Mission & History

Our Mission

The OTF's mission is threefold:

To support, strengthen, and engage community organizing, electoral engagement, and policy reform efforts in Ohio in order to advance healthier communities and an equitable democracy across Ohio. As an initial strategy, the OTF focuses on transformation of the criminal justice system to promote healthy and safe communities.
To build a sustainable network of funders and donors who are informed and motivated to support the work described above.
To serve as a model for state-based criminal justice reform that is replicable for funders in other states and adaptable to address additional issues affecting the health and wellbeing of Ohio's communities.

Our History

Formed in April of 2015, the OTF is driven by the experience and interest of national and Ohio-based funders and practitioners to address economic and social justice issues in Ohio. Currently the OTF's focuses on the damaging and complex impact of the current criminal justice system. The core values of the OTF are a commitment to engagement of community members, respect and acceptance of those most affected by the issues, and the need for accountability within the justice system.

About Us

Through a collaborative funding approach, the Ohio Transformation Fund aims to strengthen practitioners working in the field, address key capacity gaps, and engage other Ohio-based and national funders.

Members of the OTF believe that stable families, economic security, and access to health care and education are the basis for safe and healthy communities. Based on those beliefs, the OTF’s vision is a transformation in our justice system from criminalization and incarceration of individuals, particularly young people and people of color, to a system based in fairness, equity and dignity. Such a system will be based in policies that support racial justice, healing, and growth for youth, individuals, families, and communities. The leading goal of the OTF is the reduction of the number and racial disparity of youth and adults incarcerated in Ohio.

1501 Euclid Avenue, Suite 310, Cleveland, OH 44115

(216) 346 - 8046