2026 Quick Strike Overview and Application

Quick Strike Acquisition and Project Support Fund 2026 Application

A City of Cincinnati funding program managed by Cincinnati Development Fund.

Program Purpose

The Program will offer eligible non-profit organizations funding opportunities for real property acquisition projects. Pursuant to the Program, Grantee will offer multiple awards, as permitted by funding availability, for real property acquisition projects that will catalyze development in the Cincinnati neighborhoods.

Program Summary

The Quick Strike Fund provides financial assistance for real property acquisition and acquisition-related costs in Cincinnati neighborhoods. The program is administered by Cincinnati Development Fund (“CDF”) in partnership with HomeBase Cincinnati (“HomeBase”) (CDF and Homebase are referred to collectively as the “Quick Strike Fund Manager”). Funding for the program is authorized by Ordinance No. 237-2025.

Additional details about the program are listed below:

The program is designed to support non-profit CDC and other neighborhood development-focused organizations (defined below) in securing critical sites in Cincinnati neighborhoods to maintain housing supply and/or cause a redevelopment project that will have a significant impact on the neighborhood.
Applicants may include eligible acquisition-related costs in the funding request such as title report, appraisal, and environmental site assessment costs.
Applicants are required to have a valid purchase option.
All applicants are subject to a Good Standings review by the City of Cincinnati’s Income Tax Department.

Project Selection Process and Timeline

The Application and Scoring Criteria are available on the HomeBase website.
Completed applications, which must include an executed purchase or purchase option agreement, will be submitted to HomeBase.
Applications will be accepted, reviewed, and scored by the Quick Strike Fund Manager and then recommended to the City for final approval.
Funds will be awarded on a rolling basis while funding is available.

Summary of Scoring Criteria

1. Project Feasibility
2. City and Neighborhood Alignment
3. Project Funding
4. Organizational Capacity

A PDF of the full scorecard can be found here: 2026 Quick Strike Score Card

Organizational Eligibility

Any neighborhood business association, community council, community development corporation, or community-based organization (as defined by being eligible to receive CDBG funding) housed within a Cincinnati neighborhood can apply for funding, which meets the following criteria:

1. Nonprofit Status: Applying organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3), or if not a 501(c)(3), the organization’s registered State of Ohio non-profit status for the state of Ohio. Provide either:
IRS determination letter, if a 501(c)(3); 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 businessearch.ohiosos.gov.

2. Neighborhood Development Entity: The organization submitting an application must demonstrate that the primary portion of its purpose / mission is to improve the quality of life and growth of a neighborhood through real estate development and must show proof of existence and activity in 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 shows evidence of the purpose; orAny other documentation of the entity that shows evidence of the purpose that is acceptable to the City.

3. Members or Staff: The organization must show proof of capacity to execute on the proposed project through one or more of the following:
Current staff, officers, or volunteer members and their positions / or titles, whichever is applicable to the formation of your organization.
List of Board members and their affiliations.
Organization’s Total Operating Budget and Proposed Budget for the applicable Project.

4. List of Leveraged Funding and Owner’s Equity Sources. Applicants may include their own equity in the project. It should also be outlined to what level of investment is included by each entity and how they will contribute to the project.

Important Requirements Connected to an Award

1. Closing & Disbursement Requirements for Acquisition. Prior to closing on an award, CDF will require the following of each Awardee:

Closing Date:
i. Awardee shall acquire the real property identified in its application prior to the expiration of the secured purchase option.

Disbursement Conditions:
i. Awardee shall not be entitled to its Award funds until it delivers all of the following to CDF for CDF’s review and approval:

1. Purchase Contract. A copy of an active purchase contract between Awardee and the current owner of the property;

2. Deed. A copy of the proposed deed conveying fee title of the property to Awardee;

3. Clear Title & Title Commitment. Evidence of clear title and a title commitment for the property;

4. Restrictive Covenant. An executed restrictive covenant in substantially the form attached to this Exhibit A as Addendum I (Form of Restrictive Covenant) (the “Restrictive Covenant”), which will be recorded against the property at closing and memorializes Awardee’s agreement not to sell, transfer, or convey any interest in the property without the City’s prior written consent, which may be withheld in the City’s sole and absolute discretion;

5. Insurance. Property Insurance written in standard form by companies of recognized responsibility and credit, that are authorized to do business in Ohio, and that have an A.M. Best rating of A VII or better;

6. Appraisal. An appraisal of the subject property to justify the purchase price;

7. Environmental Report. An environmental report prepared by a certified professional in connection with the property, which includes, without limitation, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment and any additional assessments as may be required by CDF or the City. CDF shall also require Awardee to deliver to the CDF and the City an Environmental Reliance Letter issued by the Awardee’s certified professional, stating that the CDF and the City shall be entitled to rely upon all environmental reports and the like prepared by Awardee’s environmental certified professional in connection with the property;

8. Capital Needs Assessment, or other, similar comprehensive property condition report if required by CDF;

9. Management Contract if property will be managed by a third party;

10. Evidence of commitment of all other sources and uses of funds, including cash/equity difference between QS award and total acquisition budget (as needed); and,

11. Closing Statement. A signed closing statement signed by Awardee and the current owner of the property.

2. Closing Requirements:

Closing Deadline: CDF shall set closing deadlines for each Awardee and notify the City of these deadlines (which, to the extent applicable, will be consistent with those identified in the purchase contract or purchase option, as may be amended from time to time);

Recorded Deed: CDF shall cause each Awardee to execute and record a deed at closing reflecting its ownership of the property; and,

Recorded Restrictive Covenant: At the closing on the property, CDF shall cause each Awardee to execute and record the Restrictive Covenant against the property.CDF shall ensure the Restrictive Covenant is recorded against the property in the Hamilton County, Ohio Recorder’s Office, immediately after the aforementioned deed, and shall then deliver a time-stamped original of the recorded Restrictive Covenant to the City, all at Awardee’s sole expense.

3. Future Project Plans Requirement:

If Awarded, the Awardee must show evidence that a real estate development project will occur on the property to be acquired that will encourage neighborhood revitalization for the community, or that a site is critical for site control and long-term development impact.

Following the acquisition funded by Quick Strike funds, awardees must provide, at a minimum, these items to CDF prior to commencement of the Future Project Plans, including but not limited to:
i. Plans, drawings, and specifications;

ii. Construction schedule;

iii. Construction contract;

iv. A commercial general liability insurance policy that has been obtained by Awardee;

v. Financing sufficient to complete the Future Project;

vi. Directors & Officers Insurance; and,

vii. Operating Plan (and MOU/LOI with Property Manager, if a third-party will operate property).

4. Post-Closing Requirements: CDF shall require that each Awardee agree to the following upon acquisition of the property, each of which Awardee shall be required to comply with in order to obtain a release of the Restrictive Covenant:

Property Maintenance. Awardee must maintain the property in good condition and repair and otherwise in accordance with all laws and regulations;

Final Plans. Awardee must submit final versions of the Future Project Plans for review and approval by CDF;

Commencement. Awardee must commence the Future Project in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Grant Agreement;

Completion. Awardee must complete the Future Project in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Grant Agreement; and,

Reporting. Until the Restrictive Covenant is released, Awardee must provide quarterly reports to CDF or its designee that describe the status of each of the post-closing requirements.

CDF may include any other reasonable terms and conditions for the Future Projects.

CDF shall provide a draft of each Grant Agreement to the City for review and approval prior to executing such agreement with an Awardee. CDF shall not permit an Awardee to commence incurring expenses for which Grant funds will be disbursed prior to entering into a binding Grant Agreement.

HomeBase Intake - Requirements and Scoring

The HomeBase Intake Score is the measure by which a project proceeds to CDF’s review. Projects must receive a score 75% total points or above to proceed to the CDF Feasibility Analysis Scoring and must also hit a 75% score or above ot be recommended to the City of Cincinnati for funding.

Eligibility Threshold: only projects including all of the following will be scored:

A signed purchase or option agreement.
501c3 letter, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Board and Staff List, Current Operating Budget, Proof of D&O insurance, last 3 years financial statements and audits, if applicable.
Organization’s mission statement or documentation demonstrating the organization's focus on neighborhood improvement through growth and development.

Required Contact Information: Two contacts must be provided.

Name of Applicant Organization or Group

Legal Entity if different from Applicant

Address (Street, City, State, Zip Code, Country)

Census Tract:

Primary Contact Name

Primary Contact First NamePrimary Contact Last Name

Primary Contact Daytime Phone (with area code)

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Primary Contact Evening Phone with area code

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Primary Contact Email Address

example@example.com

Secondary Contact Name

Secondary Contact First NameSecondary Contact Last Name

Secondary Contact Daytime Phone (with area code)

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Secondary Contact Evening Phone (with area code)

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Secondary Contact Email Address

example@example.com

Please upload: Purchase or Option Agreement, Nonprofit Status, Organization mission, etc:

Please describe the property you are seeking to acquire. Include the site address, a map, current photographs, the condition of the property, any known environmental issues, why acquisition of this property is important, and your vision for its future use.

Section 1 File uploads

What are the short-term and long-term goals for this project? Please identify the expected outcomes, explain how they are measurable, and describe how your organization will track and evaluate progress toward achieving them.

How will acquisition of this property enable a future real estate development project? Describe the proposed development, how acquisition is a critical step in moving the project forward, and how the project will contribute to neighborhood revitalization and community goals.

If this acquisition is primarily for long-term strategic site control rather than immediate development, please explain why. Describe how this property fits into your organization's long-term neighborhood development strategy, why securing the site now is important, and what future development opportunities this acquisition will preserve or enable.

How is this project aligned with your neighborhood or community plans? Please describe how the project advances priorities identified in a neighborhood plan, strategic plan, quality of life plan, action plan, or other community planning effort. If applicable, explain how the project responds to a documented community need.

How does this project advance the goals of the Quick Strike Acquisition Program? Please explain how acquisition of this property will preserve, catalyze, or accelerate equitable neighborhood revitalization and future community development.

How have you engaged with relevant community stakeholders regarding this project? Please describe when and how the project has been presented to organizations such as the Community Council, Community Development Corporation (CDC), Business Association, or other neighborhood stakeholders, and summarize any feedback received.

Please upload letters of support from relevant community organizations. Letters from organizations such as the Community Council, CDC, Business Association, or other neighborhood partners should demonstrate community support for the proposed acquisition. (File Upload)

How is this project consistent with City of Cincinnati policy priorities? Please describe how the proposed acquisition and future redevelopment align with applicable City priorities, plans, initiatives, or adopted policies.

Why is Quick Strike acquisition funding critical to this project? Please describe the funding need, explain why acquisition assistance is necessary at this time, and identify any loans, grants, or other financing sources your organization has pursued or secured for this project.

Please provide a preliminary development budget and/or project pro forma. Include any available estimates of acquisition, predevelopment, construction, financing, and other anticipated project costs. (File Upload)

Does the property require immediate stabilization following acquisition? If yes, please describe the stabilization needs, the anticipated scope of work, the estimated costs, and the funding sources that will be used to complete the stabilization activities. If no stabilization is needed, please indicate that.

Please describe your organization's capacity to complete this project. Include your current staff, key volunteers, and board officers (with titles and email addresses), and identify the individuals who will be responsible for managing and implementing this project. Feel free to upload files below instead if that is easier.

Staff, board, officers, volunteers, etc file upload.

Please provide your organization's current operating budget. Demonstrate that your organization has the financial capacity to undertake this project. If your organization is volunteer-led, please describe the expected value of donated goods, services, and volunteer hours that will support this project, and provide an example of a previous project that demonstrates your organization's volunteer capacity. Please upload budget below.

Operating Budget

Describe how your organization has the capacity and/or the necessary partnerships to complete this project successfully and in a timely manner. Include any formal partnerships, consultant relationships, or development team members that will support the project, and provide recent examples of similar projects your organization has completed or advanced. If applicable, upload documentation of formal partnership agreements or commitments. (Optional File Upload)

Organizational Capacity optional file upload:

I certify that, to the best of my knowledge, all information submitted is true and accurate.

Application

Section 1: Project Feasibility:

Section 2: City and Neighborhood Alignment

Section 3: Project Funding

Section 4: Organizational Capacity