Better Together Fund

Application deadline: November 24, 2025

Accelerating non-profit strength, sustainability, and impact

The Better Together Fund is a dedicated resource to strengthen nonprofit capacity and develop solutions to enhance nonprofit effectiveness, encourage collaboration, and support long-term sustainability. This fund aims to bring funders and nonprofits together to catalyze change and drive greater impact during a pivotal moment for our social sector.

The challenge

In a time when nonprofits are being asked to do more with less, The Better Together Fund is a dedicated resource to strengthen nonprofit capacity. This fund empowers organizations to build capacity, deepen collaboration, and sustain their missions for the long haul—because we’re stronger, and better, together.

Our response

Amid shifting funding resources and growing community needs, Greater Cincinnati Foundation is seeding The Better Together Fund with $2 million to support organizational operations, fuel collaboration, and build pathways to long-term sustainability.

Through these strategic investments, we strive to help organizations build stronger foundations, embrace innovation, and catalyze sustainable solutions that transform lives across our region.

What we fund

From capacity building to shared services to partnerships and mergers, this funding is designed to support nonprofits and streamline their work to create a more vibrant and opportunity-rich region.

Up to $25,000
Strengthen organizations in the following core competencies:

Attract top talent and consulting expertise
Professional development and leadership training

Strengthen revenue generation
Financial modeling and business planning

Strategic planning activities and operational process improvement
Mission-critical equipment to enhance effectiveness

Up to $50,000

Support for the exploration and development of shared back-office solutions (co-location, shared staffing, joint IT systems, etc.) to:

Up to $100,000

Resources for formal partnerships and integrated organizations, including mergers & acquisitions, asset transfers, and joint ventures that:

Eligible applicants

501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations in good standing with the IRS and state authorities
Priority will be given to organizations experiencing unexpected funding reductions or gaps due to changes in public or private funding sources.
Organizations that serve residents in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region (Hamilton, Clermont, Butler, and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn county in Indiana)
Priority consideration will be given to organizations that demonstrate:
- A sustained history of impact — typically five or more years of continuous operation
- Proven, measurable outcomes
- Collaboration with other nonprofits, funders, or partners
- A strategic growth mindset focused on long-term sustainability and greater impact