Columbus, OH (March 18, 2014)—The Columbus Foundation, the trusted philanthropic advisor® to more than 2,000 donors, today announced “5 Nonprofits to Watch”, debuting a new annual program to identify innovative nonprofits that are positioned to make a significant difference in our community.
“The 2014 ‘5 Nonprofits to Watch’ are scaled for impact and growth,” said Douglas F. Kridler, president and CEO of The Columbus Foundation. “Every one of them will have a substantial impact on our community’s progress and quality of life.
Nonprofit organizations are a key component of the business sector in our region and are tied as the third largest employer in Columbus.
The Columbus Foundation and its donors awarded more than $96.6 million in grants in 2012. Given the scope of the Foundation’s grantmaking and its knowledge of the nonprofit sector, the Foundation is in a unique position to share information with those who want to strategically invest in central Ohio’s nonprofits.
The selection of “5 Nonprofits to Watch” is based on research and analysis by the Foundation’s Community Research and Grants Management Department.
The “5 Nonprofits to Watch” in 2014:
Community Shelter Board is addressing an unprecedented need for shelter and is making significant improvements to the adult homeless system, purchasing a building to make more shelter available, and gearing up for an unprecedented $25 million campaign.
Lower Lights Christian Health Center, one of Columbus’ four Federally Qualified Health Centers, has renovated its Broad Street clinic to serve some of the community’s most vulnerable residents, and will provide important leadership for both the Franklinton and Hilltop communities.
Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC), with new staff and board leadership, has earned additional support from the City of Columbus to fund grants’ programs and initiatives. This year, watch for an unprecedented arts branding initiative and increased engagement of young voices in the articulation of the value of culture in our community.
LifeCare Alliance is now home to the Columbus Cancer Clinic, Project OpenHand, Impact Safety, and Community Shares of Ohio. Faced with ongoing government funding cuts, the organization has launched an aggressive endowment campaign.
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is planning for the long-term success of our region, and has created Insight 2050 with its partners Columbus 2020 and the Urban Land Institute, Insight 2050 will test the fiscal, environmental, and public health impacts of alternative land use and transportation scenarios.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor® to more than 2,000 individuals, families, businesses, and communities that have created unique funds to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Serving the region for 70 years, The Columbus Foundation is the seventh largest community foundation in the United States. The Foundation’s online giving marketplace, PowerPhilanthropy®, makes it possible for everyone to access valuable information about nonprofit organizations in central Ohio.