Bicknell Fund
- Kenneth L. Calhoun Charitable Trust
- The Cambridge Charitable Foundation
- The Cleveland Foundation
- Cornerstone of Hope
- The Jacob Harasyn Feichtner Fund
- The Harrington Family Foundation
- The Hennessey Family Foundation
- Roy A. Hunt Foundation
- ICF Foundation
- The Louise H. & David S. Ingalls Foundation, Inc.
- Jewish Federation of Cleveland
- KeyBank Foundation
- The Kline Family Foundation
- Leonard Krieger Fund at The Cleveland Foundation
- Kulas Foundation
- The Laub Foundation
- The William H. & Patti A. Lehr Foundation
- The Fred A. Lennon Charitable Trust Foundation
- The Lubrizol Foundation
- Luciano Family Foundation
- Mike’s Kids - A Becker Family Private Foundation
- Laura R. & Lucian Q. Moffitt Foundation
- Burton D. Morgan Foundation
- Northwestern Mutual Foundation
- O’Neill Brothers Foundation
- Paintstone Foundation
- PNC Charitable Trusts
- The Progressive Insurance Foundation
- The Reinberger Foundation
- The Reyzis Family Foundation
- The Sherwin-Williams Foundation
- Sisler McFawn Foundation
- The Kelvin & Eleanor Smith Foundation
- Lloyd L. & Louise K. Smith Memorial Foundation
- The South Waite Foundation
- Synthomer Foundation
- Wells Fargo Foundation