For more than a decade, The Columbus Foundation’s annual 5 Nonprofits to Watch program has honored innovative and impactful organizations that address critical community needs.
In March, The Columbus Foundation announced this year’s 5 Nonprofits to Watch: Dress for Success Columbus, Festa, Home for Families, Opera Columbus, and YWCA Columbus. With this distinction, each nonprofit received a $20,000 unrestricted grant.
"Each of this year’s 5 Nonprofits to Watch exemplifies strong leadership and a deep commitment to expanding opportunity for people throughout our region," said Doug Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation. "The vital services these organizations provide not only transform lives, but also inspire hope, connection, and a brighter future for all."
The 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2026:
Dress for Success Columbus empowers women to achieve economic mobility by providing a network of support, professional attire, career development, and the tools needed to thrive. The organization serves women from diverse backgrounds, working to expand equity, access, and opportunity so that every woman can build a future of stability, confidence, and growth.
Festa is working to end poverty for the individuals and families it serves through life changing relationships with multigenerational English education. The organization’s nationally recognized 3-Generation Family English as a Second Language program serves families from over 90 countries of origin. By mobilizing hundreds of volunteers, Festa is building community across lines of difference that transform neighbors’ lives.
Home for Families partners with families and youth to resolve their housing crises, strengthen financial stability, and bridge education gaps to prevent future homelessness. Originally founded as The Homeless Families Foundation in 1986, Home for Families works alongside landlords, government agencies, and community partners to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing solutions to families.
Opera Columbus is redefining and reimagining the concept of regional opera with world-class productions that celebrate extraordinary talent and artistic partnerships, engaging a new, diverse audience for this most magnificent of art forms. From groundbreaking collaborations to innovative and breathtaking productions, Opera Columbus is passionate about creating artistic moments for every patron.
YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Founded in 1886, YWCA Columbus invests in the community by offering housing support and shelter, advancing social justice through education and engagement, supporting the development of children and youth, and answering the evolving needs of our region.