Office of Budget and Evaluation Menu

Leveraged Support

The City of Cincinnati is committed to supporting organizations that offer vital services and programs benefiting the residents of our vibrant community. Through the Leveraged Support funding initiative, we aim to empower organizations with the financial backing necessary to enhance their contributions to the city's well-being and development.

The Leveraged Support application for FY 2026 are open from February 17, 2025 at 9AM until March 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM. 

Apply Today

What is Leveraged Support?

Leveraged support is financial support from the City of Cincinnati to an external organization 1) as general operating support to fund their work in the City or 2) as funding for a specific program aimed at addressing a public need in the City.

This does not include City funding of third parties to perform elements of City Operations—managing city-owned assets or programs.

How Can My Organization Apply?

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must have a three-year track record and must provide three years of audited financial statements or three years of filed federal tax returns.
  • Funding requests should be between $50,000 and $500,000. Requests exceeding $500,000 will be considered only under extraordinary circumstances.
  • Only projects or programs that align with one of the following service categories will be considered:

    • Arts 

    • Economic Development and Neighborhood Support 

    • Equity and Inclusion

    • Environment 

Exclusions:

  • Three (3) Human Services-related categories have been removed from the Leveraged Support program:

    • Homelessness and Eviction Prevention

    • Human Services and Violence Prevention

    • Workforce Programming and Poverty Reduction

              These categories are now part of the City of Cincinnati Human Services Fund, administered by the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. Organizations interested in funding for Comprehensive Workforce Development, Youth Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction, and Supporting, Securing, and Stabilizing Housing for High-Risk Populations should apply through the United Way. Learn more here: www.uwgc.org/partner-with-us/human-services-fund

  • Capital projects are not eligible for funding under this initiative. Our focus is to support operational and programmatic expenses that directly impact Cincinnati residents by addressing a public need or service gap.
  • Organizations currently debarred from contracting or subcontracting with the City are not eligible to apply.
  • Start-up organizations with less than three years of operation are not eligible to apply. Start-ups are encouraged to explore funding under the City’s Boots on the Ground program. www.gcfdn.org/rfp/
  • City funding of third parties for the management of city-owned assets or programs is not permitted.

Public Record Notice:

In accordance with the Ohio Public Records Act, all submitted Leveraged Support applications are subject to public records requests. While private or sensitive information will not be made public, your application could be shared if requested.

Leveraged Support Contract:

Please click the button below to review the funding agreement for Leveraged Support.

VIEW sample LEVERAGED SUPPORT FUNDING AGREEMENT

Questions?

 

We look forward to receiving your application and learning more about how your organization plans to make a positive impact on the City of Cincinnati and its residents.

For further details, please contact Tonia Smith at tonia.smith@cincinnati-oh.gov or 513-352-5361.