Green Umbrella
Green Umbrella
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Company Information
Green Umbrella serves as the regional sustainability alliance of Greater Cincinnati, with hundreds of member organizations and individuals passionate about enhancing the environmental health and vitality of our region.
Our Mission: We lead collaboration, incubate ideas and catalyze solutions that create a resilient, sustainable region for all.
Our Vision: A vibrant community where sustainability is woven into our ways of life.
10-County Regional Footprint: Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren (in Ohio); Boone, Campbell, Grant, and Kenton (in Kentucky); and Dearborn and Franklin (in Indiana).
Company History
The organization that became Green Umbrella began in 1998. It was a response to diminishing natural areas and biodiversity in the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana region. Citizens and organizations came together to find ways to preserve and restore greenspace. The fledgling organization developed the first strategic plan to guide efforts and help environmental groups work together more effectively.
Recognizing the importance of raising awareness and encouraging the enjoyment of natural areas, Green Umbrella began hosting Great Outdoor Weekend in 2010. This annual showcase of outdoor recreation and education allows our member organizations to present hundreds of free events, attracting thousands of participants.
In 2011, Green Umbrella significantly expanded its mission. In partnership with Agenda 360 and Vision 2015 (now Skyward), Cincinnati’s leading planning initiatives, we became the sustainability alliance for the region. We hired our first executive director, adopted the Collective Impact model, and created Action Teams focused on key issue areas. The Teams built strategic partnerships to improve economic vitality and quality of life by maximizing environmental sustainability.
Green Umbrella found that we were able to add significant value by aiding nonprofit start-ups. Their successes show how Collective Impact and a strong backbone organization can support aligned activities. Organizations we have “incubated” include Red Bike, Taking Root, Outdoor Adventure Clubs (now Adventure Crew), and Sidestreams Foundation. We also found success in coordinating grant applications, distributing funds to our member organizations. The results have exceeded what individual organizations could achieve individually.
Recognizing the importance of raising awareness and encouraging the enjoyment of natural areas, Green Umbrella began hosting Great Outdoor Weekend in 2010. This annual showcase of outdoor recreation and education allows our member organizations to present hundreds of free events, attracting thousands of participants.
In 2011, Green Umbrella significantly expanded its mission. In partnership with Agenda 360 and Vision 2015 (now Skyward), Cincinnati’s leading planning initiatives, we became the sustainability alliance for the region. We hired our first executive director, adopted the Collective Impact model, and created Action Teams focused on key issue areas. The Teams built strategic partnerships to improve economic vitality and quality of life by maximizing environmental sustainability.
Green Umbrella found that we were able to add significant value by aiding nonprofit start-ups. Their successes show how Collective Impact and a strong backbone organization can support aligned activities. Organizations we have “incubated” include Red Bike, Taking Root, Outdoor Adventure Clubs (now Adventure Crew), and Sidestreams Foundation. We also found success in coordinating grant applications, distributing funds to our member organizations. The results have exceeded what individual organizations could achieve individually.