On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted into law. Designed to help households, businesses, and nonprofits navigate the fallout of the pandemic, the landmark $2 trillion bill represents the largest economic stimulus package in U.S. history.

Physical changes abound in Weinland Park, a neighborhood of 4,800 residents just southeast of The Ohio State University. Old, boarded-up houses have given way to new and renovated homes, tulips bloom where empty parking lots once sat, and corner carry-outs that were a hub for crime and drug activities have been shuttered for good. In 2016, a survey funded by The Columbus Foundation, in conjunction with the WPC, was conducted by The Ohio State University’s Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity. Intended to act as a tool to evaluate investment efforts, it offers a snapshot of where things stand today, and where future investments could be made.

Each of the five Black-owned and Black-led businesses that were selected to receive the first investments from The Columbus Foundation's Equitable Small Business Fund is deeply committed to supporting diverse entrepreneurship—yet their approaches vary in distinct and innovative ways. In this month’s At the Table blog, we’re sharing a few of the ways this catalytic capital is being deployed in our region.

When Bill Wells took the stage at The Columbus Foundation’s Davis Hall in December 2012, he could hardly contain his excitement.

Days spent swimming, fishing, hiking, and more are a way of life for thousands of youth each year in central Ohio. Time spent at camp is full of learning new things, working together with friends, and making memories. That’s how summers are for campers at Camp Ken-Jockety, a Girl Scout of Ohio’s Heartland camp located in Galloway.

Arts and culture grants support high-performing arts organizations that meet community needs and expand arts and cultural programming in Franklin County.

Thanks to the generosity of Columbus Foundation donors Tom and Ann DiMarco, elementary school children in southeastern Ohio are benefiting from valuable programs that fall outside of the school district’s budget.

The YMCA received a $300,000 grant from the Emergency Response Fund. One of the first grants awarded, the funds were used to address immediate housing needs, as well as to help with childcare needs as a result of the pandemic.

Married 18 years, Gene and Sheila Smith have called Columbus home since 2005. Gene describes Columbus as a city that has great leadership, collaboration, and diversity. Reflecting on how their families viewed philanthropy when they were younger, they each recognize that though the paths may have been different, the message was the same—helping others is important.

Informed and passionate philanthropists, Dr. Jerome and Margaret Cunningham have supported beloved organizations for many years. They’ve realized, however, the charitable landscape is ever changing, and want to make sure their dollars are used wisely to make a difference in the future.