Welcome to the City of Cincinnati's Leverage Support Application Portal!
The City of Cincinnati is committed to supporting organizations that offer vital services and programs benefiting the residents of our vibrant community. Through the Leveraged Support funding initiative, we aim to empower organizations with the financial backing necessary to enhance their contributions to the city's well-being and development.
FY27 Application Window
Monday, March 2, 2026, 9:00a.m. – Friday, April 10, 2026, 11:59p.m. (Eastern Time)
All eligible organizations must submit their applications within this timeframe to ensure consideration for funding.
FY27 Award Notifications
Applicants will be notified of award decisions in early August 2026.
FY27 Funding Period
Funding will apply to work conducted between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027. Organizations should plan proposed activities and budgets to align with this funding period.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must have a three-year track record of audited financial statements or filed federal tax returns.
- Funding requests should be between $50,000 and $500,000. Requests exceeding $500,000 will be considered only under extraordinary circumstances.
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Only projects or programs that align with one of the following service categories will be considered: Please carefully review the important update below regarding eligible funding categories.
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Arts - This category supports initiatives that promote, enhance, and provide access to the arts and cultural activities. Projects can range from visual and performing arts to literary arts and community cultural events, aiming to enrich the community's cultural landscape and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts.
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Equity and Inclusion - Supports projects aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within communities and organizations. These initiatives work to dismantle barriers to opportunity and participation, particularly for marginalized and underrepresented groups.
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Environment
Supports projects that protect and enhance the natural environment, promote sustainability, and address climate change. Initiatives in this category can range from conservation efforts to environmental education and sustainable urban planning
The Economic Development and Neighborhood Support category is no longer part of the competitive Leveraged Support application process. Additional funding opportunities related to this area will be announced at a later date.
Funding for the following three former Leveraged Support categories were moved to and included in the FY26/27 Human Services Funding process, which is administered by United Way of Greater Cincinnati:
- Homelessness and Eviction Prevention
- Human Services and Violence Prevention
- Workforce Programming and Poverty Reduction
This funding was awarded in June 2025. The next cycle of Human Services funding opens in the February 2027 time frame. The priorities for FY28/29 Human Services funding will be determined by City Council in late 2026.
The announcement will be made here: https://www.uwgc.org/city-cincinnati-human-services-fund-announces-request-proposals/
Important Note: Organizations may apply for either Leveraged Support Funding or Human Services Funding—not both.
For additional information regarding Human Services Fund, contact: humanservicesfund@uwgc.org
Exclusions:
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Capital projects are not eligible for funding under this initiative. Our focus is to support operational and programmatic expenses that directly impact Cincinnati residents by addressing a public need or service gap.
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Organizations currently debarred from contracting or subcontracting with the City are not eligible to apply.
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Start-up organizations with less than three years of operation are not eligible to apply.
Start-ups are encouraged to explore funding under the City’s Boots on the Ground program. https://www.gcfdn.org/rfp/
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City funding of third parties for the management of city-owned assets or programs is not permitted.
Public Record Notice:
In accordance with the Ohio Public Records Act, all submitted Leveraged Support applications are subject to public records requests. While private or sensitive information will not be made public, your application could be shared if requested
We look forward to receiving your application and learning more about how your organization plans to make a positive impact on the City of Cincinnati and its residents.
(max: 500 characters)
Please provide the full legal name of your organization.
(max: 2500 characters)
Please describe your organization’s overall mission, core services, and primary work. Include the population(s) served, geographic area of impact, and any other relevant information that helps the City understand what your organization does and how it serves Cincinnati residents.
(max: 500 characters)
Enter the complete mailing address of your organization, including street name, city, state, and zip code. If applicable, include suite or apartment numbers.
(max: 500 characters)
Provide the name of the individual within your organization who can be contacted for any queries related to this application.
(format: example@email.com)
Enter the email address for the contact person. This will be used for all communication related to this application.
(format: 555-555-5555)
(max: 500 characters)
Provide the name of the individual within your organization who can be contacted for any queries related to this application.
(format: example@email.com)
Enter the email address for the contact person. This will be used for all communication related to this application.
(format: 555-555-5555)
(max: 500 characters)
Provide your organization's Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) as assigned by the IRS.
Only organizations with a track record of at least three years in operation are eligible for Leveraged Support funding.
(max: 500 characters)
If you answered 'Yes' to the previous question, provide the name of the program or initiative for which you seek funding. Type 'N/A' if your funding request is not related to a specific program initiative.
(max: 500 characters)
Provide a detailed description of the program or initiative, including its objectives, target population, activities, and expected outcomes. Type 'N/A' if your funding request is not related to a specific program initiative.
