Requests for Proposals
Leveraging targeted funds to support a range of community needs.
Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) has many ways of investing in the community. Some of these ways are proactive, while some are responsive. Request for proposals (RFPs) are one of the ways we award grants. We offer a variety of funding opportunities that address community needs driven by our donor’s intent. Applications aligned to the targeted funding focus of each RFP are accepted during specific application windows. If you are unclear on how your project may align with GCF, we suggest using our alignment guide.
2022 Request for Proposals
Purpose:
- To strengthen the capacity of small, community-based organizations
- To create more equitable solutions by prioritizing inclusion, community voice, and engagement with leaders of color & those with lived experience
RFP Release: October 1, 2022
Proposal Deadline: October 31, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
Notice of Decision: February 2023
2023 Requests for Proposal
Purpose:
To support in and/or out of school educational efforts that address disparities in educational and career attainment for students of color and/or those of low socioeconomic status; or that increase social-emotional learning and health for those students.
Multi-year Funding Opportunity:
Applicants awarded through this process will be eligible to renew their grant award for an additional year. Consideration for renewal will occur at the time of the first year follow up report.
RFP Release: January 9, 2023
Grant Workshop: January 18, 2023 at 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
*Letter of Intent Deadline: February 3, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Proposal Deadline: March 17, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Notice of Decision: Mid May
*Greater Cincinnati Foundation has incorporated a Letter of Intent (LOI) into the Request for Proposal process. All organizations must submit an LOI to be considered for submission of a full proposal.
Purpose:
To support and enhance the vibrancy of this region by increasing the availability and accessibility of arts and cultural programming that is inclusive of historically marginalized groups in our region.
RFP Release: July 10, 2023
Grant Workshop: July 17, 2023
*Letter of Intent Deadline: July 28, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Proposal Deadline: September 8, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Notice of Decision: Early November
*Greater Cincinnati Foundation has incorporated a Letter of Intent (LOI) into the Request for Proposal process. All organizations must submit an LOI to be considered for submission of a full proposal.
2024 Requests for Proposal Releases
Purpose:
To support organizations that drive the inclusion of people living with physical and developmental disabilities in our region.
Next Release of RFP: January 2024
Purpose:
- To ensure that vulnerable residents of our region have access to food and shelter.
- To increase access to well-integrated and/or trauma-informed mental health services.
Multi-year Funding Opportunity:
Applicants awarded through this process will be eligible to renew their grant award for an additional year. Consideration for renewal will occur at the time of the first year follow up report.
Next Release of RFP: July 2024
Purpose:
To support the environmental beautification of this region by enhancing the accessibility and quality of greenspaces and/or connecting historically marginalized groups to the benefits of nature.
Next Release of RFP: July 2024
Recent Grants
See the important work happening in our community by reviewing our recent grants.
Emergency Needs
Greater Cincinnati Foundation defines a funding emergency as an immediate need for funding to avoid a total stop in services that provide basic needs to vulnerable individuals. If your organization has a funding emergency, please call the contact provided above.
See More About Our Other Grant Programs
Grantmaking Affiliates
Private Foundation Grants
The Women’s Fund
The HealthPath Foundation of Ohio
Have a Question?
We are here to help! See our Grants FAQs or email us at werisetogether@gcfdn.org.