The Boots on the Ground Fund is a grant program administered by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) in partnership with the City of Cincinnati and other funders. For 2025, the program will allocate over $750,000 to support small, community-based organizations driving impactful change in Cincinnati. Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded to grassroots organizations with annual operating budgets of less than $1 million. The initiative prioritizes inclusion, community engagement, and leadership from individuals directly impacted by local challenges.

The program targets key focus areas, including homelessness prevention, affordable housing access, food security, healthcare, workforce development, youth development, gun violence prevention, and mental health services. Funding may be used to expand or enhance existing programs, launch new initiatives, or build organizational capacity. Collaborative efforts are encouraged. Proposals must include SMART goals, demonstrate alignment with community-wide initiatives, and incorporate asset-based approaches.

Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or use a fiscal sponsor, with programs directly benefitting residents of Cincinnati. The application process includes submission through GCF’s online platform, with a strict deadline of February 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Decisions will be announced in April 2025. Workshops on compliance, fundraising, and program design are offered to applicants throughout the submission period to support their efforts.