Grantmaking
Explore funding opportunities
Investing in an opportunity-rich region
There are many ways in which GCF, alongside generous people, invests in our region. We invite you to explore the opportunities below and see which one best fits your organization’s mission and needs.
RFP release: Summer 2026
Grant awards up to $35,000
To strengthen the fabric of our community, we invest in community-led solutions that empower residents to shape decisions that affect their lives through advocacy, organizing, and civic engagement.
RFP coming soon
RFP release: Fall 2026
Grant awards up to $35,000
By investing in parks, green spaces, cultural institutions, and arts initiatives, we foster community engagement and creativity, creating and sustaining vibrant spaces that connect and inspire residents.
RFP coming soon
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.
Every child deserves the chance to succeed. From pre-K through post-secondary, GCF will invest in programs that unlock our children’s potential.
Safe, affordable and stable housing is key to a thriving community. GCF will invest in neighborhood coalitions and support bold, community-driven solutions that stabilize families and neighborhoods.
At present, this RFP process is on hold while we refine our approach to achieving lasting solutions for our region’s housing needs.
A dynamic region features healthy people and vibrant places where individuals and families want to stay, grow and invest in their futures. From safe public spaces and accessible parks to behavior health and wellness initiatives, we will invest in the foundations of individual and community well-being.
GCF will invest in capacity building efforts to strengthen nonprofits. Through our Boots on the Ground RFP in partnership with the City of Cincinnati and a new, dedicated capacity-building fund, Better Together, we are working to ensure that organizations have what they need to thrive.
Private Foundations
GCF partners closely with private foundations to help them carry out their vision and create impact in our region.
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.
More details coming soon. Invite only.
GCF will be making strategic, high-impact educational investments in our critical focus areas of early literacy proficiency and preparation for future pathways to lifelong success. These investments will be major initiatives aligned with the strategic plan. GCF is exploring how to support longer-term multiyear investments with groups of partners that really move the needle on things like reducing chronic absenteeism, improving the preparedness of graduates, and raising literacy proficiency.
GCF is committed to bold, transformational investments that expand affordable housing and revitalize neighborhoods across our region. By partnering with community-focused developers, increasing access to capital, and providing essential operational support, we’re empowering organizations to create safe, affordable homes. Together, we’re building a future where every family has the opportunity to live and thrive in a vibrant, welcoming community.
Scholarships open doors to opportunity. GCF partners with a number of generous people to offer scholarships to pursue higher education.
Impact investing is a charitable tool used to create social impact and generate a financial return. Unlike grants, impact investments are expected to be returned over time. This allows the funds to be recycled into additional impactful projects, creating a renewable charitable resource that multiplies the power of every dollar.
Questions?
Please reach out to Adison Nelson, Senior Director, Community Investments at 513-768-6108 or [email protected].
