Summertime Kids Grants

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) invites schools and organizations to apply for the Summertime Kids grant. This funding is made possible through the support of the Charles H. Dater Foundation. The purpose of the grant is to support enriching activities and programs that promote learning and development for children of all ages during the summer months. The application deadline for this grant is Friday, March 14, 2025, at 5:00pm. This competitive grant opportunity is part of GCF's ongoing commitment to equity in the region, and funding is directed towards organizations that align with the interests of the foundation’s donors. Grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded to eligible organizations or schools for programs that take place between June 1 and August 31, 2025, or between the end of the 2024-2025 school year and the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Organizations and schools may submit only one application, but partnerships with other schools, classrooms, or communities are encouraged. The funding is designed to either support, expand, or strengthen existing programs, purchase supplies or equipment, launch new programs, or enhance organizational capacity. Proposals must directly address the goal of providing enriching experiences for children during the summer months. This includes focusing on developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) for programs serving children ages 0-8, as well as promoting social-emotional skills in youth, such as communication, conflict resolution, and co-regulation. Programs that engage families and communities in the learning process are also given priority. To be eligible for this grant, applicants must be classified as tax-exempt by the IRS, typically as a 501(c)(3) organization, or a government agency. Organizations that do not hold 501(c)(3) status can apply by using a fiscal agent, but the fiscal agent must be identified in the application. The funding is limited to organizations based in the Greater Cincinnati area, which includes Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont counties in Ohio, and Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties in Kentucky, as well as Dearborn County in Indiana. The application process requires the submission of three documents: the most recent audit or IRS Form 990, a project budget, and income statements and balance sheets from the previous two years, if available. Applicants can submit these documents via the online platform at www.gcfdn.org/Foundant. The grant cycle timeline is as follows: the RFP was released on February 10, 2025, proposals are due by March 14, 2025, and decisions will be communicated in April 2025, with funding expected to be received in May 2025. For any questions regarding the RFP process, applicants are encouraged to visit the GCF website’s FAQ section. Additional inquiries can be directed to Kristin Riepenhoff Zelinskas, the Program Officer at GCF, via email at kristin.zelinskas@gcfdn.org. For issues related to the Foundant system, applicants can contact Hannah Hilditch, Grants Manager, at hannah.hilditch@gcfdn.org. GCF’s mission is to connect generous donors with trusted nonprofits to foster a vibrant Greater Cincinnati where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.