Cincinnati (May 26, 2026) — Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), in partnership with the City of Cincinnati, has awarded $702,500 in Boots on the Ground (BOTG) Fund grants to 35 local nonprofits working to strengthen neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for Cincinnati residents. Of the total funding, $397,000 was provided by the City of Cincinnati.

The Boots on the Ground Fund is designed to strengthen the capacity of small, community-based organizations that are deeply rooted in the neighborhoods they serve. This year’s grants support programming focused on housing stability, food and healthcare access, gun violence prevention, workforce and youth development, mental health, and substance use services.

“These small, grassroots nonprofits are essential to the strength and vibrancy of our city,” said Cincinnati Vice Mayor Jan Michele Lemon Kearney. “They are shaping the lives of young people, supporting resilient residents, and helping create thriving neighborhoods across Cincinnati.”

The Boots on the Ground Fund intentionally prioritizes access to funding for smaller nonprofits that often face barriers to traditional grant opportunities.

“This dedicated funding ensures that community-based organizations—many of which are led by and serve historically under-resourced communities—have access to the critical support they need,” said Tiffany Brown, Chief Opportunity Officer for the City of Cincinnati. “These nonprofits are often closest to the challenges and opportunities in our neighborhoods, and their proximity allows them to respond with solutions that are both meaningful and effective.”

In addition to financial support, the Boots on the Ground Fund invests in long-term organizational sustainability through capacity-building opportunities. GCF partnered with Pro Bono Partnerships of Ohio, the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Cincinnati Chapter, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s Innovations in Community Research and Program Evaluation to offer a series of capacity-building workshops. Open to all nonprofits, these sessions attracted more than 120 attendees and provided practical guidance on nonprofit fundraising and development, governance, compliance, program design, and evaluation.

“I’m thrilled to participate in another Boots on the Ground funding cycle in partnership with the City of Cincinnati,” said Adison Nelson, Senior Director, Community Investments at GCF. “Since its inception in 2022, the Boots on the Ground Fund has invested more than $2 million in grassroots organizations that are driving change across our community.”

With a shared vision and deep relationships with community partners, GCF and the City of Cincinnati remain committed to building a region where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. To see the full list of grantees, visit: gcfdn.org/nonprofits/recent-grants

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Media Contact

Holly Allen
Director, Marketing and Communications, Greater Cincinnati Foundation
513-768-6160
[email protected]