A New multimillion-dollar fund supports local nonprofits 

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation has launched the Better Together Fund in partnership with several philanthropic organizations. The multimillion-dollar fund aims to strengthen local nonprofits, especially those facing financial strain after federal funding cuts tied to the recent government shutdown. 

Announced Nov. 5, the Better Together Fund brings together Bi3, BT Rise, Interact for Health and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. The collaboration seeks to provide stability and long-term resources to organizations that create community support in the region. 

“Nonprofits are at a crossroads,” says Rasheda Cromwell, chief impact officer for the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. “They are being asked to do more with less — navigating funding cuts, increased need and policy uncertainty.” 

To launch the initiative, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation contributed $2 million to the fund. Partner organizations also added financial support and they are reaching out to other community funders to join the effort.  

The Better Together Fund will focus on three main areas: capacity building to strengthen leadership and organizational systems, shared services and infrastructure improvements and collaborative partnerships that encourage nonprofits to work together.  

Participating nonprofits will also receive coaching and consulting services from local capacity-building partners. These services will help organizations improve operations, plan strategically and expand their impact across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. 

“The Better Together Fund is about meeting this moment with unity and purpose,” Cromwell says. “It’s about ensuring the nonprofits that hold our communities together have the support they need to continue their vital work.” 

The fund opens alongside growing concern over the stability of social services. Many nonprofits have faced increasing demand for services while managing staff shortages and reduced grant opportunities. 

Grant applications opened Nov. 5. Eligible organizations must serve residents in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. More information, including application guidelines and funding priorities, is available on the Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s website. 

“One thing we know with certainty is that communities are stronger when nonprofits thrive,” Cromwell says. “This fund helps the helpers — the organizations that show up every day for families in need.