Since 1943, The Columbus Foundation has been dedicated to strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of central Ohio residents.
Here's what you can look forward to receiving from us in your inbox: our At the Table newsletter, invitations to community-wide events, and information on ways to support our community.
A beloved figure of Columbus jazz, Bobby Floyd received The Spirit of Columbus® Award in recognition of a lifetime of artistry, determination, and inspiration that has enriched the cultural life of central Ohio.
From helping young people explore future pathways to celebrating generosity, nonprofit innovation, and civic connection, this issue of NEXUS highlights the people and programs strengthening central Ohio.
The Big Table® will take place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Registration opens Thursday, August 13. Launched in 2016, The Big Table is an annual day of community-wide conversation designed to inspire authentic human connection and civic engagement.
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A world-renowned visual artist and 2025 Columbus True Original, Ann Hamilton’s art may best be described as a multi-sensory experience that is tactile, immersive, and ephemeral.
Hamilton’s influence on the visual arts cannot be overstated, nor can her creativity or originality. As she poignantly stated, “One doesn’t arrive—in words or in art—by necessarily knowing where one is going. In every work of art something appears that does not previously exist, and so, by default, you work from what you know to what you don’t know. You may set out for New York, but you may find yourself as I did in Ohio.”
Created in 2019, Columbus’ True Originals celebrates those in our community who expand the horizons of Columbus through groundbreaking, original work.
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Recently named a Columbus True Original, Bill Willis was the first Black starter in professional football and, alongside teammate Marion Motley, is widely credited for helping to break the sport’s color barrier. In 1977, because of his impressive skill and enduring impact on the game, Willis was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Today, Willis is celebrated for his accomplishments both on and off the field. After retiring from the NFL, Willis served as the Director of the Ohio Youth Commission, a state agency dedicated to combatting criminality among young people.
His legacy—as a husband, father, professional athlete, and community leader—remains an inspiration, demonstrating the power of perseverance, hard work, and service to others.
“People would ask us, ‘Did we want to play football, to be like him?’” Willis’ oldest son, Bill Willis, Jr., told The New York Times in 2020. “Well, we wanted to be like the man he was.”
Created in 2019, Columbus’ True Originals celebrates those in our community who expand the horizons of Columbus through groundbreaking, original work.
The 2025 Big Table Report
Your participation was crucial to making The Big Table on October 21, 2025, an inspiring day of kindness and conversation. Thank you for playing a role in creating a strong, connected community where everyone is valued. Read highlights of participant survey responses, the topics we talked about, and what we are learning together in The Big Table Report.
VIEW THE REPORT
Long before Amazon, Facebook, and Google became household names, Jeff Wilkins entered an unassuming building at 1387 W 5th Avenue in Upper Arlington to launch CompuServe, a computer time-sharing service.
Equipped with little more than a folding chair and a phone book, Wilkins would go on to successfully help build a company that would fundamentally transform the way people connect and share information online.
Created in 2019, Columbus’ True Originals celebrates those in our community who expand the horizons of Columbus through groundbreaking, original work.
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A legendary jazz musician, Rahsaan Roland Kirk delighted audiences with his legendary ability to play several horns at once, often harmonizing with himself.
He knew his purpose in life was to be creative and to make music,” explained Marchbanks. “His philosophy was that music brings people together. Music is a healing force in the universe.”
Created in 2019, Columbus’ True Originals celebrates those in our community who expand the horizons of Columbus through groundbreaking, original work.
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A small act of kindness can have a big impact. Help local individuals and families overcome unexpected hardships by supporting the Gifts of Kindness Fund.
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