Beshert, Yiddish for 'meant to be,' is a word both Carol Fey and Joan Wurmbrand, MD, regularly use to characterize their life together. The couple, together for 34 years and parents to three children, regularly give back to the communities they are passionate about.

It was Brandy Jemczura’s two young children who initially inspired her idea to create Seeds of Caring back in 2016. As she thought about what she wanted her children to grow up and be like, she kept coming back to the same notion—the kind of people who, if they see something in their community they aren’t okay with, will do something.

No matter what your cause, we offer fund options designed to help you meet your charitable giving goals.

Explore photos and stories that showcase our community's spirit.

Read the inspiring stories of our community, made possible by the generosity of donors.

Operating support focuses on a variety of needs, some of which reflect the specific interests of donors, to benefit nonprofit operations and ongoing programs.

The Gifts of Kindness Fund was established in September 2014, with a generous gift of $500,000 from that compassionate donor. The goal is not only to provide financial support, but to illustrate how acts of kindness throughout our community make a difference—and inspire others to do the same.

Since COVID-19, there's been an increased sense of urgency and a desire for an immediate response to our collective situation. Prospective donors continue to contact The Columbus Foundation to learn how to establish new charitable funds, financial advisors continue to refer charitably-inclined clients, corporations are inquiring about employee assistance programs, and existing donors direct grant support to help their favorite charities—the spirit of giving in response to great need is inspiring.