This month’s At the Table blog features Dr. David Harrison, Spirit of Columbus® Award honoree and President of Columbus State, reflecting on the power of partnerships, expanding opportunity, and preparing central Ohio for the future.

Stronger communities start with listening. On the blog, explore how The Columbus Foundation’s Designing for Community Well-Being practice uncovers deeper truths, builds authentic partnerships, and co-creates solutions to meet community needs.

The historic Pythian Temple on Columbus’ Near East Side is entering a new chapter. Maroon Arts Group has acquired the landmark to preserve its legacy as a hub for Black arts and culture while transforming it into the Maroon Culture Lab—an innovative space for creativity, collaboration, and community. Learn how this visionary nonprofit is restoring history and shaping the future.

For more than 50 years, The Columbus Foundation has supported students’ educational dreams through Scholarship Funds. These unique funds, made possible by the generosity of donors, provide students with crucial financial support to help ensure that the cost of attending school doesn’t stand in the way of achieving their educational goals. Many of these Scholarship Funds are part of The Columbus Foundation’s Universal Scholarship Application, an online application where students can apply to gain access to more than 100 scholarship opportunities. The Universal Scholarship Application is due Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Working in partnership with nearly 50 local nonprofits, the Gifts of Kindness program has provided more than $6 million in grant support to more than 3,300 households in the Columbus region. These grants—which are usually between $500 and $3,000—ensure that one setback doesn’t spiral into prolonged instability by helping people cover essential expenses.

In March, The Columbus Foundation announced the 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2024, a group of dynamic nonprofits working to strengthen and improve the community. Among these organizations is the Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio (NAICCO). Established in 1975, NAICCO is devoted to preserving and restoring balance in the lives of Native Americans through traditional, cultural, educational, family, community, and wellness-driven initiatives. The organization serves as a critical presence in the lives of Native American individuals and families, promoting cultural preservation and restoration, social development, and economic development and sustainability.

Explore Benchmarking Central Ohio 2024, the latest in a series of community benchmarking reports commissioned by The Columbus Foundation, starting in 2007. This in-depth report assesses five vital areas—population, economy, personal prosperity, lifelong learning, and community well-being—offering valuable insights to empower civic, nonprofit, and business leaders with data to drive positive change. Together we can create responsive and sustainable solutions to the complex challenges facing our region.

In March 2024, The Columbus Foundation named Franklinton Farms as one of the 5 Nonprofits to Watch. A vibrant urban farm dedicated to nourishing well-being and connection through farming, gardening, and education, explore this interactive map to explore Franklinton Farms' various sites and learn more about the innovative programs and services offered at each location.

From the establishment of The Columbus Foundation’s first Donor Advised Fund in 1947 through today, these funds have played an important role in strengthening and improving the community. As Donor Advised Funds continue to grow in both popularity and impact, The Columbus Foundation remains ready to help donors achieve their philanthropic goals—whether through a Donor Advised Fund, planned gift, or other charitable funds.

Discover how Mansion Day School, one of The Columbus Foundation’s 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2024, fosters academic excellence and lifelong learning. Located in Columbus' Near East Side, this coeducational school builds strong educational, social, and cultural foundations for preschool through 5th-grade students in a diverse, nurturing environment.