Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber is a public charity based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Its affiliated Chamber Foundation supports the Chamber’s regional economic development, talent, inclusion, programming, and cultural-vibrancy work, and also serves as a fiscal sponsor for affiliated and other economic development initiatives.
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation at a glance
In short: Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation gave $9.7M across 9 grants in 2024 (avg $1.1M), mostly in Ohio. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $9,675,100
- +55.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 9
- +125.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $1,075,011
- -31.1% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $110,000
- Total assets
- $5,293,944
- -6.1% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Ohio (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation
- Contact
Mailing address: 3 E 4Th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: (513) 579-3100
Website: https://cincinnatichamber.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 9 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber ($7.8M). Together the top 9 received $9.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
550 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 531 grants of 550 (97%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Chamber says it serves businesses in the 15-county Cincinnati metropolitan statistical area. In the 2024 filing, 100% of reported grant dollars were attributed to Ohio.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 9 itemized grants.
Cities
How Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation gives
- Giving grew 36% from 2021 to 2024. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990 filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $5.3M (2020) to $9.7M (2024). In 2024 it made 9 grants totaling $9.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Cincinnati, OH | To support cincinnati festivals and events, regional workforce innitiatives, and grow the vibrancy and economic prosperity of the cincinnati region. | $7,841,963 |
| Minority Business Accelerator Cincinnati, OH | To increase economic inclusion and empowerment in the cincinnati region. | $893,143 |
| Redi Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH | To advance economic growth and prosperity in the 16-county cincinnati region. | $425,000 |
| Cincinnati Compass Cincinnati, OH | To advance the economic and social inclusion of immigrants and refugees to enhance the overall vibrancy and economic growth of the cincinnati region. | $243,994 |
| Cincytech Cincinnati, OH | To support efforts to be a catalyst for startup growth in our region | $110,000 |
| Brighton Center Inc Newport, KY | To advance the pipeline of skilled talent for regional employers and skill up individuals | $40,250 |
| The Gaskins Foundation Cincinnati, OH | To advance the pipeline of skilled talent for regional employers and skill up individuals | $40,250 |
| Urban League of Greater Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH | To advance the pipeline of skilled talent for regional employers and skill up individuals | $40,250 |
| Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency Cincinnati, OH | To advance the pipeline of skilled talent for regional employers and skill up individuals | $40,250 |
Ready to take the next step with Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5,293,944 | $10,130,701 | $10,828,121 | $9,675,100 | 9 | $203,748 |
| 2023 | $5,640,491 | $6,837,028 | $6,517,675 | $6,239,836 | 4 | $51,795 |
| 2022 | $5,121,644 | $9,148,460 | $10,104,104 | $8,984,875 | 4 | $-6,408 |
| 2021 | $5,241,564 | $8,994,630 | $8,038,724 | $7,107,287 | 273 | $278 |
| 2020 | $4,270,215 | $8,703,410 | $6,506,762 | $5,271,496 | 260 | $2,032 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to develop and promote economic development, talent initiatives, and the unique offerings in the Cincinnati region. Its supported work includes talent initiatives, diversity and inclusion efforts, fundraising for programming, BLINK®, the Workforce Innovation Center, and the Minority Business Accelerator. The Foundation also reports fiscal sponsorship of affiliated and other economic development efforts focused on regional economic vibrancy.
The 2024 grants included support for regional workforce initiatives, economic inclusion, regional economic growth, immigrant and refugee inclusion, and startup growth. Four recipients received $40,250 each for work described as advancing the pipeline of skilled talent for regional employers and helping individuals develop skills. Brighton Center, one of those recipients, describes its own mission as creating opportunities for individuals and families to reach self-sufficiency through family support services, education, employment, and leadership.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Chamber reported 9 grants totaling $9,675,100. Grant amounts ranged from $40,250 to $7,841,963, with a median of $110,000. The largest reported grant was $7,841,963 to Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber for festivals and events, regional workforce initiatives, and regional vibrancy and economic prosperity. Other notable grants were $893,143 to Minority Business Accelerator, $425,000 to REDI Cincinnati, $243,994 to Cincinnati Compass, and $110,000 to CintrTech.
The filing identifies Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Minority Business Accelerator, Cincinnati Compass, and REDI Cincinnati as related through common control or ownership; it also states that the latter three are disregarded entities owned by the Chamber. The filing describes the remaining four $40,250 grants as subgrants of a larger project reported to Hamilton County.
The Chamber’s website says there are currently no open grants and that it will communicate grant opportunities through its weekly newsletter and social platforms when they are open. A separate Johnson Foundation-backed program described on the website offered $5,000 and $10,000 grants to qualifying new women-, minority-, or LGBTQ-owned storefront businesses in the Central Business District, Over-the-Rhine, or Pendleton. The stated conditions included having signed a lease and opening within 90 days of receiving an award; a selection committee reviews applications for eligibility and grant size.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists James Zimmerman as chair, Christopher Che as secretary, Brendon Cull as president, Whitney Eckert as treasurer, and Warren Weber as vice chair. It also lists Alex Derkson, Patrick Dolle, Barbara Hauser, Carolyn Micheli, and Barb Smith as members.
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation is led by Brendon Cull, President since 2024 (on filings since 2020); none of the 12 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Brendon Cull
President
Assistant Secretary → Assistant Secretary & President, 2023
Assistant Secretary & President → President, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
James M. Zimmerman
Chair
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Che
Secretary
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Warren Weber
Vice Chair
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Whitney Eckert
Treasurer
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alex Derkson
Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Barb Smith
Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Barbara Hauser
Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carolyn Micheli
Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Danielle Wilson
Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Patrick Dolle
Member
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kate Ward
Assistant Secretary
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: Jill P. Meyer (2020–2023) — President
- Former: Michelle Doll-Speiser (2022–2023) — Assistant Treasurer
- Former: David Stevens (2023) — Assistant Treasurer
- Former: Andrew T. Hawking (2020–2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Michelle A. Gillis (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: MICHELE SPEISER (2021) — Assistant Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation
How much does Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation give each year?
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation gave $9.7M across 9 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $6.2M across 4 grants.
What is Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation's typical grant size?
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $110,000, and its average grant was $1,075,011, across 9 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation give grants?
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation gives mostly in Ohio: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Cincinnati, OH (8 grants).
Does Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 9 grants with a stated purpose on Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation's largest grantees?
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber ($7,841,963), Minority Business Accelerator ($893,143) and Redi Cincinnati ($425,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 95% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation?
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation reported $5.3M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $10.1M.
What does Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to develop and promote economic development, talent initiatives, and the unique offerings in the Cincinnati region. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation?
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check cincinnatichamber.com for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation's EIN?
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7089617. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 14, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 12, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation funds
Community Improvement & Capacity Building Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Cincinnati, OH
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation funds nonprofits working on education, housing, community and cultural vibrancy, and related regional needs, with responsive grants focused on its eight-county Greater Cincinnati service area. Its 2024 median grant was $20,000, though amounts vary widely; specific opportunities include awards of up to $35,000 for Resilient Communities and up to $450,000 through the Neighborhood Development Fund. It lists RFP and letter-of-intent opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
1,408
Total Given
$184.4M
L & L Nippert Charitable Foundation Inc
Blue Ash, OH
The L & L Nippert Charitable Foundation supports 501(c)(3) public charities serving the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Area of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, with grants for cultural arts, education, the environment, and health. In 2025, grants ranged from $7,500 to $300,000, with a median of $50,000. It accepts applications through an online portal during its annual June 1–August 1 application period.
Assets
$62.7M
Grants
81
Total Given
$5.3M
Carol Ann and Ralph V Haile Jr
Cincinnati, OH
The foundation funds arts and culture, civic and community initiatives, education, and human services in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, with a typical grant around $25,000 (2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $1 million). It says it funds preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$283.2M
Grants
167
Total Given
$11.8M
Andrew Jergens Foundation
Cincinnati, OH
The Andrew Jergens Foundation supports children’s health, education, cultural experiences, and social welfare, with a primary focus on Greater Cincinnati. Its 2025 grants ranged from $300 to $20,000, with a median of $12,000; most funding went to Ohio, with some grants in Kentucky, New York, and Washington, D.C. It requires a letter of inquiry submitted through an online form.
Assets
$13.0M
Grants
68
Total Given
$717K
Louise Taft Semple Foundation
Cincinnati, OH
The Louise Taft Semple Foundation primarily funds arts and cultural projects in the Cincinnati region, while also considering education, civic, social service, and environmental initiatives. In 2024, grants ranged from $750 to $260,000, with a median of $15,000; most funding went to Ohio, with some in Kentucky and elsewhere. The profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$25.3M
Grants
56
Total Given
$1.8M
Pfau Charitable Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The foundation supports organizations working in areas including youth mentoring, early childhood education, housing stability, youth mental health, hunger relief, and disability inclusion, with most of its giving going to Ohio. Its 2025 grants ranged from $10,000 to $100,000, with a median of $25,000. It requires a letter of inquiry submitted through its online form; submission deadlines and any restrictions are in its application instructions.
Assets
$23.1M
Grants
50
Total Given
$1.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in Ohio
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?