Findlay Market Raised Millions for Expansion

The Cincinnati landmark secured $19.3 million toward a $21 million capital campaign goal for infrastructure.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy

Findlay Market Raised Millions for Expansion

Live Poll

Do you believe historic local markets are essential to the vitality of your community?

Findlay Market has successfully secured $19.3 million of its $21 million goal through the Findlay Forward capital campaign. These funds were raised from foundations, corporations, and the city of Cincinnati to support essential infrastructure and future growth.

Why it matters

The campaign serves as a critical effort to maintain the health of the historic market during a period of local revitalization in Cincinnati. It provides the necessary resources to upgrade aging building infrastructure and bolster support for the local food entrepreneur incubator.

The campaign has raised $19.3 million of its $21 million target, with $13.4 million earmarked for infrastructure and $2.9 million for food business support. The market reported $8 million in total revenue for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.

The players

Corporation for Findlay Market

This nonprofit organization is responsible for the ongoing management and operation of the historic Cincinnati marketplace.

Findlay Kitchen

This facility operates as a business incubator that provides support and commercial space to food-based small businesses.

The details

Managed by the Corporation for Findlay Market, the initiative focuses on sustaining the site's role as a business incubator, which has supported over 300 small businesses since 2016. Recent efforts have already seen the completion of essential bathroom updates and other infrastructure improvements.

Timeline

  1. The Corporation for Findlay Market was established in 2000.

  2. The nonprofit assumed management duties from the city in 2004.

  3. The Findlay Kitchen incubator launched in 2016.

  4. The market's fiscal year concluded on June 30, 2025.

  5. The site plans to host a 175th anniversary parade in 2027.

Market Landscape

The capital campaign aligns with the upcoming 175th anniversary of Findlay Market, building on long-term growth patterns within the regional food sector. This investment reinforces the market's position against competitors by modernizing infrastructure that has served the city since 1852.

Shoppers can expect improved facilities and a more robust pipeline of new local food businesses as a result of the completed infrastructure projects. These improvements are designed to ensure the continued accessibility and operational quality of the market for the entire community.

The takeaway

Large-scale nonprofit fundraising can successfully bridge the gap between historic preservation and modern infrastructure needs. Readers interested in supporting local development should monitor public capital campaigns for opportunities to participate in city-wide revitalization efforts.

What happens next

The market plans to celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2027, during which major donors will be recognized at an opening day parade.

Further reading

Learn more about local charitable initiatives on our Philanthropy section page.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Cincinnati.

Live Poll

Do you believe historic local markets are essential to the vitality of your community?