Read the inspiring stories of our community, made possible by the generosity of donors.https://columbusfoundation.org/stories-of-impact2026-09-21T00:00:00Z8a3bf8bc-7540-47da-b4b0-647aa511c79a

For Terry Dean, a lifelong love of baseball became a way to honor his father and give back to the community that shaped him. Through the Earl Dean Field of Dreams Fund, Terry helped transform Circleville’s baseball and softball fields into a lasting place of opportunity, pride, and connection for generations to come.

2026-09-21T00:00:00Z2026-10-29T02:48:51ZFor Terry Dean, a lifelong love of baseball became a way to honor his father and give back to the community that shaped him. Through the Earl Dean Field of Dreams Fund, Terry helped transform Circleville’s baseball and softball fields into a lasting place of opportunity, pride, and connection for generations to come.edca3aff-46e4-4861-8850-06ae44ff5196

When Bethany Kravitz needed help pursuing her education, Scholarship Opportunities for Success helped cover childcare costs so she could stay in school. For 25 years, the organization has helped women overcome barriers like childcare, transportation, fees, and supplies—awarding more than $1 million in grants to support their educational goals.

2026-09-21T00:00:00Z2026-10-29T02:48:51ZWhen Bethany Kravitz needed help pursuing her education, Scholarship Opportunities for Success helped cover childcare costs so she could stay in school. For 25 years, the organization has helped women overcome barriers like childcare, transportation, fees, and supplies—awarding more than $1 million in grants to support their educational goals.2abf2fea-8cdf-4732-b035-5a133272093a

From board service and volunteer work to major investments in education, health, and the arts, Ann and Tom Hoaglin have spent decades giving back to the Columbus community they call home. Through the Ann and Thomas Hoaglin Fund and a planned gift, they’re extending that commitment for generations to come.

2026-09-21T00:00:00Z2026-10-29T02:48:51ZFrom board service and volunteer work to major investments in education, health, and the arts, Ann and Tom Hoaglin have spent decades giving back to the Columbus community they call home. Through the Ann and Thomas Hoaglin Fund and a planned gift, they’re extending that commitment for generations to come.2082510c-d223-4420-98b5-2b24d9fe71cc

The Legacy Fund has spent more than 25 years supporting central Ohio’s LGBTQIA+ community through grantmaking, scholarships, and charitable stewardship. Through efforts like the Illuminate Project, the fund is also helping preserve local LGBTQIA+ history and ensure those stories endure for future generations.

2026-09-21T00:00:00Z2026-10-29T02:48:51ZThe Legacy Fund has spent more than 25 years supporting central Ohio’s LGBTQIA+ community through grantmaking, scholarships, and charitable stewardship. Through efforts like the Illuminate Project, the fund is also helping preserve local LGBTQIA+ history and ensure those stories endure for future generations.d887820b-2cf3-439b-ae88-793820ca5069

As central Ohio nonprofits faced rising costs, funding shifts, and growing community needs in 2025, The Columbus Foundation responded with flexible, timely support. From housing and food access to healthcare, millions of dollars in emergency grants through the Emergency Response Fund II helped local organizations sustain critical services for neighbors across the region.

2026-09-21T00:00:00Z2026-10-29T02:48:51ZAs central Ohio nonprofits faced rising costs, funding shifts, and growing community needs in 2025, The Columbus Foundation responded with flexible, timely support. From housing and food access to healthcare, millions of dollars in emergency grants through the Emergency Response Fund II helped local organizations sustain critical services for neighbors across the region.9fb6c4b5-d4fc-47a5-baf8-7a902c2efd17

For young people and families facing a mental health crisis, The Buckeye Ranch offers a place of care, stability, and hope. With the opening of the Hope Treatment Center, the organization expanded its residential capacity to serve nearly 100 youth with around-the-clock support designed to help them heal and safely return home.

2026-09-21T00:00:00Z2026-10-29T02:48:51ZFor young people and families facing a mental health crisis, The Buckeye Ranch offers a place of care, stability, and hope. With the opening of the Hope Treatment Center, the organization expanded its residential capacity to serve nearly 100 youth with around-the-clock support designed to help them heal and safely return home.bb90a2f4-ebb4-45ad-8cb1-0babfacd1008

For more than a decade, SEA Change has helped socially conscious entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into sustainable ventures that create both revenue and impact. Through its accelerator program, the organization has supported more than 640 entrepreneurs whose work has reached millions of people and generated more than $35.9 million in revenue.

2026-09-21T00:00:00Z2026-10-29T02:48:51ZFor more than a decade, SEA Change has helped socially conscious entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into sustainable ventures that create both revenue and impact. Through its accelerator program, the organization has supported more than 640 entrepreneurs whose work has reached millions of people and generated more than $35.9 million in revenue.fcb62202-bb9e-4727-b8f2-be59785194e7

What began in 1959 with one family’s determination to create a place of care and belonging has grown into generations of compassionate service at the Heinzerling Community. Today, that legacy continues through programs like Happy Headphones™, where music and movement create moments of joy, connection, and expression for residents.

2026-09-21T00:00:00Z2026-10-29T02:48:51ZWhat began in 1959 with one family’s determination to create a place of care and belonging has grown into generations of compassionate service at the Heinzerling Community. Today, that legacy continues through programs like Happy Headphones™, where music and movement create moments of joy, connection, and expression for residents.9f1b862b-c4ca-48ff-aec4-8fdd4125fa8d

Huntington National Bank, the 2026 Harrison M. Sayre Award honoree, has been a trusted part of the central Ohio community for 160 years. Through philanthropy, volunteerism, and community investment, Huntington continues a longstanding tradition of supporting people, organizations, and opportunities across the region.

2026-09-08T00:00:00Z2026-10-29T02:48:51ZHuntington National Bank, the 2026 Harrison M. Sayre Award honoree, has been a trusted part of the central Ohio community for 160 years. Through philanthropy, volunteerism, and community investment, Huntington continues a longstanding tradition of supporting people, organizations, and opportunities across the region.4e845747-5c64-4c6e-8552-d8da16104ee7

Columbus Early Learning Centers, the 2026 Columbus Foundation Award honoree, has provided high-quality early learning opportunities to central Ohio children and families for more than a century. Through early education and family support, the organization helps young learners build strong foundations for kindergarten and beyond.

2026-09-08T00:00:00Z2026-10-29T02:48:51ZColumbus Early Learning Centers, the 2026 Columbus Foundation Award honoree, has provided high-quality early learning opportunities to central Ohio children and families for more than a century. Through early education and family support, the organization helps young learners build strong foundations for kindergarten and beyond.