Cleveland has an extraordinary number of organizations doing extraordinary work, yet many operate in separate circles and lack a mechanism to find one another. Large institutions, neighborhood groups, nonprofits, businesses, arts and cultural organizations, and civic groups often share goals but have limited opportunities to connect, share resources, or collaborate.

One Cleveland began as Cleveland Public Library’s effort to mark the city’s 230th birthday and celebrate the people, organizations, and accomplishments that have shaped Cleveland. CPL saw an opportunity to use that milestone as a catalyst for lasting civic connection. As a trusted, nonpartisan institution with relationships across Cleveland’s neighborhoods and sectors, CPL was uniquely positioned to convene organizations that might not otherwise interact.

The initiative seeks to move beyond a commemorative campaign by creating a stronger culture of collaboration—helping organizations build relationships, share resources, amplify civic messages, and develop opportunities that no single organization could accomplish alone.

One Cleveland began with Cleveland Public Library leveraging existing relationships to build a cross-sector network that now includes approximately 244 organizations spanning business, education, government, arts and culture, health, neighborhood development, philanthropy, and social services.

• CPL convenes partners around shared community goals and provides a platform for organizations to promote initiatives, share resources, reach new audiences, make introductions, and collaborate.

• The network has generated connections and collaborations that would not otherwise have occurred.

• The Cleveland 230 highlights and tells the story of 230 people who shaped Cleveland through their work, leadership, and contributions.

What began as an anniversary campaign evolved into a civic matchmaking platform: a library-led network that turns relationships into opportunities for collective action while using the library’s storytelling role to amplify the people and organizations shaping Cleveland.

One Cleveland’s impact is demonstrated by the growth and activity of its network, which now includes approximately 244 organizations across sectors. Partners report valuing the introductions, visibility, and access to organizations they would not otherwise encounter.

• The Cleveland Ballet reported that registrations for a free outdoor performance grew from an anticipated 200–300 attendees to more than 2,160 registrations.

• The Cleveland Cavaliers partnered with CPL on an exhibit celebrating the 10th anniversary of the team’s 2016 NBA championship, creating another opportunity for Clevelanders to come together and celebrate a shared moment of civic pride.

The initiative’s most unexpected outcome was the network becoming self-generating: organizations increasingly connect with one another to identify collaborators and opportunities without CPL serving as the intermediary. As a result, organizations increasingly view CPL not only as a service provider, but as a trusted civic convener and connector.