This fund was created by a donor family who believes that education is the cornerstone to a life of opportunity, security, choice, and continued growth. The aim of the Open Door Scholarship is to do just that – help open the door to driven, hardworking students who share the donor family’s belief in the power of education and who seek to use that education to thrive.

Blanche and Bundy were long-time residents of Chillicothe who were involved in the Community. Bundy retired as a partner in the Eastern Avenue Lumber Company. Blanche was a community volunteer with a strong passion for the Chillicothe Hospital (now known as Adena) where she devoted many hours as a volunteer as well as making crafts for their holiday bazaar fundraisers. The scholarship is being given by their nephew Everett Gallagher, a 1979 graduate and valedictorian of Chillicothe High School.

The scholarship is established in memory and honor of M.D. and Elfriede Burt by their children, Charlotte, Carmen, Susan, and Stephen Burt. M.D. and Elfriede believed in hard work, education, and the opportunities those things can offer. The scholarship is intended to honor M.D. and Elfriede, while making their vision a reality.   M.D. and Elfriede were hard workers who overcame humble beginnings to succeed by facing life together, building a family, and accomplishing many of their dreams. M.D. was born on a farm; he lost his parents during the Great Depression, and served in the U.S. Army in Europe during WW II. Elfriede grew up in Germany, and survived WW II working as a librarian. They met in Germany after the war, and moved to Ohio to start a family.   M.D. began his career at Davey climbing trees, before managing his own truck and crew, and eventually becoming senior account manager. He went on to become one of Davey’s longest-tenured employees, serving more than 47 years with the never-ending support of Elfriede.   Their life circumstances prevented them from pursuing their own college degrees, but M.D. and Elfriede believed education was key for their children to pursue their own dreams. All four of their children earned the original Davey Tree scholarship, which was critical to making that goal possible. The scholarship honors M.D. and Elfriede’s commitment to both education and The Davey Tree Company by offering a scholarship to Davey employees’ children to pursue their own educational goals at an Ohio college of their choice.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. There are more than 8,000 clubs worldwide, in 80+ countries. Kiwanis Club of Columbus was founded in 1916, and is the fifth oldest club. We are an engaging, vibrant group of volunteers involved in hands-on projects right here in downtown Columbus. Our Kiwanis Club encourages camaraderie and fellowship through weekly luncheon meetings, featuring world-class speakers tackling timely topics. In addition, the Kiwanis Club of Columbus provides a wide range of opportunities to volunteer time and talent to make a difference in our community.

While the Triple-A Homerun Derby was an impressive exhibit of athletic skill and strength, it was also an inspiring display of goodwill and generosity.

The Columbus Foundation named those who led and contributed mightily to the effort to “Save the Crew” as the 2019 recipient of The Spirit of Columbus Award during a celebration at the Foundation.

The Columbus Foundation today announced record-setting investments in the central Ohio arts sector for 2019, as well as additional grants aimed to support the growth and innovation of visionary nonprofits in our community.

The annual Celebration of Philanthropy highlighted the Foundation’s 75-year commitment to strengthening and improving the community and recognized outstanding examples of philanthropy through its 2019 awards. For the third straight year, the Foundation and its donors set a record for investments made into communities, granting more than $224 million to 4,018 nonprofits in 2018. More than $2.7 million was awarded through scholarship grants, a record high for the Foundation. Since 1944, $2.5 billion has been awarded to support thousands of nonprofit organizations in areas from education and the arts to social services and healthcare.

The Columbus Foundation is seeking college and graduate students with interest in the nonprofit sector, offering a 10-week, paid fellowship to build work experience and develop skills for a future nonprofit career through its Summer Fellowship Program. The program, now in its tenth year, will match eligible students with 15 Franklin County nonprofits.

The Columbus Foundation's The Big Give, an online community rally, was a record-breaking success generating $32,588,660 for 1,107 nonprofit organization in the 10 participating counties around central Ohio. The event began with a Bonus Pool of $1.5 million, which climbed to $2 million with additional contributions from the Foundation and its generous donors. All donations received during The Big Give are increased by Bonus Pool funds on a pro rata basis, giving everyone who participated in the opportunity to have their donation boosted.