Columbus, OH (May 19, 2026)—Today, The Columbus Foundation announced that The Big Table® will take place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Launched in 2016, The Big Table is an annual day of community-wide conversation designed to inspire authentic human connection and civic engagement. Registration opens on Thursday, August 13.
“At a time when many people feel lonely or disconnected, creating space for genuine human connection matters more than ever,” said Kate Oliphint, Director of the Center for HumanKindness at The Columbus Foundation. “The Big Table is an invitation for community members to gather, listen, and learn from one another. Through curiosity and conversation, we can better understand the challenges we face together and the opportunities ahead.”
Big Table conversations will take place throughout the day at locations around central Ohio, including discussions that will be open to the public. Individuals, organizations, and schools are also encouraged to host their own Big Table conversations by inviting small groups of people to gather and discuss a topic affecting the community. The Columbus Foundation will provide a free Host Guidebook and other materials to registered hosts.
In 2025, more than 5,300 people participated in The Big Table. The most common conversation topics were affordable housing, arts, civic engagement, education, food insecurity, kindness and connection, mental health, safety, transportation, and youth.
For more information, visit columbusfoundation.org/thebigtable.
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.