A community-focused fund helping central Ohio individuals and families with emergency needs.
In 2014, a Columbus Foundation donor approached the Foundation with an idea—to establish a fund that provides one-time grants to help lift up individuals and families who experience an unexpected setback.
The Gifts of Kindness Fund was established in September 2014, with a generous gift of $500,000 from that compassionate donor. The goal is not only to provide financial support but to illustrate how acts of kindness throughout our community make a difference—and inspire others to do the same.
We were inspired to create the Gifts of Kindness Fund for two reasons: to provide meaningful, one-time, life-changing gifts to help lift people up during a setback, and to motivate others to participate in acts of kindness as well.
GIFTS OF KINDNESS FOUNDING DONOR
Make a contribution to the fund to help others in our community.
A client experienced homelessness after being terminated from their job due to COVID-19 and leaving a domestic violence situation in their residence. Gifts of Kindness covered car payments as they continued to drive to work and live in the car while saving for an apartment.
A diabetic client's insulin, syringes, and other necessary medicine were taken during a home invasion. Gifts of Kindness covered one month of rent so that client could afford to purchase replacement medical supplies.
A client’s work hours were cut in March 2020, followed by her being furloughed. Due to an extended delay in receiving unemployment assistance, she was at risk of eviction. Gift of Kindness provided two months of rent to help her avoid eviction.
Gifts of Kindness has been life-changing for many of our Goodwill employees. It has helped homeless individuals get back on their feet and provide a roof over their head, employees have not had to worry about stable housing due to short bouts of unemployment or medical issues, and it has truly been a blessing to many of our single parents who have experienced a setback. Gifts of Kindness is ultimately responsible for helping Goodwill employees overcome barriers. Thank you!
Christi Meuser, Family Strengthening Coordinator, Goodwill Industries
Pictured: Distribution of grants from the Gifts of Kindness Fund, 2020-2021.
*funeral costs, 2 washer/dryer sets, cockroach extermination, 3 bedbug treatments, WiFi for online school and remote work for 6 families, toilet replacement, refrigerator repair, hot water tank replacement, 1 roof repair, 2 roof replacements, furnace and air conditioner unit replacement, three months of trash pickup, green card replacement, diapers, Kroger gift cards, bank fees, a storage unit (rented during a family’s move), trash pickup service, one week’s stay in an extended stay hotel (for a family that could temporarily not be in their home due to a sewage backup), supplementing lost income (due to wage garnishment after a vehicle repossession), and three baby swings for new mothers.
Grants from the Gifts of Kindness Fund, usually between $500-$3,000, are awarded to nonprofit partners that work with individuals and families experiencing a sudden hardship. Those funds go directly toward expenses associated with that hardship.
Often, these expenses are related to housing, transportation, and assistance with utilities. Others include, but are not limited to, medical bills, food, and clothing.
The Columbus Foundation does not apply for Gifts of Kindness on behalf of individuals. We partner with nonprofit organizations in Franklin County, Ohio to support individuals during difficult times. Please connect with one of the partner organizations, or contact Lutheran Social Services’ 211 line for referral services.
You can give to the Gifts of Kindness Fund here.
Gifts of Kindness Nonprofit Partners