This month, the Cleveland Foundation -- the world’s first community foundation -- officially kicked off its year-long centennial celebration by unveiling the first in a series of monthly “Cleveland Foundation Day” birthday gifts.

The foundation's first gift is a day of free ridership for all on the Greater Cleveland RTA, which takes place today, Thursday, Jan. 16.

“We feel the best way to honor our 100th birthday is to give back to Greater Cleveland, to celebrate the generations of donors who have supported us through the years and partnered with us to give $1.7 billion in grants to our community,” Ronald B. Richard, president and CEO of the Cleveland Foundation said in a statement. “Through the organizations involved in our monthly surprise gifts, we’ll be highlighting community assets the foundation and our donors have played a role in building or enhancing through the years.”

Upcoming “Cleveland Foundation Day” birthday gifts will be announced on or around the second of each month.

Established in 1914, the Cleveland Foundation is the world's first community foundation and one of the largest today, with assets of $1.86 billion and 2012 grants of $91 million.