Celebrating a Year of Connected Purpose

GCF’s 55th Anniversary Brings Equity Gains

Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s 55th year has been one of focused energy, purpose and forward movement. We are grateful for everyone who has joined us this year in the vital work of creating a Greater Cincinnati where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

As we reflect on 2018, we are pleased to share with you a recap of GCF major events for the year:

  • In January we hosted a screening of the riveting documentary, “I Am Not Your Negro,” a portrayal of race relations through the eyes of the late, brilliant author James Baldwin. The day included a post-screening Community Conversation with Baldwin’s niece, Aisha Karefa Smart, to delve deeper into the world that she and her uncle experienced while growing up. View Photos.
  • As a continuation of the community conversation, GCF partnered with Philanthropy Ohio to present “Being Curious Together About Race,” three sessions engaging leaders and volunteers across our region to explore key elements of racism and the role of philanthropy in addressing racial inequity.
  • GCF collaborated with Philanthropy Ohio and the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation to bring the Racial Equity Institute to Cincinnati for multiple sessions of community training this year to explore the roots and pervasiveness of institutional racism permeating every system in our society. GCF believes that such education is vital to building the community that is necessary to achieve meaningful impact.
  • In April, GCF launched an exciting chapter of transformation with the introduction of our new brand identity: connecting people with purpose. It’s an affirmation of our long-standing role as a community foundation, but with a renewed clarity and focus that we are in the business of leading the charge to a more vibrant Greater Cincinnati by bringing everyone together who share our passion for driving our region forward. View Photos.
  • Also in April, GCF’s Women’s Fund (WF) hosted its 2018 signature event, “A Conversation With Dr. Mae Jemison,” NASA astronaut and first African American woman in space, who is also an engineer, physician and STEM advocate. The annual “Conversation With … ” highlights female history makers who share the inspirations of their journeys, obstacles and triumphs. View Photos.
  • In May, GCF’s WF debuted its Employer Toolkit. The first-of-its kind toolkit is full of common sense, actionable solutions to address the biggest pain points for employers and low-wage employees. Since its launch, this free resource has won two awards and is continuing to garner traction and support from employers who have already seen success from implementing these ideas.
  • Also in May, WF launched Appointed, a non-partisan initiative that identifies opportunities for women to serve on civic boards and commissions and empowers them to seek a seat at the table. Diverse boards and groups use better governance practices and make better decisions. Since this launch nearly 400 women have “raised their hands” to learn more, and we are actively seeking women from all backgrounds who reflect our entire community. View Photos.
  • In October, in partnership with Interact for Health and United Way of Greater Cincinnati we unveiled the All-In Cincinnati Equity Action Plan with inspirational and aspirational presentations by Dr. James McAfee and James Crowder of PolicyLink, the national research and action institute which produced the report. The event also featured an uplifting panel discussion by six local women of color who shared their stories of obstacles and successes. Read the full report. View Photos.
  • Also in October, GCF and The Enquirer joined forces to honor 10 influential women at the 50th Anniversary Women of the Year celebration luncheon. The driving force behind many impactful initiatives in our region, the honorees inspired us with their energy and commitment to our community. View Photos.
  • In December, our eventful year culminated in the release of GCF’s Giving Black: Cincinnati research report spotlighting the generous history of black philanthropy and giving priorities of our black residents today. Dr. Alandra Washington of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation — a co-funder of the report along with New England Blacks in Philanthropy (NEBiP) — presented an uplifting keynote address. “We believe that communities have the inherent power to enact change,” she told the 200-plus attendees, emphasizing a commitment to thriving children, working families and equitable communities. Bithiah Carter and Dr. Yndia S. Lorick-Wilmot of NEBiP presented the results of the research, reminding everyone to “celebrate the assets and power of black philanthropy through resistance, resilience and renewal. This report of resistance and stewardship is a legacy to us. It is the insight we need to fuel social equality.” Read the full report. View Photos.