Celebrating 75 years and a new award, The Columbus Foundation’s annual Celebration of Philanthropy focused on generosity
COLUMBUS, Ohio (September 4, 2019)—This year’s annual Celebration of Philanthropy highlighted the Foundation’s 75-year commitment to strengthening and improving the community and recognized outstanding examples of philanthropy through its 2019 awards.
"The Columbus Foundation donor family does it again! A record-setting $224 million in grants to nonprofits is an astonishingly generous number and a global mark of distinction for our community."
— DOUGLAS F. KRIDLER, PRESIDENT AND CEO
“Our founders, who had the courage and vision to create The Columbus Foundation in the midst of World War II, would be so very proud of this generous community," said Kridler.
For the third straight year, the Foundation and its donors set a record for investments made into communities, granting more than $224 million to 4,018 nonprofits in 2018. More than $2.7 million was awarded through scholarship grants, a record high for the Foundation. Since 1944, $2.5 billion has been awarded to support thousands of nonprofit organizations in areas from education and the arts to social services and healthcare.
Gifts received for 2018 totaled $170.5 million, made to new and existing funds, as well as the Foundation’s 30 Supporting Foundations. Additionally, 182 new funds were established in 2018, helping to solidify The Columbus Foundation’s ranking as one of the top 10 largest community foundations in the United States. As of Dec. 31, 2018, the Foundation’s total assets stood at $2.15 billion, held in 2,738 unique funds and 30 Supporting Foundations.
Joe and Linda Chlapaty received the Harrison M. Sayre Award at The Columbus Foundation’s 2019 Celebration of Philanthropy.
Denise M. Robinson of Alvis, Inc. accepted The Columbus Foundation Award at The Columbus Foundation’s 2019 Celebration of Philanthropy.
Representing the Lewisporte Area Flight 15 Scholarship Fund, Shirley Brooks-Jones received the inaugural Acorn Award at The Columbus Foundation’s 2019 Celebration of Philanthropy.
The 2019 Philanthropy Award winners were also recognized at the Celebration of Philanthropy.
- Joe & Linda Chlapaty received The Harrison M. Sayre Award for the exceptional ways they champion for causes that are important to them, such as childhood health and education through their work with organizations like Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). READ MORE
- The Columbus Foundation Award was presented to Alvis, Inc., who, in 2018, served nearly 10,000 individuals, helping them to rebuild their lives after substance abuse, involvement with the justice system, or other barriers to employment. READ MORE
- The inaugural Acorn Award was presented to Shirley Brooks-Jones for her creation and involvement with the Lewisporte Area Flight 15 Scholarship Fund, which has awarded 291 scholarships to residents of Lewisporte, Newfoundland, following that community’s remarkable hospitality to rerouted flight passengers on September 11, 2001. READ MORE
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 one of the top 10 largest community foundations in the United States.