Greater Cincinnati Foundation: Sustainable Growth and Business Model Intelligence

Case Overview

CF Insights was engaged by The Greater Cincinnati Foundation (GCF) to conduct an in-depth analysis of the total costs and revenues associated with several of its products and services.

GCF wanted to take a deep dive into it’s complex business model in light of its mission and goals for impact. They engaged CF Insights to conduct an in-depth analysis of the total costs and revenues associated with 14 of its products and services to help guide strategic decision-making about its operating model and long term sustainability.

CF Insights conducted an Activity-Based Costing Analysis, providing detailed information the management team and Governing Board needed to make key management and pricing changes to several services. The analysis generated discussion about the investment in community leadership activities and whether new revenue sources could be established to support this work to advance the foundation’s mission and role in the community.

According to CFO Scott McReynolds, through the additional revenue generated by repricing and reprioritizing the growth of key services, he expected that the foundation more than recouped the cost of the project within six months.

About the Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Established in 1963, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation is one of the largest community foundations in the United States. Focused on flexible donor offerings and nationally-recognized community leadership efforts, the foundation manages $470 million in assets and distributes approximately $70 million annually in grants.