Central Ohio’s nonprofit sector is full of dynamic and impactful organizations dedicated to strengthening and improving the region. For more than 10 years, The Columbus Foundation's 5 Nonprofits to Watch program has highlighted an array of nonprofits.
Each of the following organizations, like many nonprofits in our community, has a deep dedication to building a vibrant, thriving central Ohio for all.
Founded in 2012, EPIC Youth has evolved into a comprehensive mentoring and empowerment organization, equipping young people with leadership, career readiness, and life skills. Through in-school programs, leadership academies, mentorship, and youth-centered events, EPIC Youth helps young people lead with purpose.
Green Columbus leads initiatives to enhance environmental sustainability and is dedicated to fostering resilient communities and increasing positive environmental outcomes for central Ohioans. Green Columbus has distributed thousands of free native trees from its community nurseries.
Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO) is a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to low-income individuals and families, veterans, and seniors. The organization works across eight locations, including Columbus, to deliver comprehensive legal services that help reduce poverty and increase opportunity.
Our Helpers is dedicated to improving the lives of immigrant, refugee, and underserved communities in central Ohio. The organization provides vital services and resources, including English as a Second Language classes, digital literacy programs, career counseling, youth development, housing assistance, and more.
Partners Achieving Community Transformation (PACT) started as a partnership involving the City of Columbus, The Ohio State University, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, and Near East Side stakeholders. PACT uses a comprehensive approach to community development to improve access to safe and affordable housing, quality healthcare and education, and employment opportunities.
Previous Honorees
Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio
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Franklinton Farms
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Mansion Day School
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Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio
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We Amplify Voices
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Black Girl Rising, Inc.
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Elevate Northland
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Form5 Prosthetics
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Remember Us Urban Legends
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Riverview International Center
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Halt Violence
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Martin de Porres Center
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Muslim Family Services of Ohio
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Restoring Our Own Through Transformation (ROOTT)
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Sanctuary Night
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Fugees Family |
Columbus Works, Inc. |
Directions for Youth & Families |
Lower Lights Ministries |
Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) |
A Kid Again |
Columbus Early Learning Centers |
Human Service Chamber |
ProMusica |
TECH CORPS |
City Year Columbus |
Columbus Humane |
CompDrug |
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption |
Per Scholas |
Alvis, Inc.
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Catholic Social Services |
Homeport |
Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services |
Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland |
Equitas Health (formerly AIDS Resource Center Ohio Inc.)
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Columbus Metropolitan Library |
Community Properties Impact Corporation |
HandsOn Central Ohio |
Maryhaven, Inc. |
Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus
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Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio |
Columbus Museum of Art |
Reeb Avenue Center |
St. Vincent Family Services |
Community Shelter Board |
Lower Lights Christian Health Center |
Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) |
LifeCare Alliance |
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) |