Quick Strike Acquisition and Project Support Fund

Program Summary:

The $1 million Quick Strike Fund will limit awards up to $250,000 per project/acquisition.

  • Project funds have to be used for the acquisition of real property, but the application can also seek acquisition-related funding, including phase I and appraisal costs, as part of the total project costs.

  • Applicable Projects must be catalytic in nature, meaning the project will begin a cascade of positive effects in a neighborhood- for example, a prominent, keystone building in a neighborhood that will create small business jobs and/or affordable housing, etc.

  • All applicants will be subject to a Good Standings review by the City of Cincinnati.

ORGANIZATIONAL ELIGIBILITY

Any neighborhood business association, community council, community development corporation, or community based organization housed within a Cincinnati neighborhood can apply for funding, that meets the following criteria;

Nonprofit Status - Applying organizations must be a registered 501(c3), or if not a 501(c3), the organization's registered State of Ohio non-profit status for the state of Ohio. Provide either: an IRS determination letter, if a 501(c3), or Proof of active status as a non-profit in the State of Ohio - Certificate of Continuing Existence. Applicants may check their status by visiting the Ohio Secretary of State Business Search website at ohiosos.gov/businesses/.

Neighborhood Improvement Proof- The organization submitting an application must demonstrate that some portion of its purpose/mission is to improve the quality of life and growth of a neighborhood, and must show proof of existence and activity in the neighborhood for a minimum of five years.

  • Evidence of such purpose may be shown in any one or more of the following ways:

  • in the language of the entity's formation documents;

  • in the language of the entity's governing documents;

  • Board resolution or Board Minutes.

  • By providing minutes of meetings (including sign-in sheets of meetings, if available) of the entity that show evidence of the purpose; or

  • Any other documentation of the entity that shows evidence of the purpose that is acceptable to DCED.

PROJECT SELECTION PROCESS AND TIMELINE:

Application and Scoring Criteria will be drafted and released by March 7th, 2024

  • Final Applications would be due by April 1st, 2024 11:59 pm and must include a signed Option Agreement or Purchase Agreement

  • Committee Review and Decision by April 12th, 2024.