The Columbus Foundation has invested in the neighborhood through numerous grants that support the arts, youth services, workforce development, housing, social connection, and more. This whole-neighborhood approach is designed to expand opportunity and improve the quality of life among individuals and families living on the Near East Side.
For 70 years, the Columbus Youth Foundation has empowered thousands of local youth through grants supporting recreation, education, and leadership. As the first Supporting Foundation at The Columbus Foundation, it has awarded over $5.5 million to more than 100 nonprofits, creating lasting community impact.
Bill Willis—one of Columbus’ True Originals—helped break football’s color barrier, overcoming adversity to become a legendary athlete and community leader whose enduring legacy inspires generations in Columbus and beyond.
In October 2024, the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland opened the AEP Foundation STEM Leadership Center and CK Construction Maker Space—a 25,000-square-foot facility that is the largest Girl Scout STEM Center in the United States.
In March, The Columbus Foundation announced this year’s 5 Nonprofits to Watch: Dress for Success Columbus, Festa, Home for Families, Opera Columbus, and YWCA Columbus.
As the creator of one of the first online giving days in 2008, The Columbus Foundation has seen impressive growth in online giving as well as the rise of community (and even global!) giving days in the past 10 years.
Dr. Mark Lomax II, discusses how his work as an artist intersects with his work as a community research and grants management officer at The Columbus Foundation.
The Big Table is a day-long event where community-led conversations take place across central Ohio. This year, The Big Table happens on Wednesday, August 28.