City of Cincinnati Human Services Fund Impact Award FY26

The City of Cincinnati Human Services Fund (HSF) Request for Proposals (RFP) for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 supports nonprofit organizations delivering services within three defined categories: Comprehensive Workforce Development, Youth Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction, and Supporting, Securing, and Stabilizing Housing for High-Risk Populations. The fund aims to create a measurable impact on community-level outcomes by strategically targeting investments in critical human services areas. The initiative is administered by United Way of Greater Cincinnati, which manages the application and reporting process on behalf of the city. Since its inception in 1981, HSF has been a key element of the City of Cincinnati’s commitment to public health and safety, funded through a designated percentage of the city’s general fund. In 2023, the fund was restored to 1.5% of the General Fund, enabling more robust and focused allocations. For FY2026, approximately $4.7 to $5.1 million in total is expected to be distributed across the three service categories, with 26% allocated to each category and the remaining funds designated for Project LIFT and administrative overhead. Awarded programs will receive two-year funding, starting from September 1, 2025, and running through August 31, 2027. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, which may be located outside Cincinnati but must serve Cincinnati residents. Organizations may apply for up to three programs and must request a minimum of $25,000 per program. City funding cannot exceed 60% of a program’s total revenue. Funded programs must align with the city’s targeted priorities and demonstrate measurable outcomes. Programs should also provide comprehensive support services and display collaborative partnerships with other organizations. Past funding levels do not influence eligibility or preference. Applications must be submitted through the e-CImpact online system by 4:30 PM Eastern on March 24, 2025. The application portal opens on February 14, 2025. A required overview webinar will be held on February 11, and optional office hours and one-on-one support sessions will be available throughout February and March. All questions must be submitted via email to humanservicesfund@uwgc.org by 4:30 PM Eastern on March 19, 2025. Proposals will be reviewed by the United Way of Greater Cincinnati for eligibility, then scored by the Human Services Advisory Committee based on alignment with RFP priorities, clarity of design, partnerships, sustainability, and measurable outcomes. Final funding decisions will be made by City Council. Applicants must complete both unscored and scored sections of the proposal. Required information includes organizational demographics, history, service capacity, and a detailed program narrative addressing design, community needs, category alignment, partnerships, and expected outcomes. Attachments include a logic model or theory of change and a budget for the period of September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026. Performance measurement is emphasized, with metrics required to evaluate the effectiveness of each program. Grant recipients must participate in semi-annual and quarterly reporting, expense documentation, and capacity-building meetings. Continuation of second-year funding is conditional upon performance against agreed metrics. Proposals must demonstrate strong collaboration, cultural competence, and data-driven strategies. Applications without complete attachments or failure to meet proposal requirements may be excluded from consideration.