GRANT FUNDING
Grant Funding
BT RISE supports women- and minority-owned businesses and local 501(c)(3) nonprofits working to improve financial well-being and mobility in underserved communities. Our goal is to help accelerate sustainable growth through focused, project-based funding.
Grant Overview
BT RISE is committed to helping individuals and communities access resources that build long-term financial security and independence. We support local nonprofits and businesses, with a particular focus on women-owned enterprises and organizations serving underserved communities
Grant requests are reviewed quarterly. The BT RISE Board meets in the second month of each calendar quarter (February, May, August, and November). Applicants are typically notified within one week of the Board meeting.
Grants typically average $5,000, though requests of up to $20,000 may be considered. Submission of a request does not guarantee approval. All grants are awarded at the sole discretion of BT RISE.
Eligibility & Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must be:
A women- and/or minority-owned business OR an organization that supports the financial well-being and mobility of underserved communities
- A registered business entity (C-Corp, S-Corp, LLC) or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with a Federal Tax ID (EIN)
Additional requirements (read more)
Be in good standing (verification required prior to grant processing)
Operate in the Cincinnati tristate area
Demonstrate customer demand and strong progression since founding, or have key executives with relevant industry experience
Submit a funding request focused on a specific growth project
What we mean by “growth project”
- A growth project is a strategic step designed to accelerate business growth.
Eligible vs Ineligible Use of Funds
Examples of eligible expenses
- Key equipment purchases
- Packaging support
- Technology product development
Examples of ineligible expenses
Existing payroll
Rent and insurance
Marketing and legal fees
Limitations
- Only one grant request per entity per calendar year will be considered.
Review Timeline & Deadlines
Upcoming deadline
- If you miss the deadline, your request will be considered in the next quarterly review cycle.
How reviews work
Grant requests are reviewed quarterly. The BT RISE Board meets in the second month of each calendar quarter: February, May, August, and November.
To be considered in a given cycle, please submit your application by the posted deadline and include all required documentation.
Notification timing
Applicants are typically notified within one week of the Board meeting.
If your application is selected, BT RISE may request additional information before finalizing the award.
Note: Submission of a request does not guarantee approval. Grants are awarded at the sole discretion of BT RISE.
Required Uploads
What you’ll need to upload
To complete your application, please upload the following documents:
Current year financials (year-to-date Profit & Loss, budget, or financial statement)
Prior year financials (Profit & Loss and/or year-end financial statement)
Project budget (if applicable)
File tips: PDF is preferred. If you have multiple files, you may upload them separately or combine into a single PDF.
FAQ
Who can apply?
BT RISE considers grant requests from women- and/or minority-owned businesses and 501(c)(3) nonprofits that support the financial well-being and mobility of underserved communities. Applicants must operate in the Cincinnati tristate area and be in good standing.
What can grant funds be used for?
Grant funding must support a specific growth project (not ongoing operating expenses). Examples of eligible uses include key equipment purchases, packaging support, and technology/product development.
What expenses are not eligible?
Grant funds cannot be used for existing payroll, rent/insurance, or marketing/legal fees. If you’re unsure whether an expense qualifies, submit your project description and we’ll confirm during review.
How often can we apply?
BT RISE will consider one grant request per entity per calendar year.
What happens after I submit?
You’ll receive a confirmation email. Requests are reviewed quarterly, and applicants are typically notified within one week of the Board meeting. BT RISE may request additional information during review.
Examples of eligible expenses
- Key equipment purchases
- Packaging support
- Technology product development
Examples of ineligible expenses
Existing payroll
Rent and insurance
Marketing and legal fees
Limitations
- Only one grant request per entity per calendar year will be considered.