Capacity-building and Leadership

Grantmaking Focus

Leadership development and organizational capacity-building are more than nonprofit buzzwords. The future of central Ohio’s charitable sector depends on nurturing dynamic, skilled leaders while enhancing nonprofits’ ability to manage their finances and programs successfully.

The Columbus Foundation seeks to fund high-performing organizations for grants that boost personal or institutional efficacy among nonprofits and their staff. These awards may support education, technical assistance, consultants, or technology, with a focus on sharing best practices. Success will be measured differently for each grant, but the Foundation will look for evidence that enhanced capacity leads to more efficient or effective service to the community.

Grant Application Instructions and Deadline

To apply for a Capacity-building and Leadership grant, contact a community research and grants management officer to discuss your organization’s needs. Unsolicited applications are not accepted. A PowerPhilanthropy portrait is not required to apply, but will be required if you are a grantee. Organization audits are included in PowerPhilanthropy portraits; please refer to the Foundation's audit requirement and to the audit exemption request form.

The Columbus Foundation asks all nonprofit organizations that receive funding to help promote the
vital role philanthropy plays in strengthening our community, and the importance of charitable
giving to your organization’s effort to carry out its mission.

Reporting Requirements

Final Reports are due 30 days following the end of the grant period.

Staff Contact

Sandi Smith, ssmith@columbusfoundation.org or 614/251-4000.