EmbraceCLE Challenge Delivers $500,000 Lifeline to Northeast Ohio Nonprofits, Bringing Total Raised to $1.78 Million

CLEVELAND, Nov. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As nonprofits across Northeast Ohio face mounting financial strain and record demand, the EmbraceCLE Community Challenge rallied the region in support of local causes — raising $501,348 for animal rescues and community nonprofits. This year marks the campaign's most successful yet, bringing cumulative funds raised since 2020 to $1.78 million for organizations throughout the region. The EmbraceCLE Community Challenge is an annual fundraising initiative that unites Northeast Ohio nonprofits to raise funds and awareness for their missions, with top performers earning cash prizes from Embrace Pet Insurance.

A lifeline amid growing nonprofit challenges
According to the Urban Institute, more than half of nonprofit leaders entering 2025 identified financial strain from uncertain revenue and rising expenses as their top concern — the highest level reported in recent years. A national survey conducted by the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF) echoed that reality, finding that 36% of nonprofits ended 2024 with an operating deficit, while 85% expect demand for services to rise in the year ahead.

The animal welfare sector is not immune to these national trends of reduced giving. Many organizations are experiencing fewer individual donors, signaling shrinking supporter bases and increasing need.

In Ohio, these challenges are hitting animal shelters particularly hard. Many facilities are reporting crisis-level overcrowding — a lingering ripple effect from the pandemic pet surge — while others are seeing increased pet surrenders driven by economic pressures on owners.

"Nonprofits across Northeast Ohio are under tremendous pressure, and the EmbraceCLE Community Challenge helps ensure they have the resources to keep doing what matters most," said Scott Stice, president of Embrace Pet Insurance. "It's inspiring to see the community come together for causes that make such a difference. Now in our sixth year, we're proud that this initiative has raised more than $1.73 million, providing a true lifeline for local shelters and nonprofits that strengthen our communities and change lives."

Celebrating 2025 winners
The top nonprofits, recognized in two categories based on their annual revenue, received $15,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place, and $5,000 for third place in each category. Additionally, up to $20,000 in bonus prizes were awarded by Embrace for weekly challenges throughout the competition.

The Big Dogs (category for larger nonprofits):

• 1st Place – One of a Kind Pet Rescue
• 2nd Place – Rescue Village
• 3rd Place – Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary

Small but Mighty (category for smaller nonprofits):

• 1st Place – Geauga Mama Dogs and Pups
• 2nd Place – Cleveland Angels
• 3rd Place – Weirdo Cat Lovers of Cleveland

"Through the EmbraceCLE Challenge, we've raised over $200,000 in the past four years, enabling us to provide lifesaving treatments, complex surgeries, and essential medications for pets in need," said Tanya Jonda, executive director of One of a Kind Pet Rescue. "This vital work is made possible through community support and corporate partners like Embrace Pet Insurance."

Mary Frances Weir, a supporter of Geauga Mama Dogs and Pups, shared: "Our mission is to care for the most vulnerable—abused, abandoned, and pregnant dogs, many rescued from high-kill shelters. Thanks to the generous support of EmbraceCLE, we can continue rescuing, healing, and loving these incredible dogs so they can go on to live their very best lives."

Nonprofits in Northeast Ohio interested in joining next year's Challenge can learn more by visiting the EmbraceCLE Community Challenge page. 

To learn more about Embrace Pet Insurance, visit embracepetinsurance.com or call (800) EMBRACE.

About Embrace Pet Insurance

Embrace Pet Insurance, a highly rated pet health insurance provider for dogs and cats in the United States, offers flexible accident and illness insurance plans. In addition to insurance, Embrace offers Wellness Rewards, a non-regulated, non-insurance, optional preventative care product that is unique to the industry. Embrace is a proud member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) and continues to innovate and improve the pet insurance experience for pet parents across the country. Embrace Pet Insurance is a privately held organization, backed by JAB Holding Company. 

Pet Health Insurance is administered by Embrace Pet Insurance Agency, LLC (Lic#0G89328, Cleveland, OH) and underwritten by one of the licensed insurers of American Modern Insurance Group, Inc., including American Modern Home Insurance Company (NAIC #0361-23469, Amelia, OH) d/b/a in CA as American Modern Insurance Company (NAIC #0361-23469) and American Southern Home Insurance Company (NAIC #0361-41998, Atlanta, GA).

Media Contacts
Amber Batteiger
PR and Communications Manager, Embrace Pet Insurance
[email protected] 

Sources

• Urban Institute. Nonprofit Leaders' Top Concerns Entering 2025. Washington, D.C. (April 2025). https://www.urban.org/research/publication/nonprofit-leaders-top-concerns-entering-2025
• Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF). 2025 State of the Nonprofit Sector Survey. (2025). https://nff.org/state-of-the-nonprofit-sector-survey/
• Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Fundraising Effectiveness Project Data: Q1 2025 Shows Increases in Dollars Raised, Declining Donors. (May 2025). https://afpglobal.org/news/fundraising-effectiveness-project-data-q1-2025-shows-increases-dollars-raised-declining
• Rescue Village. Northeast Ohio Animal Shelters Say They Are in Crisis with Post-Pandemic Overcrowding. (2025). https://www.rescuevillage.org/northeast-ohio-animal-shelters-say-they-are-in-crisis-with-post-pandemic-overcrowding/
• WTOL Toledo. Northwest Ohio Pet Rescues Seeing Increased Surrenders as Owners Struggle. (2025). https://www.wtol.com/article/news/local/northwest-ohio-animal-shelters-toledo-wood-county-increase-pet-surrenders/512-b01b1be5-95bd-4f19-bce5-0eedbf1cb153

SOURCE Embrace Pet Insurance