Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), in partnership with the City of Cincinnati, bi3, and Interact for Health, has awarded $610,000 in Boots on the Ground Fund grants to 31 nonprofits, 71% Black-led. These grants, up to $25,000 each, will support and strengthen the capacity of small, community-based organizations to drive equitable change in our community. Historically, these resources have been inaccessible for small, grassroots organizations, especially those led by people of color.

“We are thrilled to partner with various community sectors and distribute funds to organizations with deep ties in, and knowledge of where resources are needed most in our city,” said Rasheda Cromwell, VP of Community Strategies at Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

In the true spirit of equity and inclusion, GCF engaged a diverse group of community members to participate in the review process. The recipients provide critical services in the Fund’s priority areas: youth development, workforce development, gun & gang violence prevention, healthcare access, food insecurity, and homelessness prevention.

“We are so grateful for the partnership with Greater Cincinnati Foundation to raise funds to increase the dollars in Boots on the Ground, and to provide funding for small organizations to have an impact in their communities,” said Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney. “GCF also provides free workshops to help these smaller organizations to build capacity. The training is priceless!”

For a full list of organizations supported by Boots on the Ground, visit: gcfdn.org/2023BOTGF.