The Columbus Foundation named those who led and contributed mightily to the effort to “Save the Crew” as the 2019 recipient of The Spirit of Columbus Award during a celebration at the Foundation.

The Columbus Foundation today announced record-setting investments in the central Ohio arts sector for 2019, as well as additional grants aimed to support the growth and innovation of visionary nonprofits in our community.

The annual Celebration of Philanthropy highlighted the Foundation’s 75-year commitment to strengthening and improving the community and recognized outstanding examples of philanthropy through its 2019 awards. For the third straight year, the Foundation and its donors set a record for investments made into communities, granting more than $224 million to 4,018 nonprofits in 2018. More than $2.7 million was awarded through scholarship grants, a record high for the Foundation. Since 1944, $2.5 billion has been awarded to support thousands of nonprofit organizations in areas from education and the arts to social services and healthcare.

The Columbus Foundation is seeking college and graduate students with interest in the nonprofit sector, offering a 10-week, paid fellowship to build work experience and develop skills for a future nonprofit career through its Summer Fellowship Program. The program, now in its tenth year, will match eligible students with 15 Franklin County nonprofits.

The Columbus Foundation's The Big Give, an online community rally, was a record-breaking success generating $32,588,660 for 1,107 nonprofit organization in the 10 participating counties around central Ohio. The event began with a Bonus Pool of $1.5 million, which climbed to $2 million with additional contributions from the Foundation and its generous donors. All donations received during The Big Give are increased by Bonus Pool funds on a pro rata basis, giving everyone who participated in the opportunity to have their donation boosted.

The Columbus Foundation announced today that Kate Oliphint, Vice President of the Jack Hanna Team at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and of Jungle Jack Productions, is joining its staff as Director of Kind Columbus, effective December 29, 2020. Dr. Acton Amy will now spearhead Human:Kind, the overarching initiative encompassing both Kind Columbus and the Foundation’s “Flourishing” work.

In response to continued unemployment and economic challenges in central Ohio during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Columbus Foundation announced substantial grants to organizations helping stave off eviction, foreclosure, and hunger. IMPACT Community Action (IMPACT) received a $500,000 grant to provide housing and utility assistance to Franklin County residents. A $1 million investment was made to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective to support its comprehensive campaign priorities and build its operational capacity.

Hena Masood joins The Columbus Foundation as a new Community Research and Grants Management Officer.

The trustees of The Paul G. Duke Foundation are pleased to announce the election of Rayce T. Robinson as the Foundation’s fourth president.

Three Columbus Foundation grants target revitalization efforts in Weinland Park