Education & Opportunity
Helping young people achieve their educational dreams through scholarships, mentorship, and resources that support academic success.
The Lula Mae Solomon Griffin Scholarship Fund
Cleveland, Ohio · Founded 2026
Her Life. Her Legacy. Our Purpose.
Turning a Legacy of Loss Into a Lifetime of Hope.
The Solomon Griffin Foundation was established to honor the life and legacy of Lula Mae Solomon Griffin, a woman whose life was tragically cut short by domestic violence in 1976.
Her story is one of loss, but the legacy we are building in her name is one of hope. Through educational scholarships, compassionate financial assistance, and community partnerships, we are committed to helping individuals and families overcome hardship, access opportunity, and build brighter futures.
Because no one should have to face life's most difficult moments without support.
Since 1976
A legacy that lives through giving
In 1976, Lula Mae Solomon Griffin, a mother of nine children, lost her life following domestic violence. Her eighth child was just 14 years old.
The impact of that loss extended far beyond one generation. It became part of a family's story, shaping an understanding of resilience, compassion, and the importance of helping those who have nowhere else to turn.
Nearly 50 years later, her grandson, Dr. Kenneth J.A. Griffin—the son of that eighth child—established the Solomon Griffin Foundation to transform that painful family history into a lasting commitment to service.
Today, her name represents more than a tragedy. It represents the promise that individuals and families facing adversity deserve dignity, opportunity, and hope.
We cannot change the past, but together, we can change someone's future.
What we do
Our impact begins with three commitments
Compassion in Action
Providing assistance to individuals and families facing unexpected financial hardship, helping meet essential needs during challenging times.
The Angel Givers Fund
Safety, Stability & Hope
Connecting individuals with trusted community organizations and resources that promote safety, healing, and long-term independence.
The Legacy of Hope Initiative
A message from our founder
“My grandmother did not have access to the resources she needed when she was experiencing violence. I cannot change what happened to her, but I can honor her life by helping create opportunities for others. The Solomon Griffin Foundation is my commitment to ensuring her name is remembered not only for how her life ended, but for the lives her legacy will help change.”Dr. Kenneth J.A. GriffinFounder, Solomon Griffin Foundation
Our Story
The Woman Behind the Name
Remembering Lula Mae Solomon Griffin
1976
Lula Mae Solomon Griffin was a mother of nine children whose life ended tragically in 1976 following a violent assault by her partner.
During a period of domestic abuse, she was repeatedly struck with a firearm. She suffered a brain aneurysm and ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
At the time of her death, her eighth child was only 14 years old.
Like countless women of her generation, Lula Mae lived during a time when access to domestic violence services, emergency shelter, financial independence, and legal protections was far more limited than it is today.
Her death left an immeasurable void in her family.
Although her grandson, Dr. Kenneth J.A. Griffin—the son of her eighth child—never had the opportunity to know her, her story became part of his understanding of family, service, and the responsibility to help others.
As he approached his 40th birthday, he made the decision to establish a foundation that would carry her name and transform her legacy into a source of hope.
The Solomon Griffin Foundation was born from a deeply personal belief: no one should have to suffer simply because they lack the resources to find safety, stability, or opportunity.
Through the foundation, Lula Mae's name will live on in every student supported, every family assisted, and every individual connected to a pathway toward a better future.
Her story began with loss. Her legacy continues through love.
Our Mission
Honoring the past. Empowering the present. Transforming the future.
Our mission
To honor the life and legacy of Lula Mae Solomon Griffin by expanding educational opportunities, providing compassionate assistance to individuals and families experiencing hardship, and supporting pathways to safety, stability, and independence.
Our vision
A future where every individual, regardless of circumstance, has access to the resources, opportunities, and support necessary to live with dignity, security, and hope.
What guides us
Our guiding values
Compassion
We believe every individual deserves to be treated with kindness, understanding, and respect.
Dignity
We recognize the inherent worth of every person and strive to provide assistance without judgment.
Opportunity
We believe education and access to resources can change the trajectory of a person's life.
Empowerment
We seek to help individuals build independence, stability, and confidence.
Integrity
We are committed to responsible stewardship, transparency, and accountability.
Legacy
We honor those who came before us by investing in those who will come after us.
Our Programs
Three ways her legacy reaches people
Each program is in development. Details will be published as they are approved.
Inaugural award planned
The Lula Mae Solomon Griffin Scholarship Fund
Investing in the next generation.
Education can be one of the most powerful tools for breaking cycles of hardship and creating opportunities that last a lifetime.
The Lula Mae Solomon Griffin Scholarship Fund will recognize and support deserving students who demonstrate perseverance, character, academic commitment, and the potential to make a positive impact in their communities.
Inaugural scholarship
The foundation plans to award its inaugural scholarship to an eighth-grade student at William Rainey School in Cleveland, Ohio. The scholarship is intended to support the student's transition into high school by helping address educational expenses and other approved needs.
Future goals include expanding scholarship opportunities, creating mentorship relationships, and supporting students throughout their educational journeys.
Scholarship eligibility, award amounts, selection procedures, and application dates will be announced after program approval.
In development
The Angel Givers Fund
Sometimes a little help changes everything.
Unexpected hardship can affect anyone. A sudden financial emergency, an unsafe living situation, or the inability to afford basic necessities can place tremendous pressure on individuals and families.
The Angel Givers Fund is being developed to provide compassionate, needs-based assistance to individuals and households experiencing financial hardship.
Planned areas of assistance
- Emergency food support
- Transportation
- Utilities
- Essential household supplies
- Other approved needs
Our goal is not simply to provide temporary relief, but to help individuals and families take meaningful steps toward stability.
Financial assistance will be subject to program availability, eligibility criteria, and funding. The foundation is not currently accepting emergency assistance applications.
Partnerships forming
The Legacy of Hope Initiative
Creating pathways to safety and independence.
The Legacy of Hope Initiative honors the circumstances that inspired the foundation's creation.
Domestic violence can have lasting consequences for survivors, children, and entire families. Access to trusted services, financial resources, safe housing, and supportive relationships can make a meaningful difference.
Through partnerships with established community organizations, the foundation intends to support access to domestic violence resources, community education, and programs that help individuals build stability and independence.
The foundation does not operate a crisis hotline or emergency shelter.
Need immediate assistance?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
For confidential domestic violence support in the United States, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline:
800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.org.
Get Involved
Be Part of Someone's Turning Point
The Solomon Griffin Foundation believes meaningful change happens when compassionate people come together around a shared purpose.
Whether you contribute financially, volunteer your time, establish a partnership, or introduce someone to our mission, you can help build a legacy that extends far beyond one generation.
Give
Become a Founding Donor
Help establish the foundation's inaugural scholarship, emergency assistance resources, and community partnerships.
About the founding campaign →Serve
Volunteer With Us
Express interest in supporting foundation events, community activities, fundraising, and future programs.
Express interest →Partner
Become a Community Partner
Collaborate with the foundation to expand access to education, resources, and supportive services.
Start a conversation →Sponsor
Support an Event
Provide financial sponsorship, donated services, or in-kind support for fundraising and community events.
Ask about sponsorship →Events
40 Years of Life. A Legacy of Giving.
Inaugural benefit gala
The Inaugural Solomon Griffin Foundation Benefit Gala
In celebration of founder Dr. Kenneth J.A. Griffin's 40th birthday, the Solomon Griffin Foundation will host an inaugural benefit gala dedicated to honoring the life of Lula Mae Solomon Griffin and introducing the foundation's charitable mission.
This special evening will bring together family, friends, community leaders, and supporters who share a commitment to education, compassion, and opportunity.
Our inaugural fundraising goal is $10,000, which Dr. Griffin has committed to personally match, creating a potential combined investment of $20,000 to launch the foundation's work.
The evening will include a celebration of legacy, the unveiling of the foundation's programs, and an opportunity to become part of its founding community of supporters.
An evening to celebrate a milestone. A mission designed to last for generations.
DateSaturday, February 20, 2027
VenueLounges Content Studio, Cleveland, Ohio
AttireBlack Tie
GuestsAn intimate gathering of about 50
Founding goal$10,000 matched to $20,000
Attendance details, invitations, and sponsorship information will be shared as plans are finalized.
Donate
Your Generosity Can Become Someone's Opportunity
Every contribution to the Solomon Griffin Foundation is an investment in a future where individuals and families have greater access to education, essential resources, and supportive community connections.
Your gift will help build the foundation's planned scholarship program, emergency assistance fund, and community partnerships.
Founding campaign
Community goal$10,000
Founder match$10,000
Potential total$20,000
These are fundraising targets, not funds already raised.
With the founder's 1:1 match
$1,000
Your $500 gift becomes $1,000 for the founding campaign.
Online giving opens soon
Secure online donations will open once the foundation's payment processing and charitable registration are in place. Match terms will be published at that time. To make a pledge or learn more today, please contact us.
Contact
Connect With the Solomon Griffin Foundation
We welcome opportunities to connect with individuals, families, community organizations, businesses, and supporters who believe in our mission.
Whether you are interested in philanthropy, community partnerships, volunteer opportunities, or learning more about the foundation, we look forward to hearing from you.
- Location
- Cleveland, Ohio
- [email protected]
- Social media
- Official accounts coming soon
Seeking crisis support?
Please do not share details of a domestic violence experience here. If you are in danger, call 911, or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the Solomon Griffin Foundation?
The Solomon Griffin Foundation is a developing charitable organization established to honor Lula Mae Solomon Griffin through educational opportunity, compassionate assistance, and community partnerships.
Who founded the foundation?
The foundation was founded by Dr. Kenneth J.A. Griffin, a healthcare executive and community leader in Cleveland, Ohio, in honor of his grandmother.
Who will benefit from the foundation's programs?
The foundation plans to support students, individuals, and families experiencing hardship, with an initial emphasis on educational opportunities and essential assistance in the Cleveland community.
How can I apply for a scholarship?
Application details, eligibility requirements, and selection timelines will be published after the scholarship program is formally established.
Can I request emergency financial assistance?
The Angel Givers Fund is currently being developed. Applications are not yet open.
Can businesses become partners?
Yes. The foundation welcomes conversations with businesses, community organizations, philanthropic institutions, and individuals interested in supporting its mission.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Tax-deductibility information will be published once the foundation's legal and tax-exempt status or an eligible fiscal sponsorship arrangement has been confirmed.