Program recognizes organizations addressing critical community needs and improving the quality of life in central Ohio
Columbus, OH (March 19, 2026)—The Columbus Foundation announced today the 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2026. Launched in 2014, 5 Nonprofits to Watch is an annual program that honors innovative and impactful organizations working to strengthen and improve the community. With this distinction, each nonprofit will be awarded a $20,000 unrestricted grant from The Columbus Foundation.
The 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2026 are: Dress for Success Columbus, Festa, Home for Families, Opera Columbus, and YWCA Columbus.
PICTURED (l-r): Beth Fetzer-Rice, President & CEO of Home for Families; Elizabeth Brown, President and CEO of YWCA Columbus; Julia Noulin-Mérat, General Director + CEO of Opera Columbus; Habiba Bankston, Executive Director of Dress for Success Columbus; and Kim Emch, Founder and Executive Director of Festa.
“This year’s 5 Nonprofits to Watch each demonstrate the power of visionary leadership, community collaboration, and inclusive programming to move our community forward,” said Dan Sharpe, Vice President of Community Research and Grants Management at The Columbus Foundation.
“Across the organizations’ unique missions, the 5 Nonprofits to Watch are working to build a region where everyone has the opportunity to flourish through self-determination and belonging.”
In addition to the unrestricted grant, each honoree 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. Capacity building projects will be developed by the nonprofits themselves and reflect their greatest priorities.
More about this year’s honorees:
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.
Festa is working to 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.
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.
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.
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.
To learn more about the 5 Nonprofits to Watch, including past honorees, visit The Columbus Foundation’s website.
ABOUT THE COLUMBUS FOUNDATION
The Columbus Foundation, one of the top 10 community foundations in the United States, serves thousands of individuals, families, and businesses that have created unique funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible.