Safety Net Grant Program

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) is currently accepting applications for its Safety Net Grant Program. This program is directly aligned with the foundation's mission to ensure that all individuals in the Greater Cincinnati region have access to essential resources such as food and shelter, while also increasing access to well-integrated, trauma-informed mental and behavioral health services. This initiative reflects GCF's strategic priority to address fundamental community needs and support the well-being of its residents through a comprehensive approach to health and stability. The target beneficiaries of the Safety Net Grant Program are the residents across the Greater Cincinnati region, encompassing specific counties in Indiana (Dearborn), Kentucky (Boone, Kenton, Campbell), and Ohio (Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Clermont). The program aims to achieve significant impact by supporting or expanding existing programs, enacting capital improvements, launching new initiatives, or building organizational capacity within these communities. The overarching goal is to strengthen the safety net for vulnerable populations, thereby improving their access to critical support systems. For the 2024 Safety Net cycle, GCF has approximately $800,000 available, with individual grants awarded for up to $50,000. Preference will be given to organizations that develop solutions with a racial equity lens, demonstrating GCF's commitment to equitable outcomes. Proposals with clear and measurable outcomes are highly favored, as are organizations that have demonstrated partnerships, collaboration, and alignment with community-wide efforts. GCF also prioritizes organizations that have shown insights from past results and utilize an asset-based approach to their work, indicating a theory of change that values evidence-based practices and community-led solutions. The expected outcomes of the Safety Net Grant Program include increased access to food, shelter, and high-quality mental and behavioral health services for individuals in the region. Organizations applying must be tax-exempt (501(c)(3) status) or a government agency, or utilize a fiscal agent. While the grant duration is not specified, the funding is intended to support sustainable efforts. Funding will not be awarded for campaigns or special events, emphasizing GCF's focus on direct program support and capacity building to achieve lasting positive change within the community.