Month of Giving Impacts Local Charities Through the Cleveland Browns

As the holiday season unfolds, the Cleveland Browns’ annual Month of Giving stands as a vital force for local charities in Northeast Ohio. What started as a small outreach effort over a decade ago has grown into a month-long campaign uniting players, staff, fans, and businesses to support organizations tackling food insecurity, youth development, and family stability. This year’s initiative set new milestones with record donations, expanded partnerships, and hands-on engagement that goes beyond financial help. Month of Giving Impacts Local Charities Through the Cleveland Browns explores how the campaign supports nonprofits, shares stories of those helped, and explains why this collaboration defines the Browns’ community legacy.

The Month of Giving’s most direct impact is replenishing food banks, which face surging demand during holidays and winter. This year, the Browns’ Food & Toy Drive at Paycor Stadium collected 15,000 pounds of non-perishables—from fans, players, and sponsors—distributed to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, and Cleveland Foodbank. For the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, which serves 400,000 people yearly, this equals 12,500 meals for families. “Demand jumps 30% this time of year,” said CEO Karen Butler. “Without the Browns and their fans, we couldn’t keep shelves stocked—every item decides if a family eats.” The Browns also hosted mobile drives at grocery stores and had players volunteer to pack and deliver food boxes to seniors and low-income households. Month of Giving Impacts Local Charities Through the Cleveland Browns emphasizes these efforts don’t just meet immediate needs—they help food banks build reserves for months ahead.

Beyond food aid, the Month of Giving strengthens youth-focused charities, supporting underserved kids. This year, the Browns partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio, Cleveland Clinic Children’s, and Toys for Tots to donate 7,000 toys, 3,000 books, and 500 winter clothing items. At Boys & Girls Clubs, educational toys and sports gear enhanced after-school programs, offering STEM kits and art supplies to boost learning and confidence. “We don’t just give kids a safe space—we give them tools to explore,” said executive director Michael Johnson. Players visited Cleveland Clinic Children’s, too, gifting Browns-themed care packages and spending time with patients. A standout moment: defensive end Myles Garrett helped 10-year-old Liam design a custom jersey, which Liam’s mom called “a bright spot in a hard time.” Month of Giving Impacts Local Charities Through the Cleveland Browns highlights these efforts invest in the community’s future by nurturing kids’ potential.

For the Cleveland Browns, the Month of Giving fosters long-term charity partnerships that drive sustained change. The team has multi-year agreements with organizations, providing ongoing support—player visits, volunteer events, and promotion—beyond holidays. With the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, this includes quarterly drives and player appearances at fundraisers. “The Browns are with us year-round,” Butler said. “Their players join galas, staff help advocate, and they use their platform to reduce food insecurity stigma.” The Cleveland Browns also offer free marketing to small charities, sharing their missions via social media, the team website, and game-day announcements to attract new donors and volunteers. Month of Giving Impacts Local Charities Through the Cleveland Browns shows this collaboration ensures the campaign’s impact lasts well past December.

The Month of Giving empowers the Cleveland Browns’ fan base to turn individual generosity into collective action. This year, the team launched a “Match-a-Donation” program: the Browns Foundation matched fan donations up to \(100,000, raising \)250,000 total. Funds went to charities focused on affordable housing, mental health, and veteran support—expanding the campaign’s reach. “Our fans are the heart of this,” said president Alec Scheiner. “Matching their gifts doubles impact and supports more causes.” Over 1,200 fans volunteered alongside players, packing food, wrapping toys, and serving meals. “Volunteering with the Browns was my most rewarding experience this year,” said long-time fan Lisa Martinez. “It’s not just football—it’s helping neighbors.” Month of Giving Impacts Local Charities Through the Cleveland Browns underscores that mobilizing fans turns the campaign into a community-wide movement.

Looking ahead, the Cleveland Browns plan to expand the Month of Giving in 2025: adding charity partners and a “Youth Philanthropy Program” where local kids pick causes to fund. They’ll also increase volunteer opportunities for fans of all ages. For charities, this commitment brings stability. “Knowing we can count on the Browns lets us plan bigger,” Johnson said. “They’re partners, not just donors.” For the Browns, the campaign reflects their values—thanking fans and reminding everyone football is about more than wins. Month of Giving Impacts Local Charities Through the Cleveland Browns concludes that as the Cleveland Browns grow the initiative, their impact on charities will deepen—strengthening communities, changing lives, and building a legacy of kindness beyond the field. In Northeast Ohio, this isn’t just a holiday tradition—it’s a year-round promise to lift others up.