Nonprofits are an integral part of what makes a community feel strong and connected. But their impact goes beyond the services they provide. They bring people together, spark new ideas, collaborate to address challenges, and help build a sense of shared responsibility for the place we all call home.
Our region is fortunate to have an incredible network of nonprofits working to improve the lives of others. In recognition of these efforts, each year, The Columbus Foundation spotlights 5 Nonprofits to Watch—those stepping up to lead the way on important issues like housing, childcare, workforce development, and the arts.
Each nonprofit selected in 2026 was awarded a $20,000 unrestricted grant from The Columbus Foundation and will receive a year-long consulting engagement with UpRys, a local strategy consulting and project-based delivery firm, to help address growth, capacity building, and sustainability.
Meet the 5 Nonprofits to Watch:
Dress for Success Columbus
Dress for Success Columbus empowers women to achieve economic mobility by providing a network of support, professional attire, career development, and the tools needed to thrive. The organization serves women from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, working to expand equity, access, and opportunity so that every woman can build a future of stability, confidence, and growth.
"The women that we serve are navigating real-life challenges—but every day they choose to walk through our doors, to show up for themselves, and they are so determined to create a better life for themselves as well as their families."
—Habiba Bankston, Executive Director
Festa
Festa is working to help end poverty for the individuals and families it serves through life changing relationships with multigenerational English education. The organization’s nationally recognized 3-Generation Family English as a Second Language (ESL) program serves families from over 90 countries of origin. By mobilizing hundreds of volunteers, Festa is building community and friendships across lines of difference that transform neighbors’ lives.
"Festa is serving our neighbors. Our flagship program is a three generation English as a second language program where we serve infants to grandparents, and every person in the family gets the education they need to go from surviving to thriving."
—Kim Emch, Founder and Executive Director
Home for Families
Home for Families partners with families and youth to resolve their housing crises, strengthen financial stability, and bridge education gaps to prevent future homelessness. Originally founded as The Homeless Families Foundation in 1986, Home for Families works alongside landlords, government agencies, and community partners to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing solutions to families.
"Home for Families partners with households to help them resolve their extreme housing crisis. Our job is to really walk alongside them, help them navigate and help guide them as they transition from crisis to stability. Our families are resilient, resourceful, and they are brave."
—Beth Fetzer-Rice, President and CEO
Opera Columbus
Opera Columbus is redefining and reimagining the concept of regional opera with world-class productions that celebrate extraordinary talent and artistic partnerships, engaging a new, diverse audience for this most magnificent of art forms. From groundbreaking collaborations to innovative and breathtaking productions, Opera Columbus is passionate about creating artistic moments for each and every patron.
"Opera Columbus’ mission is to bring world-class opera to our community to entertain, pique curiosity, inspire, and create a cultural ecosystem in our beautiful city—whether that’s having pop up performances in all our neighborhoods or through one of our main stages shows."
—Julia Noulin-Mérat, General Director + CEO
YWCA Columbus
YWCA Columbus is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Founded in 1886, YWCA Columbus invests in the community by offering housing support and shelter, advancing social justice through education and engagement, supporting the development of children and youth, and answering the evolving needs of our region.
"What makes us so special is that we have front-line service programs. We serve more than 1,200 children every day in childcare, we serve hundreds of families in our housing and sheltering work, and we also stand up and fight for a better future for those families through our advocacy and social justice work."
—Elizabeth Brown, President and CEO
