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

April 13, 2026 (Application deadline, full application due by 5:00 pm EST)

Up to $5,000 per award; typically 1-year projects for summer 2026 or the 2026–2027 school year.

Supports educators with funding for innovative programs that enrich instruction and expand learning opportunities for children from pre-K through post-secondary.

--- ## Description The Learning Innovation Grants program, offered by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, provides targeted funding to educators and educational groups for projects that enrich instruction, expand programming, or supplement resources for children and young adults from pre-K through post-secondary. Funding is designed to foster innovative approaches in education, supporting in-school, out-of-school, and summer learning experiences. The program aims to directly support educators and students, particularly those in communities with limited access to resources, and is part of GCF’s broader commitment to educational equity and regional opportunity. --- ## Due Dates - April 13, 2026: Application deadline (full application due by 5:00 pm EST) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $5,000 per project. - Funds may be used for activities taking place in summer 2026 (June–August) or during the 2026–2027 school year. - Awards are intended for short-term projects, resource purchases, or innovative learning experiences. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be educators or groups of educators serving students in the Greater Cincinnati region: - Eligible counties: Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Clermont (OH); Boone, Kenton, Campbell (KY); Dearborn (IN). - Eligible institutions: Any type of not-for-profit school (public, private, parochial, charter). - Applicants must be classified as tax-exempt by the IRS (typically 501(c)(3)) or be a government agency. Fiscal agents may be used if necessary. - Projects must directly serve students in schools. - Preference is given to proposals that: - Serve students in areas furthest from economic and social opportunity. - Emphasize academic skill growth, engagement, and student success. - Involve families and/or communities in the learning process. - Nonprofits not directly serving students in schools are not eligible for this grant but may be eligible for other GCF opportunities. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via GCF’s grantseeker portal ([Learning Innovation Grants main page](https://www.gcfdn.org/nonprofits/funding-opportunities/rfp-education/rfp-learning-innovation-grants/)). - If multiple educators from the same school are applying, notify GCF with the school name and applicant details at [werisetogether@gcfdn.org](mailto:werisetogether@gcfdn.org) to ensure all are added to the school account. - Required documentation includes proof of nonprofit status or use of a fiscal agent. - Review process occurs in April and May, with funding decisions communicated in June. - Funds are released June–August 2026. --- ## Additional Information - The Learning Innovation Grants program is supported by the Charles H. Dater Foundation and GCF donors. - The program has evolved from previous GCF mini-grant initiatives, now offering larger awards and a streamlined process. - Other GCF education and community funding opportunities may be available for organizations not eligible for this specific grant. --- ## External Links - [Learning Innovation Grants main page](https://www.gcfdn.org/nonprofits/funding-opportunities/rfp-education/rfp-learning-innovation-grants/) - [Greater Cincinnati Foundation funding opportunities](https://www.gcfdn.org/nonprofits/funding-opportunities/) - [Nonprofits landing page](https://www.gcfdn.org/nonprofits/) - [GCF contact page](https://www.gcfdn.org/contact-us/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Dr. Cindy Sanders, Director of Education | [werisetogether@gcfdn.org](mailto:werisetogether@gcfdn.org) | 513-241-2880 | | Asha Jones, Community Strategies Associate | [asha.jones@gcfdn.org](mailto:asha.jones@gcfdn.org) | | | General Inquiries | [info@gcfdn.org](mailto:info@gcfdn.org) | 513-241-2880 | | Address | 720 E. Pete Rose Way, Suite 120, Cincinnati, OH 45202 | |

Learning Innovation Grants

Sign in to see full grant listing