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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.

 

As the 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2026, each of the following organizations, like many nonprofits in our community, has a deep dedication to building a vibrant, thriving central Ohio for all.

Dress for Success Columbus

Dress for Success Columbus empowers women to achieve economic mobility by providing a network of support, professional attire, career development, and the tools needed to thrive. The organization serves women from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, working to expand equity, access, and opportunity so that every woman can build a future of stability, confidence, and growth.

Festa

Festa is working to end poverty for the individuals and families it serves through life changing relationships with multigenerational English education. The organization’s nationally recognized 3-Generation Family English as a Second Language (ESL) program serves families from over 90 countries of origin. By mobilizing hundreds of volunteers, Festa is building community and friendships across lines of difference that transform neighbors’ lives. 

Home for Families

Home for Families partners with families and youth to resolve their housing crises, strengthen financial stability, and bridge education gaps to prevent future homelessness. Originally founded as The Homeless Families Foundation in 1986, Home for Families works alongside landlords, government agencies, and community partners to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing solutions to families. 

Opera Columbus

Opera Columbus is redefining and reimagining the concept of regional opera with world-class productions that celebrate extraordinary talent and artistic partnerships, engaging a new, diverse audience for this most magnificent of art forms. From groundbreaking collaborations to innovative and breathtaking productions, Opera Columbus is passionate about creating artistic moments for each and every patron.

YWCA Columbus

YWCA Columbus is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Founded in 1886, YWCA Columbus invests in the community by offering housing support and shelter, advancing social justice through education and engagement, supporting the development of children and youth, and answering the evolving needs of our region.

Previous Honorees

2025
EPIC Youth
Green Columbus
Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio 
Our Helpers
Partners Achieving Community Transformation
2024
Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio
Franklinton Farms
Mansion Day School
Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio
We Amplify Voices
2023
Black Girl Rising, Inc.
Elevate Northland
Form5 Prosthetics
Remember Us Urban Legends
Riverview International Center
2022
Halt Violence
Martin de Porres Center
Muslim Family Services of Ohio
Restoring Our Own Through Transformation (ROOTT)
Sanctuary Night
2020

Fugees Family

Columbus Works, Inc.

Directions for Youth & Families

Lower Lights Ministries

Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX)

2019
A Kid Again
Columbus Early Learning Centers
Human Service Chamber
ProMusica
TECH CORPS
2018
City Year Columbus
Columbus Humane
CompDrug
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Per Scholas
2017
Alvis, Inc.
Catholic Social Services
Homeport
Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services
Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland
2016
Equitas Health (formerly AIDS Resource Center Ohio Inc.)
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Community Properties Impact Corporation
HandsOn Central Ohio
Maryhaven, Inc.
2015
Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus
Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio
Columbus Museum of Art
Reeb Avenue Center
St. Vincent Family Services
2014
Community Shelter Board
Lower Lights Christian Health Center
Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC)
LifeCare Alliance
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC)
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