Cincinnati – September 10, 2025 – The Cincinnati Regional Chamber and Movers & Makers Publishing are proud to announce a new partnership in which the Cincinnati Chamber Foundation will serve as fiscal sponsor of MMP, which operates as an Ohio nonprofit corporation. This partnership will allow the Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, to accept tax-deductible and charitable contributions on behalf of MMP as part of MMP’s ongoing operations.
Founded originally in 1995 as a for-profit publication known as Express Cincinnati, then re-branded as Movers & Makers in 2015, MMP converted to nonprofit status in late 2020 in response to the pressures of the pandemic. Since January 2021, MMP has been under the fiscal sponsorship of Inspiring Service and, more recently, that nonprofit’s local subsidiary, Cincinnati Cares, which now operates independently.
This current shift is intended to ensure the continued existence of MMP as co-publishers Thom and Elizabeth Mariner begin the multi-year process of handing off management and design to the next generation. No timeline is yet in place for that transition. At this time, the Chamber Foundation’s fiduciary responsibilities are solely outlined as a recipient of contributions on behalf of MMP.
According to Thom Mariner, “We are excited about the sanction, advocacy and connectivity the Cincinnati Regional Chamber can offer as we position M&M as a media outlet most focused on what makes Greater Cincinnati distinctive and compelling among cities our size: world-class arts and culture, a unique blend of heritage and innovation, and a proud history of philanthropic investment.”
“As a Chamber, we know that cultural vibrancy is directly tied to regional growth,” said Brendon Cull, president and CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. “Movers & Makers has long been a trusted storyteller for the organizations, people, and traditions that make Greater Cincinnati unique. By helping ensure its sustainability, we’re supporting the broader ecosystem that draws talent, investment, and pride to our region.”
(Photo by Helen Adams for Movers & Makers)
In encouragement of this new fiscal sponsorship, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation has pledged an initial $25,000 grant to solidify MMP as it begins to explore additional ways to fund growth and innovation, through other local and national grants, sponsorships and individual donations.
“Movers & Makers has long been an important outlet for the nonprofit and philanthropic community. At Greater Cincinnati Foundation, we believe a strong philanthropic ecosystem depends on platforms that elevate voices, foster connection, and celebrate impact. By supporting this next chapter for MMP, we’re investing not only in the future of a vital institution, but in the cultural vibrancy and civic engagement that make Greater Cincinnati extraordinary,” said Matthew Randazzo, president & CEO of GCF.
MMP plans to continue to publish a monthly print publication and maintain a strong online presence covering the regional arts & culture and nonprofit sectors.
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About the Cincinnati Regional Chamber Foundation
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber Foundation’s mission is to develop and promote economic development, talent initiatives and the unique offerings in the Cincinnati region. As a part of those efforts, the Chamber Foundation currently supports a wide variety of work of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, including talent initiatives, diversity and inclusion efforts, fundraising for a variety of programming, BLINK®, the Workforce Innovation Center, and the Minority Business Accelerator. In addition, the Foundation routinely serves as a fiscal sponsor for a wide range of efforts by affiliates and other economic development initiatives focused on building economic vibrancy across the entire region.
About Movers & Makers
Movers & Makers has served as the public voice of Greater Cincinnati nonprofits since 1995 and will celebrate 30 years in November. M&M is a free print and digital publication spotlighting catalysts and creatives shaping the future of Greater Cincinnati arts and culture, community engagement, education, the environment, health care, medical research, social justice and social services. Including comprehensive event listings for arts & culture and fundraising, M&M is the region’s only nonprofit media outlet dedicated to celebrating and strengthening the full spectrum of the area’s nonprofit and philanthropic ecosystem. Today M&M publishes 11 free print issues each year, and couples that print presence with daily posts of nonprofit news, social media shares and a free, weekly e-newsletter.
About Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Greater Cincinnati Foundation is the region’s leading community foundation, serving an eight-county region in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Through trusted partnerships and thoughtful stewardship of community assets, GCF builds a more vibrant, opportunity-rich and equitable region for everyone — now, and for generations to come.
Media Contact: Amy Fitzgibbons, Vice President Marketing & Communications, Cincinnati Regional Chamber
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