The Columbus Foundation announces unprecedented 2022 grantmaking totals and presents 2023 philanthropy awards
Columbus, OH (September 7, 2023)—The Columbus Foundation announced its grantmaking totals for 2022 during the organization’s annual Celebration of Philanthropy today. Fueled by the remarkable generosity of donors and community members, The Columbus Foundation awarded a record $328.3 million in grants to 4,773 nonprofits in 2022, supporting the arts, education, health, social services, conservation, social justice, neighborhood development, and more.
In 2022, The Columbus Foundation’s donors also awarded more than $4.1 million in scholarships, a single-year record, helping students pursue their educational dreams. Additionally, more than $320.7 million in gifts were made to new and existing funds and Supporting Foundations in 2022. Since its inception in 1943, through the generosity of donors, The Columbus Foundation has awarded an extraordinary $3.56 billion in grants to organizations in the central Ohio community and beyond.
“As our region readies itself for the opportunities and challenges ahead, the giving spirit of our community is as abundant as ever,” said Douglas F. Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation. “Even amid tumultuous economic and social conditions, our donors and neighbors came together in remarkable ways in 2022 to support the nonprofits and causes that are meaningful to them.”
During the Celebration of Philanthropy, The Columbus Foundation also announced the 2023 honorees of The Harrison M. Sayre Award, The Columbus Foundation Award, and the Acorn Award.
Given in honor of Harrison M. Sayre, The Columbus Foundation’s founder and 25-year volunteer director, The Harrison M. Sayre Award recognizes leadership in philanthropy in central Ohio. This year, The Columbus Foundation presented The Harrison M. Sayre Award to Renée and Dwight Smith. The Smiths, who give generously of their time, talent, and treasure, are passionate supporters of organizations that advance social justice, champion entrepreneurship, uplift older adults, and empower and inspire youth. Renée and Dwight also started My Special Word, a concept that grew into a nonprofit, which teaches children about the importance of positive, encouraging, and inspiring words.
Renée and Dwight Smith
Created in 1986, The Columbus Foundation Award recognizes organizations that have made a difference in the quality of life in our community. The Columbus Foundation Award was presented this year to Jewish Family Services. Through its many services and programs, Jewish Family Services has lifted up thousands of individuals and families, helping our neighbors achieve economic self-sufficiency, improve their well-being, and live their lives with dignity. As part of the award, Jewish Family Services will receive a $100,000 unrestricted grant from The Columbus Foundation.
Karen Mozenter, CEO of Jewish Family Services
The Columbus Foundation also presented the Acorn Award, which recognizes a Columbus Foundation fund that displays a generous spirit of giving and inspires others while supporting community. The Frontline Medical Ukraine Fund has been selected as the 2023 honoree of the Acorn Award in recognition of the fund’s life-saving mission. Established in 2023 by U.S. Army Brigadier General Mark Arnold (Ret.) of Columbus, the Frontline Medical Ukraine Fund is raising funds to provide medical training and supplies to medics on the frontlines in Ukraine, helping to save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians alike.
U.S. Army Brigadier General Mark Arnold (Ret.), who established the Frontline Medical Ukraine Fund
View past award honorees here.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation, one of the top 10 community foundations in the United States, serves thousands of 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.