December 29, 2025
The Cincy Cultural Resource Center Foundation
Evolving Toward a Self‑Determined Future
The Cincy Cultural Resource Center Foundation was created to ensure that University of Cincinnati students continue to receive meaningful cultural support, programming, and resources during a time of significant change. A new set of laws in 2025, state of Ohio law SB1 and Federal Executive Order 14151, restricts state universities and colleges from funding programs that serve African American students, women students, and other underrepresented student populations.
The Cincy Cultural Resource Center Foundation is privately funded to ensure student life at UC continues to be enriched by diverse programs. To date we have helped student organizations deliver several programs and events during the UC Fall semester, however more funding needs remain this Spring semester and for the coming years. We are launching our 1,000 Alumni donate $100 campaign to support student programming and grants.
Rooted in alumni leadership and community commitment, the Foundation exists to enrich UC student life and experiences by sustaining and sharing culture, and strengthening community. The following newsletter provides details.
Our Journey
In 2025, federal and state policy changes reshaped how cultural programming and student support could be funded and delivered at the University of Cincinnati. In response, UC alumni, students, and community leaders came together to build an independent foundation dedicated to preserving access, opportunity, and cultural continuity.
What began as a single conversation among alumni quickly evolved into a structured, student‑centered organization with a clear mission and growing impact.
Timeline
January 20–21, 2025
President Donald Trump signs Executive Order 14151, titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, directing federal agencies to eliminate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI/DEIA) offices, policies, and programs. While applying directly to federal agencies, the order influenced how colleges and universities nationwide evaluated DEI‑related funding, guidance, and compliance. These evaluations affected cultural programs, student support services, and initiatives serving African American students, women students, and other underrepresented populations.
February 19, 2025
Following a University of Cincinnati basketball game, alumni conversations spark action around the need for independent (non-University supported) private funding mechanisms to sustain cultural and student support previously provided by the AACRC. An alumni Task Force was initiated to organize around this new need. The vision was to establish private funding to enable Student Programs, Student Grants, and a Physical Space. Upon meeting with students the priorities were refined to Student Programs, Student Grants, and broadening Student organization funding support.
March 13, 2025
The Cincy Cultural Resource Center Foundation (the Foundation) is officially established.
March 28, 2025
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signs Senate Bill 1 (Advance Ohio Higher Education Act) into law, restricting race‑based funding, labor, and programming at public state universities across Ohio, including the University of Cincinnati. Institutions were required to evaluate and modify certain cultural programs, staffing models, and funding structures to comply with state law.
April 7, 2025
Our Foundation establishes a fiscal partnership with the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, enabling us to initiate transparent and compliant fundraising.
June 24–25, 2025
In compliance with state law, the University of Cincinnati closes and renames the African American Cultural & Resource Center, transitioning the space to a generally titled Cultural Center. At this time the UC Board of Trustees approves its SB1 compliance plan, resulting in University wide changes to campus cultural support structures.
July 17, 2025
The Foundation receives official IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. It also establishes the Foundation’s Board of Trustees structure to include alumni, local professionals and student seats.
Fall 2025
Working in close partnership with several UC student organizations, the priority student programs to deliver during Fall Semester were determined. The Foundation also developed and launched the Student Grants program. Fundraising efforts by the Foundation have successfully funded priority Fall student programming priorities. Ongoing fundraising efforts continue to enable the fulfillment of the Foundation’s mission and vision.
Student Support
During Fall Semester 2025 the Foundation provided funding that enabled student organizations (UBSA, UCASA, NPHC - the Devine 9) to deliver the annual Akwaaba freshman orientation event in Great Hall. This student welcome and orientation program served over 2,000 students and welcomed incoming UC freshmen.
The Foundation also provided funding to support the UBSA sponsored Family Weekend event held at the Center. Celebrating students, families, and community connection at the University of Cincinnati. Hundreds of students and their families participated in this strong cultural event.
What is Next?
The upcoming Spring Semester has important priority programs the Foundation will be supporting including:
Kuamka (Jan) - crowning 2026 student leaders, Mr. and Ms. Kuamka during the Jan 26 - 31 event.
Tyehimba (May) - An African American cultural graduation experience. This event is now led by a local church which we intend to support.
Initiating Grant Funding support to students in need.
Fiscal Sponsorship to support broader student organizations: We are leveraging our Foundation’s status to enable a broader array of student organizations that may not have had their programs directly under the AACRC historically, but are impacted by the state of Ohio new law.
What is Still Missing?
While we are proud of the programs and events we have supported to date we are well aware of the tremendous need that remains. There are many programs that have shaped the experience of students for generations that remain at risk without continued donations and support. A few of these vital programs are
Transitions Program
Spring Break Tour
State of Black UC
Dr. MLK, Jr. Tribute
Ushindi
(BSC) BASE Steering Committee
Brother 2 Brother
Sister Impacting Sister
Habari Gani Ambassadors
AACRC Choir
Our Ask
The Foundation’s leadership has led multiple fundraising efforts since our start and we continue our efforts to fundraise to meet our mission. From this past summer’s Juneteenth Celebration in Eden Park, through the Alpha's Double A Homecoming weekend tailgate, to video conference briefings and personal outreach we have used multiple avenues to build awareness and fundraise. We have held several various newspaper and radio interviews along with live informational events at local businesses.
We are working to launch ongoing social media awareness and fundraising efforts that will both promote the successful student events we are supporting and also acknowledge the many programs at risk of elimination without greater funding support. Below are our short and long term funding goals and related campaigns.
Fundraising Goals Short Term / Long Term
$30,000 in Spring semester of 2026. $15k to fund Kuamka week and $15k to support Tyehimba (African American Culture Graduation).
Current “1K Campaign” - 1,000 people give $100 = $100K.
Long term vision is to enable $750,000 annually in total donations to cover all Programming and enable Student Grants.
Fiscal Summary
Total Fundraising through Fall 2025
$18,423
Student Programs Funding Support
($4,191)
Balance
$14,232
The foundation would like to acknowledge the over 300 donors that have contributed to this important mission to date. Your spirit of giving and making a difference to support ongoing robust and diverse student life experiences at the University of Cincinnati is highly valued and appreciated!
Students Leading
The work of the Foundation has enabled many alumni the opportunity to work closely with student leaders as they manage through the changes driven by new state law. It has been inspiring to see and experience the exceptional student organization leaders on UC’s campus as they navigate the current environment. The Foundation would like to acknowledge the students and organizations that have demonstrated important leadership this year. The programs we are directly supporting have been supported by student leaders from UBSA, UCASA, and the Divine 9. Additional student organizations and leaders that have stepped up to this challenge include the Business Fellows, and Student Government.