All roads lead back to people. This mantra is one that Big Lots President and CEO David Campisi passionately reiterates. It’s also at the heart of the company’s vision to move its corporate philanthropy program from transactional to transformative.

Learn how the Gifts of Kindness Fund provides essential grants to individuals facing unexpected setbacks. Discover how this fund supports central Ohio nonprofits in helping clients with housing, transportation, medical bills, and utilities.

World-renowned researchers—Lonnie Thompson, PhD, and Ellen Mosley-Thompson, PhD—are on a mission to preserve glacial ice cores for future generations of scientists.

With deep roots in the community, the Junior League of Columbus has worked alongside The Columbus Foundation for many years. The organization was among the first nonprofits to create an Organization Endowment Fund at The Columbus Foundation, establishing the Junior League Fund in 1957.

In 1993, J.W. established the John W. Wolfe Permanent Administrative Fund at The Columbus Foundation to provide ongoing support for the operation of the Foundation. Over the past three decades, the fund has helped The Columbus Foundation remain a welcoming place for donors, nonprofit leaders, and community members, including supporting the development and maintenance of the Foundation’s beautiful grounds.

In 2005, Barbara Brandt established the Brandt Family Next Generation Fund, initially allocating $250 a year to each grandchild to grant to a nonprofit of their choice. However, before they could donate to their selected nonprofits, Barbara stipulated that the grandchildren first conduct research on the organizations.

75 years ago, when Harrison M. Sayre and his fellow civic leaders stepped forward to create The Columbus Foundation, they could not have known the enduring power of their philanthropic gesture.

On the heels of Thanksgiving, and heading into the holiday season, we are reminded of the importance of giving. Today is Giving Tuesday, a day to reflect on what we have and commit to helping others. Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management Dan Sharpe shares three reasons to participate in this global day of giving to help strengthen our local nonprofits—and create a better community for all.

In 2011, the City of Columbus, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, and Franklin County—longtime supporters of local community gardens—amplified their collective impact by collaborating on the Garden Grant program housed at The Columbus Foundation to support the operating and program costs of community gardens in central Ohio.