Inspiring Hope Fund
Our Mission
To inspire, inform and motivate nonprofit agencies to action by offering meaningful grants and resources to Black-serving organizations that work in the following focus areas within the Greater Cincinnati region:
- Early childhood reading and education for children under age 6
- Education and development of the families of single mothers, ages 15 – 35
- Education and housing for emancipated youth from foster care, ages 17 – 25
Our Approach
The Fund was established in 2022 and we did our first set of Grants in 2023.
- Fund was established as an endowment with initial funding of $500,000 in May 2023.
- Spendable amount per year: 4.75% with ability to make larger grants from time to time.
- Long-term Goal: Endowed fund of at least $1 million by January 2025.
Policies & Restrictions
The Inspiring Hope Fund of GCF makes grants to support organizations within the Greater Cincinnati region.
- Applicants must have an IRS determination as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
- In most cases, organizations must be located in the Greater Cincinnati area (Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana).
- The Fund usually prefers to participate along with other donors and funders in the support of a specific project.
If you believe that your organization meets these qualifications, review the Request for Proposal (RFP), and apply through our online system. New to our system? See our Applicant Tutorial section below for more information.
The Request for Proposal will be released in February.
| RFP Released | Proposal Deadline | Final Selections |
|
February 5, 2024 |
March 14, 2024 |
May 2024 |
Contribute Today
To contribute toward the Inspiring Hope Fund, visit our online giving page.
Monthly options are available
Please log in through Giving Connection
Mail checks to:
Greater Cincinnati Foundation
720 E. Pete Rose Way, Suite 120
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
For instructions, visit Add to Your Fund page
Grant Evaluation
The Inspiring Hope Fund requires a follow-up evaluation report to be completed in our online grant system at the end of the grant period. Applicants will receive an e-mail reminder two weeks prior to the evaluation due date.