Few attractions in the city can match the magic of a Saturday morning at Findlay Market. As sunlight streams over visitors gathered on the Market’s iconic red chairs, laughter and conversation mingle with the irresistible scents of arepas, rich chocolate, and fresh flowers. Children weave through crowds, peeking over towering piles of market-fresh fruits and vegetables.

This is what vibrancy feels like.

It’s this special gathering place that has inspired GCF’s donors, who understand both the Market’s magic and its economic impact, to invest in its future and preserve it for generations to come.

Founded in 1852, Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continuously operating public market. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Market remains a cultural and economic anchor for our region, connecting people to fresh, local food; supporting more than 50 full-time vendors; and fueling opportunity in the heart of Over-the-Rhine.

As Findlay Market enters its 175th year, its sights are set on what comes next. The $21 million Findlay Forward capital campaign is set to build on this extraordinary legacy by strengthening the Market for generations to come through physical upgrades and expansion, increasing food entrepreneurship and food access programming, and ensuring it continues to be a dynamic destination where community, commerce, and culture thrive.

GCF donors are playing a pivotal role in turning this vision into reality. Longtime Findlay Market supporters Lia and Bruce Hager launched a $200,000 matching gift for the Findlay Forward Campaign, inspiring GCF fundholders to respond with enthusiasm and meet the match within weeks. Together with our donors, GCF granted $1.13 million to the Corporation for Findlay Market in 2025.

Reflecting on what inspired her to give, Lia Hager (past Chair of the Corporation for Findlay Market Board of Directors) shared, “Supporting historic assets like Findlay Market ensures the rich stories of our community are told for many generations to come.”

That commitment to legacy extends beyond the Market itself. Through conversations with their GCF philanthropic advisor, Laura Menge, the Hagers took time to reflect on the impact they want to make at Findlay Market and beyond:

“My husband and I are at the time in our lives when we have been thinking about our impact and the legacy that we want to create. We have had a number of conversations with Laura about what we want to do and how we want to do it. And one of the things that became clear to us after our conversation with her is that we really wanted to start giving now and not wait until we’re gone.

We wanted to see the impact and be able to interact with the people that we’re giving to, and help them not just monetarily, but also with our time, energy, and passion. So, she encouraged us to think about that. I also think it allowed us to be a little bit bolder with our giving than maybe we would have been otherwise.” –Lia Hager

That bold generosity is already making a difference. As of May 2026, Findlay Market has raised more than $16 million toward its $21 million campaign goal, fueled by generous people creating change you can see.

We invite you to support cultural treasures like Findlay Market through your philanthropy, by spending locally, volunteering your time, or simply sharing the story of this extraordinary community icon.

As always, GCF’s team is here to help amplify the impact of your giving.