The Learning Links Request for Proposals (RFP) is a competitive grant opportunity offered by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) through funding provided by the Charles H. Dater Foundation. The foundation is committed to supporting educational initiatives in the Greater Cincinnati region, and the Learning Links grant program is one of the ways it fulfills this mission. The RFP invites schools and organizations to apply for funding to support educational programs and events that contribute to the academic success of children aged birth through 18 years. The program specifically targets educational activities that occur in classrooms, schools, and community spaces.

The grants for the 2025 Learning Links cycle will provide funding of up to $2,500. The funds can be used for a range of purposes, including supporting, expanding, or strengthening existing programs, purchasing equipment or supplies, launching new programs, or building organizational capacity. Proposed programs or events must take place between September 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026, or during the 2025-2026 school year. While each organization or school can submit only one application, the program can be held in collaboration with multiple schools, classrooms, or communities. The foundation seeks projects that focus on engaging programs or events that enhance the educational experience and success of children.

Eligibility for the Learning Links grant is limited to tax-exempt organizations, typically those classified under IRS 501(c)(3) status, or government agencies. Organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status may still apply by utilizing a fiscal agent, which must be identified in the application. Eligible organizations must be based in or serve the Greater Cincinnati region, which includes counties in Ohio (Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont), Kentucky (Boone, Kenton, and Campbell), and Indiana (Dearborn).

The Learning Links grant program has a set of preferences for certain types of projects. Priority will be given to programs that employ developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) for children aged 0-8 years, focus on developing children’s and young people's social-emotional skills such as co-regulation, communication, or conflict resolution, and encourage family or community involvement in children’s learning processes.

The application process requires that interested applicants submit their proposals through the Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s online portal at www.gcfdn.org/Foundant. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025. As part of the application, applicants must upload three key documents: their most recent audit or 990, a project budget, and income statements and balance sheets from the previous two years (if available). Templates for the budget and financial statements are provided but are optional.

The RFP timeline includes several key milestones: the RFP was released on February 10, 2025, and proposals are due by April 25, 2025. The decisions will be communicated to applicants at the beginning of August 2025, with funding disbursed in mid-August 2025.

Any additional questions about the RFP can be directed to Kristin Riepenhoff Zelinskas, Program Officer, at kristin.zelinskas@gcfdn.org. For questions related to the Foundant system or process, applicants should contact Hannah Hilditch, Grants Manager, at hannah.hilditch@gcfdn.org.