Seeking the Prosperity of the City

In 1994, the Billy Graham Association held an evangelistic crusade that left an indelible impact on the city of Cleveland. A spirit of revival and renewal swept through Northeast Ohio, compelling families to pray together about establishing a charitable foundation that could be a philanthropic resource for charities and ministries needing support. 

Many names were considered that might capture the heartbeat of this new charitable foundation. In 1896, a book titled In His Steps was published and became one of the best-selling books of all time. This novel was the origin of the popular phrase “What would Jesus do?” and expressed the convictions the founding members shared about the urgency and primacy of generous giving as an expression of Christian faith.

In 1998, In His Steps Foundation was formally organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, serving Northeast Ohio as a public community foundation. By 2020, more than 200 families and nonprofit organizations have established donor advised funds, endowments, and planned giving arrangements—all administered by IHS Foundation—benefiting important work locally and around the world. Since 1998, IHS Foundation has given $70,000,000 to charities, including $4,250,000 through its own General Fund Grant program for Northeast Ohio Evangelistic ministries. 

Photo by Paul M. Walsh