The annual Celebration of Philanthropy events also announced grantmaking from 2024 and recognized philanthropy award honorees.
Columbus, OH (September 3, 2025)—Today, during its annual meeting, The Columbus Foundation announced two new initiatives designed to meet the moment as nonprofits in central Ohio face challenges related to increased needs and reduced funding streams.
The Emergency Response Fund II is a new fund established by The Columbus Foundation that offers individuals and businesses a way to help provide financial support to area nonprofits as they respond to the increasing pressures they face. Early grants have been made through the fund to organizations serving immigrants and refugees, youth, families and adults experiencing homelessness, food access, educational enrichment programming in schools, and to support local public radio stations.
The Center for Change Management is a new resource being developed at The Columbus Foundation to help nonprofits build capacity as they navigate and address evolving needs. Hosted within the Foundation’s Community Research and Grants Management department, the Center for Change Management will bring The Columbus Foundation’s existing and emerging supports into focus with a clear front door for nonprofits navigating timely change—whether that’s funding shifts, program realignment, tech/AI adoption, workforce pressures, partnerships or mergers, or responsible sunsetting.
“The Emergency Response Fund II gives individuals and businesses a way to step up and support organizations responding to urgent needs, while the Center for Change Management will help nonprofits strengthen their capacity to adapt and lead through change,” said Doug Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation. “Together, these initiatives reflect The Columbus Foundation’s commitment to both immediate relief and long-term resilience for the nonprofits that serve our community every day, and to provide strategic ways for donors to maximize the impact of their giving.”
During the event, the Foundation also announced its grantmaking totals for 2024. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of thousands of donors, The Columbus Foundation awarded more than $307 million in grants to 5,050 nonprofits in 2024. Since its founding in 1943, The Columbus Foundation has awarded more than $4.2 billion to nonprofits in central Ohio and beyond, supporting organizations that are transforming lives, creating opportunities, and responding to our community’s greatest needs.
In 2024, The Columbus Foundation also awarded more than $6.5 million in scholarships, a single-year record. In total, The Columbus Foundation received nearly $300 million in gifts in 2024. The Columbus Foundation is the sixth largest community foundation in the world, and the second longest serving among the five ahead of the Foundation.
During the Celebration of Philanthropy, The Columbus Foundation also announced the 2025 honorees of The Harrison M. Sayre Award and The Columbus Foundation Award.
Named in honor of Harrison M. Sayre, The Columbus Foundation’s founder and former volunteer director, The Harrison M. Sayre Award recognizes leadership in philanthropy in central Ohio. This year, The Harrison M. Sayre Award was presented to the Edwards Family in recognition of their many contributions to the Columbus region’s architectural, civic, artistic, cultural, athletic, and philanthropic landscape. Through their extraordinary generosity, vision, and leadership, the family, led by Suzie and the late Peter Edwards, has provided longtime support to numerous central Ohio organizations and has created enriching spaces for the benefit of the community.
The Columbus Foundation Award, which recognizes organizations that have made a difference in the quality of life in central Ohio, was awarded this year to ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. Established in 1979, ProMusica is known for its exceptional artistry, and community engagement, as well as its adventurous programming and commitment to new music. Led by CEO Janet Chen, the organization serves roughly 20,000 central Ohio residents each year through its outreach programs, all at no cost to participants. As part of the award, ProMusica will receive a $100,000 unrestricted grant from The Columbus Foundation.
View past philanthropy 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.