Awards presented to Don and Nancy Kelley and Family and Goodwill Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ohio (September 3, 2015)—The Columbus Foundation announced $132.9 million in gifts to new and existing funds and Supporting Foundations in 2014—a 24 percent increase over 2013—at its annual Celebration of Philanthropy held today in Davis Hall. This is the fifth consecutive year gifts have topped the $100 million mark.
“The extraordinary giving we celebrate today is a testament to our donors and their unmistakable commitment to helping others in our community and beyond,” said Douglas F. Kridler, president and CEO of The Columbus Foundation.
The Foundation celebrated a remarkable year of generosity and honored the 2015 philanthropic award winners. Don and Nancy Kelley and Family were given the Harrison M. Sayre Award for their years of extraordinary support in central Ohio, and The Columbus Foundation Award was given to Goodwill Columbus for the opportunities it provides to individuals with disabilities and barriers.
Those gathered also saluted members of the Foundation’s Legacy Society, who have indicated they intend to leave a future gift to the community. More than 700 Foundation donors have established planned gifts, which create a lasting legacy to support organizations they care about most. Donors who provide unrestricted funds through their planned gift, like Dr. Jerome and Margaret Cunningham, enable the Foundation to support timely community needs for generations to come.
“We’ve realized the charitable landscape is ever-changing, and we want to make sure our dollars are used wisely to make a difference in perpetuity,” Dr. Cunningham said.
New planned gifts created in 2014 have a projected value of $54.4 million. Planned gift expectancies known by the Foundation now total more than $893 million.
Additional 2014 Financial Highlights (as of December 31, 2014):
- Assets for the Foundation totaled $1.83 billion, held in 2,226 unique funds and 28 Supporting Foundations. The Columbus Foundation retained its position as the seventh largest community foundation in the world.
- Grants by the Foundation and its donors totaled $142.9 million, benefiting 2,928 nonprofit organizations in a wide range of fields, including arts and humanities, conservation, urban affairs, health, education, and social services.
- 72.5 percent of grants were awarded to nonprofit organizations in central Ohio, 9.1 percent were outside of central Ohio, and 18.4 percent were outside of Ohio.
- Nearly $1.9 million in scholarship grants were awarded.
- Since 1944, the first year of awarding grants to benefit the community, the Foundation and its donors have awarded $1.68 billion to support nonprofit organizations.
PHILANTHROPY AWARDS
Don and Nancy Kelley and Family received the Harrison M. Sayre Award for outstanding philanthropic leadership in central Ohio. The award is given in honor of The Columbus Foundation’s founder and 25-year volunteer director.
The Kelley Family is synonymous with philanthropy in our community, and their commitment and dedication to revitalizing the South Side, where both Don and Nancy grew up, is an inspiring example of their big hearts. With a passion for helping those less fortunate, and a large extended family now actively involved in philanthropy, the Kelleys exemplify the vision Harrison M. Sayre had—to create a stronger, better city. Read more.
Goodwill Columbus received The Columbus Foundation Award for its work to strengthen and improve our community. The Columbus Foundation Award recognizes organizations that have made a difference in the quality of life in our community. As the 2015 recipient, the Foundation is proud to present Goodwill Columbus with a $25,000 grant.
Goodwill Columbus provides valuable services and resources for people with disabilities and other barriers, enabling them to transform their lives through work, health and wellness, and social enterprise. In 2014, the agency served nearly 3,200 individuals representing more than 1.3 million hours of service. It was also a record year for the organization’s retail operations, which generated more than $13 million in donated goods revenue to support its programs. Read more.
PROGRAM-RELATED INVESTMENT ANNOUNCED
The Columbus Foundation’s Governing Committee approved a $3.3 million program-related investment (PRI) to support affordable housing provider Homeport. The PRI, a below-market- rate loan, allows Homeport to refinance higher-rate loans, resulting in lower debt service that enables Homeport to strengthen its investment in programs and services for residents.
“We are truly honored to be the recipient of our first Program Related Investment from The Columbus Foundation,” said Amy Klaben, president and CEO of Homeport. “We are incredibly grateful for the Foundation's overall confidence in our mission and the specific refinancing opportunity that this partnership ultimately provides families by helping them secure healthy, safe, decent, affordable homes.”
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor® to 2,400 individuals, families, and businesses who have created charitable funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Serving the region for more than 70 years, The Columbus Foundation is the seventh largest community foundation in the United States. The Foundation’s online marketplace, PowerPhilanthropy® makes giving mobile, easy, and smart. Visit columbusfoundation.org to learn more.