Blog
GCF unveils bold vision, unprecedented investments
The future isn’t something to wait for – it’s something we build together. That’s why Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), alongside donors, is committing to an unprecedented investment of $1 billion in the region over the next decade, fueling an audacious vision and future where every individual has a fair opportunity…
Investing in Stable Homes and Bright Futures
Connecting the Dots to Bring a Family Back Together Being a parent is a hard but rewarding job. For a local mother of five, that job became much harder when an apartment fire threw her life into a tailspin. After that night, she and her children were split up –…
Generational shifts: Fulfilling clients’ charitable wishes
A major transfer of wealth, often referred to as the “Silver Tsunami,” is happening as your Baby Boomer clients establish financial and estate plans to pass their wealth to their Gen X and Millennial children. The dollars involved are eye-popping. The 2024 Cerulli Associates study estimates that $124 trillion in…
Celebrating the causes you love
A new year is in full swing, but you’ve still got plenty of time to consider your charitable impact and how you’d like to make a difference in 2025. A great way to do that is to reflect on the difference you’ve already made through the years. For starters, think…
Generational impact, with or without children
At Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), we’re honored to work with our fund holders to achieve a wide range of charitable goals often involving multiple charitable giving vehicles. It’s not uncommon, for example, for an individual’s or couple’s “portfolio” of philanthropy with GCF to look something like this: A donor advised…
A Holistic Approach to Service at CityLink Center
CityLink Center partners with social agencies to offer a holistic approach to building economic stability for clients through career and vocational training, childcare, transportation assistance, mental health counseling, and financial guidance.
The Catalytic Fund: Place-Based Investments for a Thriving Northern Kentucky
The Catalytic Fund of Northern Kentucky is a nonprofit and privately funded Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). The organization carries out impactful real estate development projects that revitalize neighborhoods, create jobs, attract talent, and enhance community vibrancy.
United for a Stronger Community
One truth we all know about Greater Cincinnati: It is a strong community that thrives on connection. Our region is a close-knit community—where neighbors are not strangers. We support one another, share in each other’s joys, stand together in faith, and embrace an unwavering optimism for our future. This strong…
For clients who love local causes, GCF is your trusted partner
Most of your philanthropic clients likely support a wide variety of charities year after year, and represent a range of motivations, including personal experience, a role as a volunteer or board member, family tradition, or alignment with values and community priorities. Especially when the organizations your clients support are local,…
If this, then that: Scenarios to consider as tax time approaches
Tax season is a great time to cover tax planning strategies for the current year and beyond, and there are a few specific reasons why your clients may benefit from a conversation earlier in the calendar year. Evaluate QCDs sooner rather than later. If: Your client missed the 2024 deadline…
Fostering trust and making a difference
Many people are not aware of the extent to which America’s charitable organizations help improve quality of life in our communities. From social services to the arts, virtually every aspect of our lives is touched by the work of nonprofits. Indeed, the gifts Americans give to charity every year total…
A Special Gift Raises $282,570 to Support Tangible Needs
In an incredible show of generosity, A Special Gift has raised a record $282,570 in the 2024 campaign to support tangible needs for local nonprofits. For the past several years, Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) has asked nonprofits, “How big of an impact can $10,000 make?” The responses to this question…
Playing the long game: Encouraging your clients to plan ahead in 2025
Whether your client is tax planning, updating wills and trusts or structuring retirement portfolios, the mix of money, family and mortality is a potent combination that almost always creates an emotionally charged planning environment. A strong grasp of the client’s big picture allows you to truly recognize opportunities for charitable…
Want happy clients? Talk about charitable giving.
Is it true that the happiest clients seem to be those who’ve incorporated charitable giving into their estate and financial plans? It’s hard to dispute that philanthropy offers both emotional and rational upsides to your clients. Advisors who can lean into these benefits are viewed by their clients as effective,…
Meet Ellen G. van der Horst – Community Leader and GCF Governing Board Chair
Ellen G. van der Horst is the governing board chair of Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), a philanthropist and a lifelong community servant. After graduating from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Ellen moved to Cincinnati to accept a job at P&G, followed by remarkable leadership roles…
How a Bold Vision from ArtWorks is Transforming the Walnut Hills Business District
In a once-abandoned corner of the historic Walnut Hills Business District, a new first-of-its-kind mural by world-renowned artist Charles Gaines stands proudly against the backdrop of downtown Cincinnati. At the base of the mural – which highlights indigenous cottonwood trees – is a public greenspace, featuring ample space for seating,…