We would like to thank our readers, job posters and sponsors for your ongoing interest and support of the Greater Cincinnati Nonprofit News in 2025.

We look forward to another great year in 2026.

GC Nonprofit News Team

Jane, Kelli, Barb and Meg

In partnership with local nonprofits and our sponsors, GC Nonprofit News strives to create a more informed, open and connected community, by sharing nonprofit news, job openings, and resources.

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Jane Page-Steiner, Owner & Publisher – jane@gcnonprofitnews.com

Kelli Tarantino, Editor - kelli@gcnonprofitnews.com

*REMINDER: Please submit your news by 2pm on Tuesday and jobs by 10am on Wednesday for Thursday's issue of GC Nonprofit News. Jobs submitted after 10am on Wednesday will appear in the following week's eNews.

Nonprofit Fundraising Growth Tied to Organizational Capacity

by Kalie VanDewater

As nonprofits plan for the next phase of fundraising, recent performance data reveals a widening gap in which nonprofits are positioned to grow. While some organizations reported meaningful gains, others struggled to maintain momentum — underscoring persistent differences tied to organizational size and internal capacity.

The newly released data found that about 60% of nonprofit professionals surveyed reported raising more in 2024 than they did the year prior. However, these gains were primarily concentrated among midsize and large organizations, while smaller nonprofits were more likely to see flat or declining revenue.

With an eye toward helping nonprofits strengthen their fundraising strategies in 2026, NonProfit PRO has released its “2025 Nonprofit Fundraising Study” — sponsored by Virtuous, and powered by NAPCO Research. Now in its second year, the report draws on responses from the same group of nonprofit leaders who contributed to the “2025 Nonprofit Leadership Impact Study” released earlier this year. Together, the findings show how internal staffing and strategy shape fundraising outcomes.

The study examines fundraising performance in 2024 across several critical areas, including donor acquisition and retention; year-end giving trends; and the growing role of digital fundraising.

Here are some of the standout findings from the survey, which was conducted from Feb. 20 to March 7.

Retention Remains Vulnerable

While many nonprofits estimate retaining a majority of donors annually, organizations reporting retention challenges are far more likely to cite staffing instability, ineffective fundraising and weak planning. This suggest that retention outcomes are closely tied to organizational capacity and strategy — not donor behavior alone.

Digital Fundraising Adoption Skews Toward Large Nonprofits

According to the report, about 20% of nonprofits raise at least half of their revenue online. Despite this growth, smaller organizations still tend to report raising little to no money through digital channels.

Year-End Performance Linked To GivingTuesday Participation

GivingTuesday participation continues to decline, but the shift reflects a changing strategy rather than disengagement. More than a third of nonprofits opted out in 2024, yet organizations that participated were far more likely to report stable year-end revenue. At the same time, many nonprofits are moving away from reliance on a single giving day in favor of year-round engagement.

Download our “2025 Nonprofit Fundraising Study” for free to obtain more findings and insights from the second annual report.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Greater Cincinnati Foundation welcomes Matt Singleton as Director, Technology & Data.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Victorian at Riverside is most grateful for a grant of $25,000 from The Sutphin Family Foundation to provide meals for older adults in assisted living.

HER Cincinnati, the region's oldest social service agency focused on Housing, Education and Recovery for local women, presents HER Unfiltered, an evening centered on the lived experiences of women who have rebuilt their lives with honesty and courage. The event will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026, 5:30pm to 8:00pm, Memorial Hall in Over the Rhine.

FUNDING AND RESOURCE OPPORTUNITIES

Horizon Community Foundation is pleased to announce its 2026 Community Impact Fund (CIF) grant cycle, offering a total of $115,000 in competitive grant funding to strengthen Northern Kentucky communities through innovation, partnership, and measurable progress. This year, the Foundation is encouraging nonprofit applicants to bring forth a bold idea — one capable of addressing a significant community need and demonstrating the potential for deep and lasting impact. For more information, visit here or contact Nancy Grayson at ngrayson@horizoncfnky.org or 859.757.1552

Ingage Partners, a purpose-driven technology consulting company, and Pay It Forward Cincinnati, are excited to announce that the 2026 Social Impact Fund is now accepting applications. The 2026 Social Impact Fund is awarding a $14,000 grant and up to 100 pro bono hours from Ingage Partners. This opportunity is open to local 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that are implementing solutions to address the root causes of some of our region's greatest challenges in one of these focus areas: children's health & wellness and financial security. Apply by January 5, 2026 for consideration.

bi3, Interact for Health, and The Joe Burrow Foundation are calling on Greater Cincinnati schools serving grades 7–12 to participate in World Teen Mental Wellness Day on March 2, 2026. Students can apply for up to $1,000 in funding to plan and lead creative, student-driven activities that promote mental wellness. World Teen Mental Wellness Day raises awareness about the mental health challenges teens face and encourages open dialogue, connection, and support. Many local teens report struggles with anxiety and depression, but stigma and lack of awareness often keep them from seeking help. Learn more and apply here.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Introduction to Finding Grants, January 15, 2:00pm-3:30pm. Discover what funders are looking for in nonprofits seeking grants and how to find potential funders in this free introductory course. This class is brought to you in partnership with Candid, a nonprofit that helps other nonprofits serve their communities. As a Candid community member, we offer Candid’s key tools including GuideStar and Foundation Directory, Registration required. This will be an in-person session. Full details will be sent upon registration.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The Harriet Beecher Stowe House is recruiting Volunteer Educators for the 2026 season. Join us and share your love of history with visitors to the house throughout the year. Orientation and training scheduled at the Stowe House for two dates in January: Thursday, January 22 at 5:30pm and Saturday, January 24 at 1:00pm. Please contact Violet Rae Webster, vwebster@stowehousecincy.org if you are interested in attending a training session in January 2026.

What neuroscience is teaching us about generosity

Giving isn’t a transaction. It’s a biological event.

Top HR buzzwords of 2025

The pandemic created new HR lingo: return-to-office, Great Resignation, wellbeing washing and more. This year brought its own share of HR buzzwords—some may be fleeting, while others, experts say, suggest trends with long-term implications.

Our sponsor and partner marketplace serves to further connect our readers with our advertisers who are focused on serving nonprofits. To learn more about a sponsor's nonprofit services, click on their ad. Contact Kelli Tarantino, editor, at kelli@gcnonprofitnews.com to discover how your business or organization can become a sponsor/advertiser of the Greater Cincinnati Nonprofit News.

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- Lisa Kruse, Council on Aging

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