GCF Announces Boots on the Ground Fund in Partnership with the City of Cincinnati

CINCINNATI (October 3, 2022) — Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) announces a new partnership with the City of Cincinnati to strengthen the capacity of small, community-based organizations to drive equitable change in our community. Through this partnership, GCF has established Boots on the Ground Fund to provide capacity-building grants, up to $25,000, that will allow nonprofits to build and grow their organizational effectiveness. Historically, these resources have been inaccessible for small, grass roots organizations, especially those led by people of color. Boots on the Ground Fund invests in organizations that have deep ties in, and knowledge of, the communities most in need of resources.

“Boots on the Ground Fund is a shining example of the positive impact that happens when individuals and organizations from the nonprofit, government and philanthropic sectors collaborate for a shared goal,” said Rasheda Cromwell, VP of Community Strategies at Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

With the support of the City of Cincinnati, GCF plans to distribute approximately $400,000 through this fund in its first year. Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations with an operating budget of less than $1M and located within the City of Cincinnati. Priority will be given to organizations that demonstrate the involvement of community members in its decision making and give voices to those directly impacted by the organization.

“Many of our smaller organizations have excellent grassroots programs that have a positive impact in our neighborhoods,” said City of Cincinnati’s Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney. “Although our budget is tight, we want to make sure that these groups receive needed support. We are grateful that the Greater Cincinnati Foundation partnered with us to create the Boots on the Ground Fund for smaller nonprofits that are doing transformative work.”

To learn more about Boots on the Ground Fund and to apply, visit: gcfdn.org/rfp.

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About Greater Cincinnati Foundation
As the region’s leading community foundation, Greater Cincinnati Foundation connects people with purpose in an eight-county region in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. GCF is leading the charge toward a more vibrant and equitable region for everyone – now, and for generations to come.

Media Contact
Felicity Tao
Senior Director, Marketing
513-768-6132
felicity.tao@gcfdn.org