Initiatives Help Nonprofits Navigate Change and Address Community Needs
Across the region, nonprofits are facing mounting pressures, from disruptions in government funding and workforce shortages to rapid technological change. Meanwhile, economic uncertainty and shifting public policy are driving more people to seek help with housing, healthcare, food, and other essential services— forcing organizations to rethink how they operate and serve the community.
Last year, in response to these growing challenges, The Columbus Foundation introduced two initiatives designed to bolster local nonprofits: the Emergency Response Fund II and the Center for Change Management.
The Emergency Response Fund II at The Columbus Foundation offers individuals and businesses a way to donate to support local nonprofits that are addressing urgent community needs. Through this fund, the Foundation has awarded grants to organizations serving people experiencing homelessness, immigrants and refugees, and youth. Additional funding has helped nonprofits expand food and healthcare access, deliver educational enrichment programs in schools, and support local public radio.
One such grant was awarded to Produce Perks Midwest, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to affordable, healthy food in underserved communities.
In February, after the unexpected termination of a federal grant, The Columbus Foundation provided $100,000 to help sustain the organization’s match program in central Ohio. This initiative doubles the value of SNAP/EBT dollars spent on fruits and vegetables at participating locations, expanding the purchasing power for low-income households while boosting revenue for local farmers and retailers.
While grants like this provide critical immediate support, many organizations also face longer-term operational challenges. The Center for Change Management was developed at The Columbus Foundation as a resource to help nonprofits build capacity and navigate evolving needs. Since launching in September, the Center has become a hub for nonprofits seeking guidance on leadership transitions, financial sustainability, governance challenges, and strategic decision-making.
“In its first several months, the Center for Change Management received more than 90 inquiries from nonprofit leaders across central Ohio—demonstrating the scale of the challenges organizations are facing and the demand for practical, responsive support,” said Erin Scott, Director of Capacity Building and Community Knowledge at The Columbus Foundation. “Through individualized advising, peer learning opportunities, and connections to trusted consultants, the Center is helping organizations address issues that can otherwise stall progress or threaten stability.”
Together, these efforts reflect The Columbus Foundation’s commitment to addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of central Ohio’s nonprofit sector. By providing flexible funding and strategic support, the Foundation is helping organizations remain resilient, responsive, and ready to meet the moment.