The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) is a public charity based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1963, it connects donors with nonprofits and invests in a more equitable, vibrant region. Its grantmaking includes donor-advised and designated funds, responsive grants, and funding opportunities focused on regional priorities.
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation at a glance
In short: The Greater Cincinnati Foundation gave $184.4M across 1,408 grants in 2024 (avg $131K), top state Ohio. 36% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $184,422,503
- +30.4% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 1,408
- +10.7% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $130,982
- +17.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $20,000
- Total assets
- $1,028,372,436
- +4.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 36% first-time grantees (504 of 1,404, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Ohio (38% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The available information describes open RFP and LOI cycles and says GCF responds to proposals from nonprofit organizations in its eight-county service area.
- Contact
Mailing address: 720 E Pete Rose Way 120, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: (513) 241-2880
Website: https://gcfdn.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
15 open opportunities from The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Andrew Jergens Foundation Grant
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Boots on the Ground
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Amount
Up to $25,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Building Bright Futures: Education Grant
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Amount
Up to US $50,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who The Greater Cincinnati Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Nature Conservancy Inc National ($46.1M). Together the top 10 received $83.4M.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($119,085), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
6,452 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 4,719 grants of 6,452 (73%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
GCF describes its service area as eight counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Its 2024 grant dollars went primarily to recipients in Ohio (38%), Virginia (29%), and Washington, DC (12%); New York and Florida each accounted for 3%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 1,408 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Greater Cincinnati Foundation open to new grantees?
36%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 504 of 1,404 grantees (36%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $50K; repeat grants $177K. How we count
Medians: $14K first-time, $25K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $106.5M (2022) to $184.4M (2024). In 2024 it made 1,408 grants totaling $184.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nature Conservancy Inc National Arlington, VA | Programatic Support | $46,117,979 |
| Conservation International Foundation Washington, DC | Programatic Support | $10,968,851 |
| Charities Aid Foundation of America Alexandria, VA | Programatic Support | $4,201,584 |
| United Way of Greater Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH | Programatic Support | $4,128,668 |
| Bonneville Environmental Foundation Portland, OR | Programatic Support | $4,067,200 |
| World Vision Federal Way, WA | Programatic Support | $3,237,939 |
| Royalmont Academy Mason, OH | Programatic Support | $3,121,500 |
| Alliance to End Plastic Waste Inc Washington, DC | Programatic Support | $3,000,000 |
| Save the Children Federation Inc Fairfield, CT | Programatic Support | $2,431,230 |
| University of Cincinnati Foundation Cincinnati, OH | Programatic Support | $2,122,660 |
Ready to take the next step with The Greater Cincinnati Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,028,372,436 | $183,703,186 | $200,558,735 | $184,422,503 | 1,408 | $28,667,633 |
| 2023 | $981,403,459 | $263,557,773 | $157,251,596 | $141,450,394 | 1,272 | $21,234,371 |
| 2022 | $820,405,582 | $105,394,343 | $121,589,479 | $106,458,322 | 1,279 | $17,192,829 |
| 2021 | $931,686,456 | $157,180,384 | $133,678,570 | $119,649,063 | 1,180 | $23,930,075 |
| 2020 | $827,117,036 | $172,775,235 | $130,772,102 | $107,981,497 | 1,313 | $12,680,612 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
GCF states that it works as a trusted, connected partner to inspire generous people to invest in a more equitable and vibrant region. Its current strategic priorities are education, housing, and community and cultural vibrancy. The foundation also describes funding opportunities related to community-led advocacy and civic engagement, neighborhood development, nonprofit capacity building, and community well-being.
The 2024 filing describes responsive grants for proposals from nonprofits in GCF’s eight-county service area, including work in arts and culture, educational success, environmental beautification, disabilities, and basic needs. GCF says applicants should use an assets-based approach and incorporate the voices and expertise of people with lived experience.
Examples of organizations receiving grants in 2024 include the Nature Conservancy, whose stated mission is conserving the lands and waters on which life depends; United Way of Greater Cincinnati, which says it mobilizes people and organizations to help people measurably improve their lives; and the University of Cincinnati Foundation, whose stated mission is to inspire a community of UC and UC Health supporters through philanthropy.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, GCF reported 1,408 grants totaling $184,422,503. Grant amounts ranged from $5,050 to $46,117,979, with a median of $20,000. The largest listed grant was $46,117,979 to the Nature Conservancy for “programmatic support.” Other large grants included $10,968,851 to Conservation International Foundation, $4,201,584 to Charities Aid Foundation of America, $4,128,668 to United Way of Greater Cincinnati, and $4,067,200 to Bonneville Environmental Foundation, each for “programmatic support.”
GCF’s website lists RFP and letter-of-intent opportunities, including Resilient Communities grants of up to $35,000 and the Neighborhood Development Fund, with awards of up to $450,000. It also lists Learning Innovation Grants for the Greater Cincinnati region, with awards of $0–$5,000. The Community and Cultural Vibrancy page lists Healthy People grants of up to $50,000 as closed on June 5, 2026, and a community-led solutions RFP as closed on September 4, 2026; both dates are past. The site lists a parks, green spaces, cultural institutions, and arts RFP for expected release in 2027. It also lists Summertime Kids Grants to support summer learning and development programs for children; the supplied program information does not give an award range or deadline. The listed 2025–2026 scholarship opportunity is for individual students, rather than an outside-organization grant.
GCF’s filing describes donor-advised funds, through which donors recommend grants over time, and designated funds for specified organizations or purposes. For grants through its discretionary process, the filing says follow-up reports are required according to grant type. Donor-restricted or donor-advised grants have front-end verification of recipient tax and charitable status. GCF also says it verifies that recipient organizations are 501(c)(3) organizations or equivalents and maintains supporting records.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists the following board members: Digi Schueler, Ernest McAdams Jr. Esq., Jen Stein, Joel Stone, John Domaschko, Keith Dailey, Maribeth S. Rahe, Nirvani Head, Nita Walker MD, and Robyn F. Chatman MD.
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation is led by Matthew Randazzo, CEO & President on every filing since 2023; 11 of 32 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Matthew Randazzo
CEO & President
On filings since 2023
55 hrs/week
$317K (2023) → $570K (2024)
Denisha Porter
Executive Director & All-In Cincinnati
Executive Director - All in Cincinnati → Executive Director - All in Cincin, 2023
Executive Director - All in Cincin → Executive Director & All-In Cincinnati, 2024
On filings since 2021
42 hrs/week
$109K (2021) → $126K (2024)
Ellen Van Der Horst
Board Chair
Board Member → Board Vice Chair, 2022
Board Vice Chair → Board Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Adison Nelson
Senior Director of Committee Investment
New on the 2024 filing
42 hrs/week
$124K (2024)
Robert Killins
Vice President of Community Investments
Employee → Vice President of Community Investments, 2024
On filings since 2020
42 hrs/week
$106K (2020) → $133K (2024)
Felicity Tao
Senior Vice President of Marketing & Integration
Vice President of Marketing & Integration → Senior Vice President of Marketing & Integration, 2024
On filings since 2022
42 hrs/week
$146K (2022) → $176K (2024)
Rasheda Cromwell
Chief Impact Officer
Vice President of Community Strategy → Chief Impact Officer, 2024
On filings since 2022
42 hrs/week
$133K (2022) → $178K (2024)
Melissa Krabbe
CFO & Treasurer
On filings since 2023
50 hrs/week
$157K (2023) → $202K (2024)
Colleen McCarthy
Vice President of Philanthropy
New on the 2024 filing
42 hrs/week
$132K (2024)
Rachel Perez
Vice President of Finance
New on the 2024 filing
42 hrs/week
$153K (2024)
Sara Bolton
Chief of Staff
New on the 2024 filing
42 hrs/week
$185K (2024)
Sarah Weiss
Chief Philanthropy Officer
New on the 2024 filing
42 hrs/week
$195K (2024)
David P. Osborn CFA
Board Vice Chair
Board Member → Board Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ernest F. McAdams Jr. Esq.
Board Member
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
George H. Vincent Esq.
Board Immediate Past Chair
Board Vice Chair → Board Chair, 2022
Board Chair → Board Immediate Past Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John Domaschko
Board Member
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Maribeth S. Rahe
Board Member
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robyn F. Chatman MD
Board Member
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sallie Westheimer
Board Member
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Steve Jemison
Board Member
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Digi Schueler
Board Member
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Vada Hill
Board Member
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joel Stone
Board Member
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nita Walker MD
Board Member
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sheila Cohen PhD
Board Member
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Steve Hightower
Board Member
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jen Stein
Board Member
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Keith Dailey
Board Member
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nirvani Head
Board Member
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brian Hodgett
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Herb Robinson
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matt Barney
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (16)
- Former: Delores Hargrove-Young (2020–2023) — Board Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Ellen Katz (2020–2023) — CEO & President
- Former: Eric Dewald (2020–2023) — Healthpath, Phfo & President
- Former: Meghan Cummings (2020–2023) — Vice President of Civic Advancement
- Former: Mike Keating (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Uma R. Kotagal MD (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Will Woodward (2020–2023) — CFO & Treasurer
- Former: Ann M. Schwister (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Dora Anim (2020–2022) — COO
- Former: Phillip Lanham (2020–2022) — Chief Philanthropy Officer
- Former: Timothy J. Maloney (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Colleen McCarthy Blair (2020–2021) — Employee
- Former: Ryan M. Rybolt (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Calvin D. Buford Esq. (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Christopher L. Fister (2020) — Board Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Thomas D. Croft (2020) — Board Member
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $570K, to Matthew Randazzo (CEO & President). 11 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Greater Cincinnati Foundation
How much does The Greater Cincinnati Foundation give each year?
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation gave $184.4M across 1,408 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $141.5M across 1,272 grants.
What is The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's typical grant size?
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $20,000, and its average grant was $130,982, across 1,408 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Greater Cincinnati Foundation that year got $50K on average.
Where does The Greater Cincinnati Foundation give grants?
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's top state is Ohio, with 38% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Virginia (29%) and District of Columbia (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were Cincinnati, OH (544 grants), Washington, DC (44 grants), New York, NY (31 grants) and Covington, KY (27 grants).
Does The Greater Cincinnati Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 1,408 grants with a stated purpose on The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Programatic Support" (1408 grants).
Who are The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's largest grantees?
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Nature Conservancy Inc National ($46,117,979), Conservation International Foundation ($10,968,851) and Charities Aid Foundation of America ($4,201,584), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($119,085), which are not listed by name. Together they received 33% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Greater Cincinnati Foundation?
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation reported $1.0B in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $183.7M.
What does The Greater Cincinnati Foundation fund?
GCF states that it works as a trusted, connected partner to inspire generous people to invest in a more equitable and vibrant region. Its current strategic priorities are education, housing, and community and cultural vibrancy. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Greater Cincinnati Foundation?
The available information describes open RFP and LOI cycles and says GCF responds to proposals from nonprofit organizations in its eight-county service area. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's EIN?
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 31-0669700. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 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 4, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 10, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 3, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 7, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 11, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work The Greater Cincinnati Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Greater Cincinnati Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Greater Cincinnati Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 27, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-greater-cincinnati-foundation-morg_2122e9de45cd472d998d02e67a78146a
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_310669700_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Greater Cincinnati Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-greater-cincinnati-foundation-morg_2122e9de45cd472d998d02e67a78146a},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-27. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Greater Cincinnati 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.
The Greater Cincinnati Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?