Business Details
31 Years
experience
Community Shares Of Greater Cincinnati - Social Justice Incubator
Community Shares Of Greater Cincinnati has served as a vital social justice incubator for nearly three decades, uniting progressive charities focused on equity, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. Our organization provides critical infrastructure through coordinated workplace campaigns that have distributed over $4 million to local nonprofits while offering training programs to enhance nonprofit excellence. With a woman-led, diverse board and a proven track record of policy advocacy, we empower member organizations to address systemic challenges through collective action.Our fiscal sponsorship model supports emerging grassroots initiatives, ensuring even small organizations can create meaningful community impact. Through initiatives like the Margaret Fuller Lecture Series and Science on Tap discussions, we foster public engagement with pressing social issues while maintaining rigorous compliance standards for all member charities.
Services
Workplace Campaigns
Fiscal Sponsorship
Nonprofit Training
Advocacy Support
Community Networking
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We distribute over $4 million annually to local charities through coordinated workplace campaigns
- Our nonprofit excellence training programs benefit 28+ member organizations annually
- We provide fiscal sponsorship for emerging social justice initiatives
- Our policy advocacy supports progressive legislation at municipal and state levels
- We maintain rigorous compliance standards for all member charities
Services
Workplace Campaigns
We facilitate workplace giving programs that enable employees to support local charities through payroll deductions. Our campaigns offer total choice giving options including designated gifts to specific member organizations or undesignated contributions. Employers benefit from increased workplace morale while charities receive critical funding through this streamlined annual fundraising mechanism.
Fiscal Sponsorship
Our fiscal agency oversight program supports emerging social justice groups through administrative infrastructure and mentorship. This incubation model enables grassroots organizations to focus on mission delivery while we handle compliance requirements. We currently support initiatives addressing LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, and marginalized community needs across the tri-state region.
Nonprofit Training
We deliver professional development programs that enhance nonprofit operational excellence through best practices in governance, fundraising, and program evaluation. Our training includes networking opportunities and collaborative initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness. Member charities receive tailored resources to improve sustainability and community impact measurement.
Policy Advocacy
We advocate for progressive public policies affecting marginalized populations through direct lobbying and coalition-building efforts. Our advocacy focuses on social equity, environmental protections, and animal welfare legislation. We represent member charity interests at municipal, county, and state levels while maintaining strict compliance with 501(h) election requirements.
Community Networking
Our Margaret Fuller Lecture Series and Science on Tap discussions create platforms for community dialogue on critical social issues. These quarterly virtual events feature expert panels addressing topics at the intersection of economic justice, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare while fostering cross-sector collaboration among stakeholders.
People
T. Duane Gordon
Chief Executive Officer
CEO since 2019 with 20+ years nonprofit leadership experience including roles at Middletown Community Foundation and Community Foundation for Mississippi. Recognized for community service and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library expansion in Ohio.
Claire Homan
Bookeeper
Part-time financial professional with diverse experience in nonprofit operations and higher education. Focuses on process improvement and data-driven outcomes. Joined in 2023 after roles at Xavier University and engineering firm The Modal Shop.
Isabella Frueh
Board President
Founder of Think-IF Consulting with 17 years in education and nonprofit sectors. Specializes in mission alignment and program evaluation. Graduate of multiple leadership programs including YWCA Rising Stars Equity Leadership and serves on NAEYC advisory council.
Jen Scott
Board Vice-President
Equality Ohio Director of Advocacy with background in chemistry and IT consulting. Community organizer and Cincinnati Pride Parade Chair. Manages Science on Tap Cincinnati educational program while advocating for social justice policy reforms.
Kimberly McGinnis
Board Member
Perinatal outreach program manager at Mercy Health with certifications in doula services, lactation counseling, and community health work. Advocate for birth equity and social justice facilitator trained through University of Cincinnati's Racial Awareness Program.
Questions
How can my workplace participate in Community Shares campaigns?
Contact our office to implement a payroll deduction program that offers employees multiple giving options while providing campaign materials and administrative support.
What types of organizations qualify for membership?
Nonprofits focused on social/economic justice, environmental sustainability, or animal welfare that demonstrate community impact and align with our mission statement.
How are grant awards determined for member organizations?
Funds are distributed based on annual workplace campaign results with additional consideration for special project grants addressing urgent community needs.
What advocacy efforts does Community Shares prioritize?
We focus on legislative reforms that advance equity, environmental protections, and animal welfare while opposing policies that harm marginalized populations.
How does the fiscal sponsorship program work?
Emerging nonprofits receive administrative support and compliance oversight while maintaining programmatic independence under our 501(c)(3) umbrella.
What educational programs do you offer the public?
Our quarterly Margaret Fuller Lecture Series and Science on Tap events feature expert panels discussing social justice, environmental, and animal welfare issues.
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