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The Columbus Foundation awarded a record $176.6 million in grants last year, aiding more than 3,200 nonprofit organizations across a broad range of fields.
Plenty of money came by way of central Ohio's most affluent and influential residents. But philanthropists, the foundation is careful to note, aren't all prominent names.
Some are people such as John E. Peyton, a postal clerk who lived modestly, saved wisely and has a heck of a legacy at the Delaware County Dog Shelter. The former Clintonville resident was among those celebrated on Wednesday as the foundation announced its 2015 tally of grants and gifts.
"He knew what he wanted to do, and now he has this fund here that's carrying out forever the charitable plan that he gave to us," said Brad Britton, the foundation's director of planned giving. "We see people like John Peyton all the time."