The Boots on the Ground Fund is a competitive grant program administered by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF), in collaboration with the City of Cincinnati. GCF is the leading community foundation in the region, serving an eight-county area across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Established to strengthen the capacity of small, grassroots nonprofits, the program provides targeted financial support to organizations deeply embedded in the community fabric. These organizations are often led by individuals with lived experience and are actively involved in addressing pressing issues such as housing, food security, healthcare access, gun violence prevention, workforce development, youth services, mental health, and substance use recovery.
The program offers grant awards of up to $25,000. Funding is intended for general operating support or programmatic efforts that empower grassroots organizations to expand their reach and improve service delivery. Eligible applicants must have an operating budget of less than $1 million and demonstrate deep community engagement in their governance and service design. The fund aims to amplify the effectiveness of those best positioned to identify and respond to local needs.
Applications undergo a community-driven review process, valuing insights from residents who understand the nuances and challenges facing underserved neighborhoods. Selected projects have previously included initiatives such as outdoor learning spaces, meal provision programs, expanded mental health access, and educational tutoring services.
The next request for proposals (RFP) for this program is expected to be released in early 2026. Specific application dates and timelines will be confirmed in the formal release, but interested applicants are encouraged to prepare for an early-year launch.
For questions or additional details, organizations may contact Adison Nelson, Senior Director of Community Investments at GCF, via email at werisetogether@gcfdn.org or by phone at 513.241.2880.
Demonstrate deep community involvement and leadership by individuals with lived experience. Align projects with one or more focus areas: housing, health, workforce, etc.
