[Greater Cincinnati Foundation](https://www.gcfdn.org)

November 2026 (Better Together) | March 2027 (Boots on the Ground)

Boots on the Ground: up to $25,000; Better Together: up to $100,000; durations typically 1 year.

Supports nonprofit organizations in the Greater Cincinnati region to strengthen their capacity, effectiveness, and sustainability through targeted grants.

This is a forecasted opportunity; exact deadlines and details may shift.

--- ## Description Greater Cincinnati Foundation's capacity building grants aim to strengthen local nonprofit organizations by providing funds and resources that enhance organizational effectiveness, foster collaboration, and support long-term sustainability. Two primary funding streams are offered: Boots on the Ground, which focuses on small, community-rooted organizations, and Better Together, which supports nonprofits seeking to build capacity, pursue shared services, or formalize collaborative partnerships. These grants are designed to help organizations thrive in a challenging funding landscape and create measurable community impact. --- ## Due Dates - **November 2026 (anticipated):** Better Together application deadline - **March 2027 (anticipated):** Boots on the Ground full application deadline *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Boots on the Ground:** Up to $25,000 per grant; focused on small, community-based nonprofits with operating budgets under $1 million. - **Better Together:** Up to $100,000 per grant; supports capacity building, shared services, and collaborative partnerships/mergers. Funding levels: - Capacity building: up to $25,000 - Shared services: up to $50,000 - Partnerships/mergers: up to $100,000 Funding is typically for one-year projects. --- ## Eligibility ### Boots on the Ground - Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or a government agency; organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply with a fiscal sponsor. - Annual operating budget under $1 million. - Programs must directly benefit residents within the City of Cincinnati. - Organizations that received a Boots on the Ground grant in the previous cycle are not eligible for the current round. ### Better Together - 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing with the IRS and state authorities. - Must serve residents in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region (Hamilton, Clermont, Butler, Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Kenton, Campbell counties in Kentucky; Dearborn county in Indiana). - Preference for organizations with five or more years of continuous operation, measurable outcomes, and collaborative approaches. - Priority for organizations experiencing unexpected funding reductions or gaps. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s online grantmaking system (Foundant)](https://www.gcfdn.org/Foundant). - Applicants must create or log in to a Foundant account. - Required uploads commonly include a project budget, financial statements (or Form 990), and board list. - For Boots on the Ground, collaboration is encouraged but not required. - Workshops and technical assistance are typically available before each deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Funding may support existing programs, new initiatives, or organizational capacity-building activities. - Funds will not be awarded for capital campaigns or special events. - Strong preference for proposals that demonstrate community involvement, clear outcomes, and alignment with broader community efforts. --- ## External Links - [Capacity Building Grant Program Overview](https://www.gcfdn.org/nonprofits/funding-opportunities/rfp-capacity-building/) - [Boots on the Ground (Program Details)](https://www.gcfdn.org/nonprofits/funding-opportunities/rfp-capacity-building/rfp-boots-on-the-ground/) - [Better Together Fund (Program Details)](https://www.gcfdn.org/nonprofits/funding-opportunities/rfp-capacity-building/rfp-better-together/) - [Application Portal (Foundant)](https://www.gcfdn.org/Foundant) - [Contact Us](https://www.gcfdn.org/contact-us/) --- ## Contact Information | Name / Role | Email | Phone | |--------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------| | General Inquiries | info@gcfdn.org | 513-241-2880 | | Boots on the Ground Program | bootsontheground@gcfdn.org | 513-241-2880 | | Better Together / Capacity Building (Adison Nelson, Senior Director, Community Investments) | werisetogether@gcfdn.org | 513-241-2880 | Address: 720 E. Pete Rose Way, Suite 120, Cincinnati, OH 45202 ---

Capacity Building

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