Elizabeth Grace holds the position of Director of Development at Western Reserve Land Conservancy. In this crucial role, she oversees individual, corporate, and foundation philanthropy to support the organization’s mission. Beyond fundraising, Elizabeth actively contributes to the Cleveland Tree Coalition’s Board of Directors—a collaborative effort aimed at creating a sustainable and equitable urban forest through the implementation of the 2015 Cleveland Tree Plan.
Elizabeth’s unwavering passion lies in permanently protecting land from development and re-greening Cleveland’s neighborhoods. She believes that these green areas not only enhance the environment but also positively impact the well-being of the people who inhabit them.
Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience to her role, including expertise in relationship management, donor stewardship, and grant writing. She is skilled in fundraising from public and private sources, grant administration, program management, budgeting, external relations, strategic planning, and marketing.
Before joining Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Elizabeth worked at Slavic Village Development. There, she held the positions of Community Organizing Supervisor and Director of Marketing and Fundraising. Her contributions significantly impacted community development initiatives.
Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Marquette University. Additionally, she holds a Master’s Degree in Social Service Administration with a concentration in Community Development from Case Western Reserve University’s Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences.
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Elizabeth has a deep-rooted affection for Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She currently resides in Lakewood and shares her life with her college sweetheart. Together, they’ve raised three adult children who have also all attended Marquette University (Go Golden Eagles!) and share her love for travel and the outdoors. In her leisure time, Elizabeth enjoys cooking, hiking, traveling, and spending cherished moments at her family cottage in Ruggles Beach.