Philanthropy is a major factor when it comes to bettering a community. For more than 70 years, The Columbus Foundation has been putting its best foot forward to help the community put its best foot forward on the global stage.

From emergency response projects to preservation projects, this multi-faceted nonprofit organization is committed to positive change.

The Columbus Foundation: Where it All Began

The year was 1943 and central Ohio was in the throes of the aftermath of the Great Depression, which devastated families across the state. Harrison M. Sayre and a group of impassioned citizens banded together to establish The Columbus Foundation, a nonprofit organization destined to make a difference in the Columbus community.

Riding the philanthropic wave sweeping the United States, The Columbus Foundation quickly picked up momentum with its first $25 donation coming from Olga Anna Jones, the first female city councilmember of Columbus.

A Spirited Journey: Years One Through 70

In their first 70 years, The Columbus Foundation grew from a small acorn of an idea and “has flourished into an oak tree of stature and strength for the central Ohio community,” according to their website. Their initial $25 investment has grown to more than $2.25 billion in assets, making it one of the top 10 largest community foundations in the country.

In their next 70 years, the foundation has big aspirations of changing the Columbus community through strategic responses to specific community needs that arise. This concept began in 2003 when The Foundation announced its first Critical Need Alert.

The Columbus Foundation also works with a wide range of local charities and organizations to provide a network of support to those who need it. Members of the Columbus community can even start their own Better Together campaigns on the foundation’s website and donations can be made in a few clicks.

What They’re Doing to Change Young Lives in Ohio

The Columbus Foundation offers unwavering support for the community with many different ongoing projects, fundraisers, and programs. Each year, the organization allocates hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds to several targeted priority areas.

In addition to their long-standing programs and projects, The Columbus Foundation will focus on four key community issues, including:

• Addressing the Racial Equity Wealth Gap by partnering with other organizations like Forward Cities.
• Bridging the Digital Divide by making high-speed internet more accessible across the community.
• Emergency Response Fund to support organizations that are combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Preservation of the Arts to provide additional support for Columbus’ arts infrastructure.

How You Can Give with The Columbus Foundation

The Columbus Foundation relies heavily on their many recurring donors to fund their community-changing projects. You can choose a project you’re particularly passionate about through The Giving Store—your one-stop shop for charitable giving—on their page and donate directly to the cause.

Be sure to connect with them on Facebook, so you can see how your donation is helping make a difference in your community.