In the summer of 2020, we announced the postponement of all scheduled Request for Proposals (RFPs) in order to focus on emergency requests related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we are still engaged in an equitable community recovery, we are returning to a sequenced RFP schedule in 2021.
GCF has many ways of investing in the community, some of these ways are proactive, while some are responsive. RFPs are one of the ways we award grants. In the spirit of continuous improvement, we have taken this time to evaluate our RFP grantmaking practices. For us to move toward an even more equitable process, we have shifted our RFP schedule to the following below.
Please Note: Mini-Grants for Kids cycles will remain the same in 2021 and all Private Foundation grant cycles will also remain the same for 2021-2022.
Release: January 6, 2021
Deadline: March 1, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
Download RFP [PDF]
Optional: RFP Workshop (Virtual) February 3, 2021 from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Watch the Virtual Workshop online.
For more information, contact Zohar Perla at zohar.perla@gcfdn.org.
Invitation Cycle: Q3 2021
For more information, contact Michael Coffey at michael.coffey@gcfdn.org.
Release: Q3 2021
For more information, contact Rosie Polter at rosie.polter@gcfdn.org.
Invitation Cycle: Q1 2022
Release: Q3 2022
We are always interested in hearing about the innovative ideas happening in our community. If you have a program or project that is not aligned with one of our RFPs, you can still submit an inquiry. While submitting an inquiry is not a formal funding request it is an opportunity for GCF staff to review and recommend potential funding opportunities for your organization’s program or project. We will reply to your organization’s inquiry within 30 days.
Through 2020’s emergency COVID-19 response, we have learned that effective partnerships and philanthropic support should be based in trust. GCF is committed to removing the barriers of our own grantmaking processes and moving towards best practices within the field. These practices include:
Most importantly, GCF will continue to be transparent, accessible and responsive to our community partners by providing open communication as we continuously move towards a more equitable grantmaking practice.
Stay tuned for the 2021-2022 Grantmaking Strategy Webinar in early 2021.
In addition to the RFP schedule above, GCF also will offer other Requests for Proposals in more niche areas on a less frequent schedule. As these RFPs become available, we will update this page. If you would like to be notified via email of upcoming RFPs, email us at werisetogether@gcfdn.org to be added to our list.
If your organization has an extremely urgent need where service is interrupted, please call 513-241-2880, to discuss your situation. For other non-emergency requests, submit a funding inquiry.
Greater Cincinnati Foundation defines a funding emergency as an immediate need for funding to avoid total stop of services of basic needs to vulnerable people.
We are here to help! Email us at werisetogether@gcfdn.org.
Many of the donors of Greater Cincinnati Foundation will suggest grants to nonprofits through their donor advised funds.
For more information about GCF grants, contact: Rosie Polter Program Officer 513-241-2880 Send email
You can log into your organization's Foundant account to manage your GCF grant here.