The Columbus Foundation named Mayor Michael B. Coleman the 2015 winner of The Spirit of Columbus Award at an event held at the Foundation on April 17. The Spirit of Columbus Award, affectionately known as the The Jerries in honor of aviatrix Jerrie Mock, was established in 2013.

Columbus’ nationally recognized community foundation marked another banner year in 2014, with the Columbus Foundation taking in $132.9 million in gifts and bequests. That money significantly benefits central Ohio, helping do everything from fight hunger to support the arts. The figure announced last week was not a record, coming a year after the foundation attracted an unprecedented $160.6 million in 2013. It does, though, mark the fifth year in a row that the foundation has reported at least a nine-figure total and was enough to keep the foundation ranked seventh among the largest community foundations in the country.

The conversation about suicide — the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. — will continue. Survivors and mental-health experts will share their stories, experiences and frustrations at a community forum from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St. The event, which is free and open to the public, is made possible by a grant of $8,500 from the Richard C. and Nanciann Kaufman Ninde Fund of The Columbus Foundation

The J. Floyd Dixon Memorial Fund is currently accepting applications for its 2016 grant program. The application deadline is Monday, May 2, 2016.

Douglas F. Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation announced today that Scott Heitkamp, CPA, will be The Columbus Foundation’s next Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective July 1, 2016—upon the retirement of Raymond J. Biddiscombe, CPA, the Foundation’s VP and CFO for the past 26 years.

Interest in The Big Table, a new civic conversation project set for Aug. 30, has far surpassed expectations, organizers at the Columbus Foundation said this week. They recently developed a host toolkit — available for download from the foundation’s website — to help guide what likely will be hundreds of discussions.

Columbus, OH (November 15, 2016)—The Columbus Foundation has released The Big Table Report, which assesses the reach and impact of nearly 500 community-building conversations held in homes, offices, restaurants, libraries, churches, and community centers on August 30. The Big Table initiative far surpassed expectations in its inaugural year, engaging more than 5,000 residents from all walks of life in at least hour-long conversations to discuss how collaboratively we can all build and improve our community. The report details who participated and key discussion themes.

Columbus, OH (November 27, 2016)—The Columbus Foundation is encouraging acts of kindness in many forms for Giving Tuesday on November 29, 2016. Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to help others and make a difference in central Ohio. It was created in 2012 as a global day to give back and show generosity following the hustle and bustle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Columbus, OH (November 30, 2016)—A report released today showcases how Columbus measures up with other cities around the country in categories including economic strength, personal prosperity, and community wellbeing.

After more than two decades of ambitious revitalization efforts, residents of Weinland Park — by a large majority — believe their neighborhood is getting better.