Directions for Youth & Families has played a vital role in the community for more than a century, offering mental, emotional, and behavioral health services to thousands of youth and their families each year. In partnership with 23 nonprofit organizations, the new Crittenton Community Center will offer services that address food insecurity, housing stability, and more, helping DFYF expand its reach to provide critical social services to even more youth and families.

The Kelley Family is synonymous with philanthropy in our community, and their commitment and dedication to revitalizing the South Side, where both Don and Nancy grew up, is an inspiring testament to their big hearts.

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.

For nearly 140 years, the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) has been delighting hometown audiences and visitors from around the globe. CMA’s permanent collection includes more than 10,500 works of art—with the strength of CMA’s collection in early 20th-century modern American and European art. Approximately 400,000 visitors experience CMA on-site or online each year. A variety of interactive events and programs at CMA encourage people of all ages to experience art.

As Founder and CEO of Zora’s House, LC Johnson is providing other women of color a place to realize their own dreams. Zora’s House is a coworking space and leadership incubator designed by and with women and gender-expansive people of color.

Patrick Losinski has spent a lot—and we mean a lot—of time around books. For more than two decades, Losinski has served as CEO of Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML). This year, as Columbus Metropolitan Library celebrates 150 years of inspiring readers and sparking imaginations, Losinski shared with The Columbus Foundation the impact that books and libraries have had on his life.

Stephanie and Joel Shaw's chance encounter at Atlanta Airport has led to a 22-year marriage and a strong commitment to Columbus. Learn how this dynamic duo, driven by gratitude and kindness, actively supports the community through the Shaw Family Fund at The Columbus Foundation. 

Educator and lifelong volunteer Laura Harper left a legacy of generosity through planned gifts and the John T. and Laurina M. Harper Charitable Fund at The Columbus Foundation, continuing her commitment to community and the arts.

For many in our community, a single financial hardship can set into motion a series of events that can create negative long-term consequences. The Gifts of Kindness Fund provides an immediate financial boost to prevent one difficult moment from limiting a lifetime of opportunities. Learn more about this fund and donate to the Gifts of Kindness Fund on Giving Tuesday, December 1, to see your dollars doubled!

​Meet the 2022 '5 Nonprofits to Watch,' a remarkable group of nonprofit organizations working to strengthen and improve our community. Together, these organizations and their leaders are advocating for a region rooted in greater equity and belonging.