As a philanthropic institution, grants are the primary vehicle through which we contribute to more just systems and better outcomes. The Columbus Foundation invests in a broad range of nonprofit organizations working to strengthen and improve the community.

The Center for HumanKindness cultivates a culture of kindness that fosters a sense of belonging for all. Through Gifts of Kindness and other program-related grantmaking, we support activities and programs that honor every person’s humanity.

Since 2019, we have championed the use of Human-Centered Design to help tackle issues facing our residents. This approach bakes equity into the process by designing solutions to social system problems with residents, not for them. Being asked to help solve problems enables people to contribute, thereby strengthening our community and increasing belonging.

Community is built through the contributions of many, and collaborative partnerships have long defined our approach to community improvement. Through participation in coalitions such as the Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition, Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio, and the Community Development Collaborative of Greater Columbus, we work to advance equity collectively at the systems level.

We think “BIG” when it comes to connecting the community. Our community-wide events, including The Big Table®  and The Big Give, invite residents to share their voices and their resources in the spirit of common purpose that unites us for the betterment of our neighborhoods and nonprofits.