Event Registration | The Columbus Foundation

Kindness Close to Home 2026: Grant Opportunity

The Center for HumanKindness invites place-based nonprofit organizations to explore deeper connections with their neighbors. This grant opportunity is ideal for civic associations and other neighborhood-specific nonprofits. To be eligible to receive grant funds, applicant organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have an established 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor in place at the time of application.

Place-based nonprofits interested in hosting a gathering with their nearby neighbors between now and November 1, 2026, are invited to apply for a grant to cover up to $1,000 in expenses. The organization must be located in Franklin County.

After submitting an application, expect to hear back from the Center for HumanKindness within 5-10 business days to discuss your application and schedule a time for a required 30-minute Neighboring 101 Zoom session.

The Kindness Close to Home grant opportunity is designed to bring neighbors together to strengthen social connections through authentic listening and sharing, not as a platform for the promotion of any product, service, or political/social/religious views by its conveners.

Socially connected communities are healthier, more trusting, safer, and more prosperous. Together we can start a chain reaction of kindness and connectivity throughout the region!

Questions? Email aholmes@columbusfoundation.org or call 614/545-0841.

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Address Type*

Business Name*

Address*

Address 2

City*

State/Territory*

Province*

ZIP* ZIP* ZIP

Country*

Phone Type*

Phone Number*

Organization Name*

What neighborhood is your organization located in?*

Describe the gathering you’re planning to host, including details like what you hope the gathering will achieve, featured activities or partnerships, etc.*

Is this gathering a new or recurring event?*

Number of expected guests*

Gathering location (list address including ZIP code)*

What date are you planning to host your gathering? If you’re unsure, share an anticipated date range. To be eligible for support, the gathering must take place by November 01, 2026.*

Nonprofit organizations can request a grant for up to $1,000 for expenses for their neighbor gathering. What is your grant request amount?*

Share a budget estimate for how the funds you are requesting will be used.*

After your event, the Center for HumanKindness will send you a survey to gather information about your get-together and request a few photos.*

I agree to complete the survey and share photos from our gathering.

I agree to these terms.

How connected does your organization currently feel to its neighbors? Rate on a scale from 1 to 7, where 1 means you’ve never met your neighbors and 7 means you feel strongly connected with them.*

Can we add you to the email list for the Center for HumanKindness monthly e-newsletter, InsideKindness?*

How did you learn about the Kindness Close to Home opportunity?*

Do you have any questions?