Greater Cincinnati Foundation

06/05/2026

For over eight years, Colleen McCarthy Blair, vice president, strategic partnerships, has dedicated her time to amplifying the impact of every generous dollar that flows through GCF. In her current role, Colleen is focused on advancing philanthropy by forming new partnerships and building a growing pipeline of resources that accelerate impact in Greater Cincinnati.

Meet Colleen.

06/02/2026

A Cincinnati icon is getting a fresh chapter!

Our staff and fundholders recently previewed plans for the Mariemont Theatre as Cindependent leads its next phase—honoring its history while reimagining the moviegoing experience for the community. Learn more here: https://www.mariemonttheatre.org/
The Mariemont Theatre by Cindependent

06/01/2026

From Cincinnati to the Bahamas, Bob Coughlin is shaping stronger communities across the two places he calls home.

Through decades of philanthropy, he’s focused on youth development, conservation, and creating lasting impact where it matters most.

Read more about his journey and what inspires his giving: https://www.gcfdn.org/blog/cincinnati-bahamas-have-bob-coughlins-heart-and-his-philanthropic-focus/

05/29/2026

La Soupe and Last Mile Food Rescue are proving that we really are “Better Together.” The organizations, fueled by GCF’s Better Together Fund, are leaning into their unique expertise and working together to feed more of our neighbors. In its first cycle, the Better Together Fund granted $1.64 million to 35 organizations, helping nonprofits enhance capacity, partnerships, and stability.

A special thanks to our funding partners: bi3, BTRISE, Interact for Health, and United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

Read more about this unique partnership:

This summer, Last Mile will study La Soupe's operations, getting to know their food donors, routes and volunteers. Last Mile will start to coordinate some of La Soupe's deliveries this fall.

05/29/2026

The deadline to apply for Healthy People: Community & Cultural Vibrancy is June 5.

Through this opportunity, GCF is supporting community‑driven, evidence‑based solutions that strengthen prevention, access, and stability—so all residents, regardless of zip code, can live full, healthy lives.

Learn more & apply: https://www.gcfdn.org/nonprofits/funding-opportunities/rfps/rfp-healthy-people/

05/28/2026

Last week in New York City, Greater Cincinnati Foundation helped bring partners together at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to shape a national effort to build what doesn’t yet exist: a functioning market for community well-being.

Through the Investing in Flourishing initiative, Cincinnati is serving as a pilot community—showcasing how cross-sector collaboration, shared data, and aligned capital can drive better outcomes for children and families.

At GCF, this work reflects the role we know best: Convening leaders, connecting sectors, and moving ideas into action.

Alongside United Way of Greater Cincinnati and our regional partners — Cincinnati Children's, Cincinnati Development Fund, The Port, and the Cincinnati Regional Chamber — we’re proud to help demonstrate what’s possible when a community aligns around both impact and long-term sustainability.

05/27/2026

There’s nothing quite like a Saturday morning at Findlay Market—and thanks to generous donors like Lia and Bruce Hager, its future is just as vibrant as its present.

Through the Findlay Forward campaign, GCF fundholders are helping protect this iconic space while investing in new opportunities for local vendors, entrepreneurs, and the community.

Hear why Lia is passionate about supporting the Market, and see how generosity is shaping what’s next: https://www.gcfdn.org/blog/generosity-is-fueling-findlay-market-forward/

05/27/2026

GCF, in partnership with the City of Cincinnati, has awarded more than $700,000 in Boots on the Ground grants to 35 local nonprofits. These investments support vital services—from housing and food access to youth development and violence prevention—helping improve quality of life across our community.

Read more: https://www.gcfdn.org/blog/boots-on-the-ground-fund-awards-702500-to-support-35-local-nonprofits/

05/21/2026

We’re proud to share that several GCF team members have been selected for the Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s 2026 Leadership Development programs!
Through C-Change and Cincy Next, they’ll grow their leadership skills, build connections, and bring fresh ideas back to our work in the community. Join us in congratulating Leah, Travis, and Hannah!

05/20/2026

Charitable Lead Annuity Trusts (CLATs) are having a moment—and a recent IRS ruling is helping explain why. New guidance suggests these trusts may offer more flexibility than previously understood, especially when performance exceeds expectations.

For advisors working with charitably inclined clients, this could open the door to more strategic giving, estate planning efficiencies, and greater adaptability over time.

Read more: https://www.gcfdn.org/blog/rare-but-useful-planning-with-charitable-lead-trusts/