Partner with us 

As we sow into the youth of Clevelands near West side neighborhoods, we ask that you join us in helping to provide the necessary provision you feel called to give. Every dollar is directly used to support the youth and on going programs of Embody Youth Academy a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Monthly or One-Time Financial Support

Checks or Corporate Matching Gifts

We’ve partnered with Building Hope in the City as our fiscal agent, managing our funds to help us begin our program. All donations support Embody Youth Academy and the youth we walk alongside. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations are tax-deductible.

Logos of Building Hope in the City and an organization with a geometric star symbol, connected with a cross, on a black background.

Fundraising Goals

We are striving for excellence in our programming and for transparency with any support raised, so you can find a breakdown of our projected budgets below.

2026 Funding Snapshot

2026 Baseline Operating Need: $12,000/month
Current Monthly Support: ~$3,200 recurring
Average Monthly Total (incl. one-time gifts): ~$5,000/month
Monthly Support Need to Fully Sustain Programs: ~$8,800

2026 Operating Budget: $287,000

Your giving closes this gap so we can strengthen the daily training, mentorship, and support offered to Cleveland youth.

Your generosity fuels real transformation. To keep Embody strong and growing, our annual operating budget for 2026 is $287,000—built on a baseline need of $12,000 per month to sustain daily training, mentorship, and community support for Cleveland’s youth.

Here’s how those resources are invested:

People & Leadership — $149,240 (52%)
This portion supports the people who walk with our students each week:

  • Executive leadership

  • Coaches and trainers

  • Mentorship and program coordination

  • Essential administrative support

Programming & Student Development — $80,360 (28%)
This funds the year-round experiences that shape students’ lives:

  • Martial arts, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu

  • Skilled sports training

  • Weekly mentorship groups and one-on-one coaching

  • Open gyms, community dinners, weekend programs

  • Creative arts beginning 2026

  • Summer camp and outdoor experiences

Facility, Operations & Insurance — $57,400 (20%)
This keeps our doors open and our programs strong:

  • Rent and utilities

  • Insurance and compliance

  • Training mats, gear, and equipment

  • Technology and basic operations

  • Early transportation development

Transportation Expansion - $50,000 - $70,000
Reliable access changes everything for our students. Funding supports:

  • Large-capacity van purchase

  • Fuel, insurance, maintenance

  • Volunteer or paid drivers

  • Transportation for early-morning, after-school, and weekend programs

Expansion Goals: Building the Future on West 58th Street

Beyond our baseline budget, additional giving fuels the full build-out of our home on West 58th Street. This expansion allows us to serve more students, improve training quality, and create a multi-use hub for youth and families.

West Side Facility Expansion - $250,000 (baseline)
Estimated allocation of project costs:

  • Indoor Turf Installation — $40,000
    Flooring, install, and safety padding.

  • Batting Cage + Skilled Sports Zone — $35,000
    Netting, cage structure, pitching machine, turf, and equipment.

  • Expanded Mats & MMA Training Space — $45,000
    New mats, wall padding, mirrors, and safety upgrades.

  • Strength & Conditioning Area — $25,000
    Racks, weights, cardio equipment, storage, flooring.

  • Creative Arts Studio — $30,000
    Computers, tablets, cameras, audio equipment, furniture, and storage.

  • Small STEM / Learning Lab — $20,000
    Computers, robotics kits, desks, whiteboards, learning tools.

  • Community Space & Student Lounge — $35,000
    Dining tables, chairs, kitchen needs, couches/seating, AV system.

  • Building Safety + Infrastructure Upgrades — $20,000
    Electrical, lighting, ventilation, and security improvements.

This full build-out transforms our current facility into a long-term home for training, creativity, mentorship, and community.

Long-Term Vision

We hope to bring Embody’s model to more Cleveland neighborhoods in the years ahead, but our current focus is clear:

Build out West 58th Street. Serve more youth. Deepen impact.

All donations are processed through Building Hope in the City, our fiscal agent and 501(c)(3). All gifts designated to Embody Youth Academy are tax-deductible, restricted to this mission, and stewarded with transparency and integrity.

Your support directly strengthens Cleveland’s youth — in body, mind, and spirit.