The Columbus Foundation has long invested in community research to help enhance community knowledge across a range of important issues, such as mental healthcare, digital equity and inclusion, youth services, aging populations, and homelessness. This research serves to educate the community, inform regional priorities, identify local assets and pain points, and help local nonprofits determine where to focus their programming.

Central Ohio’s nonprofit sector is full of dynamic and impactful organizations dedicated to strengthening and improving the region. For more than 10 years, The Columbus Foundation's 5 Nonprofits to Watch program has highlighted an array of nonprofits.