As this year draws to a close, our hearts are filled with gratitude. Our team at GCF has experienced firsthand the true power of generosity and its ability to unlock potential. This year, thanks to the unwavering commitment of our donors and partners, we had another outstanding year of grantmaking. These funds are vital to supporting essential services, enhancing community vibrancy, and creating a strong foundation for our future. 

We’ve set our sights on investing $1 billion in our community by 2035 with the launch of our ambitious 10-year strategic plan. To make this vision a reality, we spent 2025 laying the groundwork— adding strategic capacity to our team, upgrading our technology infrastructure, launching a brand-new website, and more. 

This year also challenged us to balance the here and now with the future while maintaining agility and focus. In 2025, our community experienced very real and urgent needs. We, alongside donors, met those challenges and opportunities head-on: 

• Deploying $836,000 in Boots on the Ground Fund grants to support grassroots nonprofits. 

• Launching the $2M Better Together Fund to address long-term nonprofit capacity, effectiveness and sustainability needs. 

• Contributing over $100,000 to local food banks when SNAP benefits—vital to 160,000 households in our region—were disrupted. 

We also leaned hard into the power of “we,” working in deep partnership with those whose passion for this region propelled us forward.

Together, we’re building a more vibrant region where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for an incredible 2025. 

Matthew Randazzo
President/CEO

How one man's planned gift will shape generations

Jerry Scheve was a quiet force for generosity, a man who gave freely of his time, talent, and treasure to those around him. His incredible $23 million estate gift, stewarded by GCF, stands as a testament to the power of generosity and the ripple it can create. 

Bringing hope to the table: How donors united in support of La Soupe

La Soupe rescues 30,000 pounds of fresh food weekly, transforming it into meals for thousands in need with the help of trained chefs and volunteers. Earlier this year, they faced a major setback when a crucial oven broke down. GCF donors stepped in to help fill the gap.

From Graduation to Career: Audri's Story

After graduating from a Cincinnati-area high school, Audri turned to Cincinnati Works, a GCF grantee, for career guidance. Today, she is thriving in supply chain management at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.