Generosity on full display at The Columbus Foundation during annual Celebration of Philanthropy, where new Critical Need Alert launched
COLUMBUS, Ohio (September 5, 2018)—The Columbus Foundation’s position as the eighth-largest community foundation in the country was assured in 2017, as the assets of the organization grew to $2.27 billion on the strength of gifts and impressive investment returns of nearly 20 percent. Donors and friends learned the news during the Foundation’s annual Celebration of Philanthropy event, which recognizes generous community members and the outstanding nonprofit organization of the year.
The remarkable generosity of central Ohio individuals, families, and businesses has again yielded unprecedented results for our community.
— Douglas F. Kridler, President and CEO of the Foundation.
“These numbers are a testament to the passion and dedication our donors feel for Columbus," said Douglas F. Kridler, President and CEO of the Foundation.
More than 3,900 nonprofit organizations benefited from the gifts made in 2017. Gifts made to new and existing funds and the Foundation’s Supporting Foundations totaled $205.3 million. 
Community Development for All People and Rev. John Edgar, Executive Director, received The Columbus Foundation Award at The Columbus Foundation's 2018 Celebration of Philanthropy.
Founders of The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio received the Harrison M. Sayre Award at The Columbus Foundation's 2018 Celebration of Philanthropy.
Also announced at the event was the launch of a new Critical Need Alert, a sharply focused, high impact campaign that raises funds to address pressing problems in the community. This Critical Need Alert, Our Kids, will raise money for two distinct groups of children: homeless youth and children from low income families at risk of losing early childhood education access when the Step Up To Quality mandate goes into effect in 2020.
The Foundation has set a $1.5 million goal for the effort, with money raised going to at least six nonprofit organizations working on the front lines of these problems. The Foundation’s Governing Committee has committed seed funding of $350,000 toward that goal. 100 percent of money raised will benefit organizations included in the Critical Need Alert.
The Celebration of Philanthropy also honored the 2018 Philanthropy Award winners:
- The 15 founders of The Women’s Fund received the Harrison M. Sayre Award for their passionate pursuit to establish an organization that supports and benefits women and girls in our community. READ MORE
- The Columbus Foundation Award was presented to Community Development for All People (CD4AP) and Rev. John Edgar, Executive Director, for the many ways CD4AP positively impacts the lives of those living on Columbus’ South Side. READ MORE
ABOUT THE COLUMBUS FOUNDATION
The Columbus Foundation serves more than 2,500 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. Nearly 75 years strong, The Columbus Foundation is Your Trusted Philanthropic Advisor® and the eighth largest community foundation in the United States. The Foundation’s Giving Store is a one-stop shop for easy and effective philanthropy.