Leveraged Support
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.
The Leveraged Support application for FY 2027 is open from March 2, 2026 at 9AM until April 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
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.
What is Leveraged Support?
Leveraged support is financial support from the City of Cincinnati to an external organization 1) as general operating support to fund their work in the City or 2) as funding for a specific program aimed at addressing a public need in the City.
This does not include City funding of third parties to perform elements of City Operations—managing city-owned assets or programs.
How Can My Organization Apply?
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must have at least three years of audited financial statements or three years of 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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:
1. Homelessness and Eviction Prevention
2. Human Services and Violence Prevention
3. 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.
Exclusions
- 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.
- Organizations currently debarred from contracting or subcontracting with the City are not eligible to apply.
- 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/
- 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.
Leveraged Support Contract:
Please click the button below to review the funding agreement for Leveraged Support.
VIEW sample LEVERAGED SUPPORT FUNDING AGREEMENT
Questions?
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.
For further details, please contact Tonia Smith at tonia.smith@cincinnati-oh.gov or 513-352-5361.