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Gifts of Kindness Fund
A community-focused fund helping central Ohio individuals and families with emergency needs.

Established and fueled by the generosity of Columbus Foundation donors and kindness champions throughout our community, the Gifts of Kindness Fund provides one-time grants to help individuals and families in our region address a sudden financial hardship caused by an unforeseen event or disruption. Working in partnership with dozens of central Ohio nonprofits, the fund offers critical, timely support to help people weather the unexpected, ensuring that one setback doesn't spiral into prolonged instability.

 

When the Gifts of Kindness Fund was established at The Columbus Foundation in the fall 2014, the thought was simple—to encourage kindness by lifting up people with one-time financial gifts that could help them overcome a sudden obstacle.        

 

The grants, typically between $500 to $3,000, go toward expenses associated with the hardship and help stem any ripple effects of it. Often, these expenses are related to housing, transportation, and assistance with utilities. Individuals must already be involved in a service or program of a partner nonprofit to apply for and receive a grant. 

 

These are the types of messages we hear every day from people in our community.

 

"I thought I had no other option but to get evicted. You helped me continue to grow strong."

—Gifts of Kindness Recipient

 

"The Gifts of Kindness program has been a blessing. It’s given our staff the opportunity to be creative in how we’re helping people get through a tough time in their lives."

—Gifts of Kindness Partner

Pictured: Distribution of grants from the Gifts of Kindness Fund, 2021-2022.

*other grants were also distributed to assist with essentials such as Wi-Fi/internet bills, storage/moving fees, and extermination treatments.

 


NONPROFIT PARTNERS

Additional nonprofit partners will be added to reach a representative cross-section of people in need throughout central Ohio.  

 

CONTACT INFORMATION