The Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland Inc
Public records raise at least one point you should look into before giving.
What it says it does
We are unapologetic promoters of Cleveland. By attracting people and connecting them to experiences that illustrate Cleveland's diversity, creativity, and contagious passion, we stimulate economic growth. Destination Cleveland exists to drive economic impact and stimulate community vitality for Greater Cleveland through memorable leisure, convention and business travel experiences. The organization markets the destination to individuals, meeting planners and tour operators to change perceptions and improve the narrative of Cleveland; pursues, books and services meetings, conventions and events; and manages the destination experience by connecting visitors to Cleveland, the industry that serves them and the environment they experience during their visit.
- Income
- $28.2 million
- Spending
- $24.3 million
- Employees
- 80
- Volunteers
- 190
- Highest pay
- $285,505, chief sales officer
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Governance
This return does not answer enough of the governance questions to score.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $8.0 million spent. Allocation of funds to change perceptions of Cleveland as a destination city, increase demand for Cleveland as a leisure destination and as the host of meetings, conventions and events, and encourage area residents to recommend Cleveland as a visitor destination to family and friends.
- $7.5 million spent. Expenses related to pursuing and booking meetings, conventions and events to be hosted in Cleveland. Also includes expenses related to servicing secured events to create memorable and personal experiences that are authentic to Cleveland, which contribute to increasing positive perceptions of Cleveland.
- $2.8 million spent. Expenses incurred to update and maintain visitor experience assets, including wayfinding system, brand signage and illumination equipment for a permanent lighting installation in downtown Cleveland[.
- $3.5 million spent. Convention services and destination engagement expenses
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(6) business league.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Caution.
The IRS master file records contributions to this 501(c)(6) business league as not deductible.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 1938.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.