Each year, The Columbus Foundation recognizes 5 Nonprofits to Watch that exemplify strong leadership and a deep commitment to expanding opportunity for people throughout our region. Congratulations to the 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2026: Dress for Success Columbus, Festa, Home for Families, Opera Columbus, and YWCA Columbus.

From the court to the community, Clark Kellogg has spent his life learning what makes teams thrive. A former professional athlete and award-winning sports analyst, Clark now brings those lessons to his role as Chairperson of The Columbus Foundation’s Governing Committee. In this month’s At the Table, he sits down with Amy Vick, Vice President of Communications and Marketing, to share how teamwork, leadership, and shared purpose shape his approach to philanthropy—and to life.

The Columbus Foundation’s Summer Fellowship offers college students and recent graduates a powerful opportunity to gain hands-on nonprofit experience, build professional skills, and contribute to meaningful community projects. Read the latest blog to hear from current and past Fellows—and learn how eligible students can apply for the 2026 cohort.

The back-to-school season is in full swing—but for many central Ohio nonprofits, the important work of supporting students both inside and outside the classroom is year-round. Local nonprofits help ensure that students in our community are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive. This month, we spotlight Charity Newsies and its efforts to boost educational outcomes by providing clothing assistance to families in need.

Through community engagement, grantmaking, supporting research, and partnerships, the Center for HumanKindness at The Columbus Foundation is on a mission to inspire acts of kindness and strengthen social connections in our community. Knowing that the community is our greatest asset, the Center for HumanKindness collaborates with individuals and organizations to build stronger social ties and encourage more kindness throughout our region.

This month’s At the Table blog features Dr. David Harrison, Spirit of Columbus® Award honoree and President of Columbus State, reflecting on the power of partnerships, expanding opportunity, and preparing central Ohio for the future.

Stronger communities start with listening. On the blog, explore how The Columbus Foundation’s Designing for Community Well-Being practice uncovers deeper truths, builds authentic partnerships, and co-creates solutions to meet community needs.

The historic Pythian Temple on Columbus’ Near East Side is entering a new chapter. Maroon Arts Group has acquired the landmark to preserve its legacy as a hub for Black arts and culture while transforming it into the Maroon Culture Lab—an innovative space for creativity, collaboration, and community. Learn how this visionary nonprofit is restoring history and shaping the future.

For more than 50 years, The Columbus Foundation has supported students’ educational dreams through Scholarship Funds. These unique funds, made possible by the generosity of donors, provide students with crucial financial support to help ensure that the cost of attending school doesn’t stand in the way of achieving their educational goals. Many of these Scholarship Funds are part of The Columbus Foundation’s Universal Scholarship Application, an online application where students can apply to gain access to more than 100 scholarship opportunities. The Universal Scholarship Application is due Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Working in partnership with nearly 50 local nonprofits, the Gifts of Kindness program has provided more than $6 million in grant support to more than 3,300 households in the Columbus region. These grants—which are usually between $500 and $3,000—ensure that one setback doesn’t spiral into prolonged instability by helping people cover essential expenses.