Housing and place-based initiatives
A place to call home, for all
Constructing a sturdy foundation
Safe, stable, and affordable housing is essential for thriving families and neighborhood resilience. GCF is committed to ensuring more families have what they need to thrive – starting with a place to call home.
When people have a secure place to live, they lead better lives, are more likely to pursue education, maintain steady jobs, care for their families, and contribute to their communities. Through grantmaking, impact investments, and deep working relationships with cross-sector partners, GCF is making strides to alleviate housing shortages and build stronger futures.
GCF collaborates with local and national donors, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), local governments, and other partners to create new housing that fulfills the needs of our neighbors and honors the uniqueness of their communities.
As homes in our region age, preserving quality, affordable housing near jobs and transit is more vital than ever. We work to protect naturally occurring affordable housing, preserve neighborhood character, and ensure that families can stay in their homes.
Everyone deserves a stable home. GCF supports eviction prevention, housing research, and policy advocacy—working to protect families and ensure lasting stability across our region.
Through targeted grantmaking and partnerships, GCF aims to create a future where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home in a vibrant, opportunity-rich neighborhood.
Open call
Request for proposals (RFPs) are open grant cycles with a targeted purpose. GCF runs several RFP cycles that fall under four focus areas: community and cultural vibrancy, education, housing and place-based, and capacity building. At present, the RFP process is on hold while we refine our approach to achieving lasting solutions for our region’s housing needs.
Invite only
GCF provides strategic investments in the areas of education and housing in alignment with our 10-year strategic plan. These investments support transformational, multi-year initiatives designed to create lasting impact in our community.
GCF leverages impact investing to support the construction, renovation, and preservation of critically needed housing and mixed-use developments.
Generosity builds a foundation for the future
We welcome the opportunity to partner with generous donors, funders, and businesses to raise and allocate resources that create more access to safe, stable, and affordable housing across Greater Cincinnati. Connect with Mike Boberg, director, donor services, at 513-768-6119 or [email protected] to discuss your charitable giving.
A $1M investment from GCF helped spark a $25M housing fund—bringing new energy and resources to affordable housing in Northern Kentucky.
GCF launched "Homes for the Future" at SparkHaus, the first in a three‑part series examining housing, health, and education in our region.
Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky meets people where they are — fulfilling basic, urgent needs with low‑barrier services that prioritize dignity and create pathways to hope, autonomy, and long‑term change.
As part of GCF’s commitment to expanding housing opportunities, Director of Housing and Place-Based Initiatives Ron Stubblefield will attend the 2026 Just Economy Conference.
GCF is partnering with the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation to make concentrated investments in the areas that make Northern Kentucky a vibrant place to work, live,…
Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) brings national capital to Cincinnati with a $5 million investment from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).
Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Greater Cincinnati – a GCF grantee – works to ensure that our region’s children have stable housing.
The Catalytic Fund carries out impactful real estate development projects that revitalize neighborhoods.
Greater Cincinnati funds study to address urgent housing needs for adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities.
GCF invests $1M in Revive + Thrive, a home repair loan program helping moderate-income homeowners repair their homes.
GCF CEO Matthew Randazzo reflects on year one & calls for a “moonshot” to tackle regional challenges and opportunities.
GCF gathered 165+ leaders from 122 nonprofits to share insights on housing, education, arts, and more, shaping strategies for a stronger, vibrant region.
GCF supported The Barrister, downtown’s first affordable housing in 30 years— giving more families access to jobs, transit, and opportunity.
GCF, City of Cincinnati and Interact for Health award $834K to 41 nonprofits, supporting efforts to create a more vibrant region.
As the year draws to a close, we sit down with Matthew Randazzo, President and CEO at GCF.
Questions?
Please connect with Ron Stubblefield, director, housing and place-based initiatives at 513-768-6110 or [email protected].
