The Columbus Foundation is committed to strengthening the central Ohio community by providing services to donors, advancing the impact of nonprofits, and serving as leaders and conveners in the community. As a comprehensive, community-focused organization, we are built to respond to shifting community needs and opportunities, all thanks to the generosity of donors and philanthropic members of our community.
While there are many interesting facts that weave together our 75-year history as a community partner, these five are at the root of what we do and reflect trust, personalization, and engagement.
Our donors come from all walks of life.
The Foundation works with a variety of individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits. There is no one “type” of person we work with. Our donors are retirees, small business owners, teachers, postal workers, students, authors, and many more. We work with donors who live in Ohio and donors who live in different states. Donors can set up a fund at the Foundation through current gifts or planned gifts with as little as $10,000. Anyone can support their favorite causes in a variety of ways through the Foundation’s Giving Store.
Grants can support your favorite 501(c)(3) organizations—no matter where they are.
When you set up a fund at the Foundation, you are able to make a grant to any nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization anywhere in the world. Many of our donors use their Donor Advised Fund to support nonprofits in different states, including organizations where they grew up, attended school, or retired.
The Foundation offers competitive fees—and a community connection.
The Foundation works on such a large scale of investments that we are able to pass on those savings to our donors. Additionally, by working with the Foundation, you have access to services, events, and community expertise that are not available through commercial gift funds.
The Foundation offers a range of investment options.
We have approximately 30 different approved investment agents that donors can use. Each of these investment agents offers great service and low fees—and the Foundation’s finance team reviews agents annually to make sure they are meeting the standards of the indices.
Family philanthropy is a specialty of ours.
We work with many families, each with unique charitable goals. We can work with you to design a fund that meets your and your family’s charitable needs. Whether you’re interested in establishing a Scholarship Fund to support continued education for students from your hometown, a Designated Fund to support your house of worship, or a Field of Interest Fund to support effective children’s health initiative in perpetuity, there are solutions available to structure your family’s plan. And with Donor Advised Funds, successor advisors can be named, extending grantmaking abilities to the next generation.
Since 1943, we’ve been working with passionate individuals to help improve communities in central Ohio and beyond. Contact us if you are interested in learning more about The Columbus Foundation’s services.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation serves nearly 3,000 individuals, families, and businesses that have created unique funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. The Columbus Foundation is Your Trusted Philanthropic Advisor® and is one of the top ten largest community foundations in the country.
