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 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 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 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 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 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
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EPIC Youth
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Green Columbus
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Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio
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Our Helpers
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Partners Achieving Community Transformation
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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 |
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Columbus Works, Inc. |
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Directions for Youth & Families |
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Lower Lights Ministries |
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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 |
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Alvis, Inc.
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| Catholic Social Services |
| Homeport |
| Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services |
| Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland |
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Equitas Health (formerly AIDS Resource Center Ohio Inc.)
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| Columbus Metropolitan Library |
| Community Properties Impact Corporation |
| HandsOn Central Ohio |
| Maryhaven, Inc. |
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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) |