Boots on the Ground Fund

About this program

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, in partnership with the City of Cincinnati and other funders, offers Boots on the Ground grants of up to $25,000 to strengthen community-rooted nonprofits and support programs addressing housing, food access, health, workforce and youth development, violence prevention, and behavioral health. Funds may support existing or new initiatives and organizational capacity building, but not campaigns, capital campaigns, or special events. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt nonprofits, government agencies, or organizations using a fiscal sponsor; have annual operating budgets under $1 million; and propose work benefiting Cincinnati residents. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. EST on March 13, 2026, and 2025 Boots on the Ground recipients are ineligible.