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The Columbus Foundation

Annual Giving
$366.0M
Grant Range
$0K - $10.0M
Decision Time
1mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $366 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 4-6 weeks
  • Grant Range: $100 - $10,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: Franklin County and central Ohio

Contact Details

Website: www.columbusfoundation.org Phone: 614-251-4000 Email: info@columbusfoundation.org General Inquiries: contactus@columbusfoundation.org

Pre-Application Support: Grant Opportunity Open Houses available for 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Contact the Community Research and Grants Management team at the general email or phone number.

Overview

Established in 1943, The Columbus Foundation is the seventh largest community foundation in the United States, holding more than $2.3 billion in assets across over 2,500 charitable funds, 30 Supporting Foundations, and one statewide affiliate. In 2023, the Foundation, its Supporting Foundations, and its generous donors awarded more than $366 million in grants to 4,760 nonprofits, supporting a variety of issues in central Ohio and beyond, including arts, education, health, housing, social services, conservation, workforce and neighborhood development. The Foundation serves as the trusted philanthropic advisor to more than 3,000 individuals, families, and businesses. Additionally, in 2023, the Foundation paid more than $5.3 million in scholarships, a single-year record. Under the leadership of President and CEO Douglas F. Kridler since 2002, the Foundation has maintained its mission "to assist donors and others in strengthening and improving our community for the benefit of all its residents" through innovative programs and strategic investments that address evolving community needs. The Foundation's commitment to equity is demonstrated through initiatives like the Equitable Small Business Fund and racial equity grants focused on closing wealth gaps and advancing systemic change.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Columbus Foundation offers three broad categories of grants:

1. Racial Equity Grants

  • Focus: Benefits BIPOC communities in Franklin County
  • Priority Areas: Economic opportunity, awareness and training, disparity reduction, and system change
  • Special Initiative: Equitable Small Business Fund - increases access to capital and services for entrepreneurs of color, particularly Black-owned and led businesses
  • Application: Procedures and deadlines vary

2. Capacity Building Grants ($10,000 - $100,000, individual grants have ranged up to $1 million)

  • Capital Improvements: $10,000 - $100,000 (typical range) for capital campaigns and projects to improve delivery, quality, and efficiency of nonprofit programs serving vulnerable populations in Franklin County
  • Sector Building: $50,000 - $150,000 for collaborative efforts serving administrative or capacity building needs of three or more nonprofit organizations
  • Social Enterprises: Funding to support social enterprises operated by nonprofits
  • Summer Fellowships: Support for student nonprofit internships
  • Application: Deadlines vary by program

3. Operating and Program Support Grants (wide range)

  • Core Support Grants: Multi-year, unrestricted support for administrative expenses, infrastructure costs, and programs. Applications accepted every three years on first Friday in March (next round: March 2027)
  • Focused Funds: Multi-year support based on donor interests with Spring (first Friday in May) and Fall (first Friday in October) deadlines. Application available one month before deadline
  • Arts and Culture Grants: Three-year awards supporting high-performing arts organizations focusing on creation and presentation of performing, visual, and fine arts in Franklin County
  • Community Garden Grants: Financial and material resources for community gardens and greenspaces
  • Neighborhood Partnership Grants: Support comprehensive place-based strategies addressing affordable housing, education, youth programming, resident engagement, health and wellness, beautification, and workforce development
  • Opportunity Youth Grants: Rolling basis applications for programs benefiting youth development
  • Dorothy E. Ann Fund (D.E.A.F.): Education and programming for youth who are deaf or hard of hearing
  • Digital Equity Fund: Programs offering training, technical support, or expansion of affordability and access to digital technology and internet
  • Regional Funds: Various funds supporting specific geographic areas within central Ohio

Priority Areas

The Columbus Foundation actively funds initiatives in:

  • Arts and culture
  • Education and youth development
  • Health and wellness
  • Housing and neighborhood development
  • Economic opportunity and workforce development
  • Social services
  • Conservation and environment
  • Racial equity and disparity reduction
  • Community collaboration and capacity building
  • Digital literacy and access

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation has limited explicit exclusions publicly available, but specific restrictions include:

  • Geographic limitations: Primary focus is Franklin County with limited opportunities outside this area
  • Arts education organizations: Schools, colleges, universities, and organizations focused on arts education are not eligible for Arts and Culture grants
  • Ongoing personnel costs: Not allowable for Community Garden Grants
  • Individual direct assistance: Does not make grants directly to individuals (partners with nonprofits instead)
  • Fiscal sponsor restrictions: Vary by program (not permitted for Arts and Culture grants but allowed for Community Garden grants)
  • Non-501(c)(3) organizations: Most programs require IRS 501(c)(3) public charity status

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Douglas F. Kridler - President and CEO (since 2002)

  • Kridler has led the Foundation through unprecedented growth and innovation. His leadership philosophy emphasizes that "great ideas can come from anyone. A title or net worth isn't a prerequisite for having the best ideas."
  • On the Foundation's approach: "We're a hugely innovative foundation. We're creating initiatives to advance the greater good."
  • His mantra: "BGTH - Build Great Things Here"
  • Regarding strategic priorities: "Change is a constant, but so is our commitment to continue that search for strategic and timely investments to make for the health of our community."
  • On equity: "We are proud to stand alongside [community partners] in the pursuit of a more just and equitable community."

Dan A. Sharpe - Vice President, Community Research and Grants Management

  • Joined the Foundation in 2004 and has served in various roles including Grants Assistant, Project Manager, Online Media Manager, and Director
  • Oversees grant policies, program priorities, and strategic grantmaking
  • The Community Research and Grants Management team plays a unique role in convening community discussions around areas of need and participating in community initiatives and partnerships

Governing Committee

The Columbus Foundation's Governing Committee consists of nine volunteers who provide stewardship for the organization, chosen for their knowledge of community needs and appointed to seven-year terms.

2023-2024 Leadership:

  • Clark Kellogg - Chairperson (member since 2020)
  • Jeffrey W. Edwards - Vice Chairperson (President, CEO, and Chairman of Installed Building Products)

Committee Members:

  • George S. Barrett
  • Jane Grote Abell (Executive Chairwoman of the Board, Donatos Pizza & Jane's Dough Premium Foods)
  • Dr. William J. Hicks II (B.J. Hicks, MD) (President of Medical Staff, Riverside Methodist Hospital)
  • Lisa Ingram
  • Katie Wolfe Lloyd
  • Marchelle E. Moore
  • Matthew A. Scantland

The Foundation also works with 30 Supporting Foundations, each with its own board of trustees.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Online Application Portal: The Columbus Foundation operates an online grants management system accessible through columbusfoundation.org

  • Click LOGIN at top right of homepage
  • Select LOGIN under the PORTAL ACCESS card
  • Choose "Grant Application Portal" for nonprofit organizations

Pre-Application Resources:

  • Grant Opportunity Open Houses for 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Franklin County
  • Meet with Community Research and Grants Management team
  • Educational programs and workshops available
  • Direct staff consultation available

General Eligibility:

  • 501(c)(3) public charity status from the Internal Revenue Service (most programs)
  • Primary impact in Franklin County, Ohio (most programs)
  • Specific requirements vary by grant program

Application Requirements Vary by Program:

  • Evidence-based data establishing measurable results
  • Demonstration of community need
  • Community collaboration
  • Broad base of financial support
  • Comprehensive project budget
  • Robust evaluation plans (technical assistance available)
  • For capital grants: Progress toward fundraising goal and plan for securing remaining funds, plus plan for funding ongoing operating expenses

Decision Timeline

Review Process: Applications are typically reviewed within 4-6 weeks

Decision Factors:

  • Type of program
  • Identified community need
  • Evidence-based data with measurable results
  • Community collaboration
  • Broad base of financial support
  • Project budget and sustainability

Notification Methods: Through the online portal and direct communication

Success Rates

The Columbus Foundation does not publicly disclose specific success rates or acceptance percentages. In 2023, the Foundation awarded grants to 4,760 nonprofits, demonstrating significant reach across the central Ohio nonprofit community.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation does not publish specific waiting periods or restrictions for unsuccessful applicants to reapply. Given that many programs have annual or rolling deadlines, organizations are encouraged to:

  • Attend Grant Opportunity Open Houses for feedback
  • Consult with Community Research and Grants Management team
  • Review and strengthen applications based on decision criteria
  • Consider different grant programs that may be better fits

For Core Support Grants specifically, applications are accepted every three years (next round: March 2027).

Application Success Factors

Strategic Advice from the Foundation

On Community Engagement: The Foundation values programs that demonstrate "robust, candid, and comprehensive evaluation of their efforts" and provides technical assistance in developing and refining measurement plans.

On Innovation and Collaboration: Doug Kridler emphasizes building "positive work culture that combines discipline and entrepreneurism" - this philosophy extends to the types of projects the Foundation supports. They seek "strategic and timely investments" that address evolving community needs.

On Equity and Impact: The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that "expand economic opportunities for Black and brown people and inform the community about how systemic inequity affects life in Columbus." They are looking for initiatives that advance "a more just and equitable community."

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

Lincoln Theatre Association (2023): Two grants totaling $60,000 to support an apprenticeship program helping young people prepare for careers in theatrical design and production

Central Ohio Community Land Trust (2023): $150,000 grant to restore the Edna Building on East Long Street in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood

Digital Equity Fund Recipients (2023): Several central Ohio organizations awarded grants totaling more than $1.3 million to promote digital literacy, expand access to affordable internet and technological devices

Capital Improvement Grants (2023): $2.6 million announced in capital improvement grants to support multiple organizations

Key Language and Terminology

The Foundation frequently uses these terms in describing priority work:

  • "Building social capital"
  • "Comprehensive place-based strategies"
  • "Evidence-based data"
  • "Measurable results"
  • "Community collaboration"
  • "Capacity building"
  • "Systemic change"
  • "Economic opportunity"
  • "Disparity reduction"
  • "Vulnerable populations"
  • "Multi-year support"

Standing Out

Make Staff Available for Questions: The Foundation makes its staff readily available for grantseeker questions with general contact information and direct access to team members. Take advantage of open houses and consultation opportunities.

Demonstrate Community Need with Data: Applications should include "evidence-based data establishing measurable results" and clear demonstration of community need. The Foundation conducts extensive community research (Benchmarking Central Ohio reports) and values data-driven approaches.

Show Collaborative Approach: The Foundation values "community collaboration" and "broad base of financial support" - demonstrate how your work involves multiple stakeholders and partners.

Align with Equity Goals: If applicable, show how your work addresses racial equity, economic opportunity for BIPOC communities, or systemic change.

Plan for Sustainability: Particularly for capital grants, demonstrate plans for securing remaining funds and funding ongoing operating expenses.

Engage in Comprehensive Evaluation: Be prepared to "engage in robust, candid, and comprehensive evaluation" of your efforts. The Foundation provides technical assistance for developing measurement plans.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic focus is critical: The Columbus Foundation primarily supports Franklin County and central Ohio. Make your local impact clear and compelling.

  • Relationship building pays off: With open houses, accessible staff, and consultation opportunities, invest time in building relationships with the Community Research and Grants Management team before applying.

  • Data and evaluation matter: The Foundation emphasizes evidence-based approaches and measurable outcomes. Come prepared with strong data demonstrating community need and your ability to track results.

  • Consider multi-year support: Many of the Foundation's grant programs offer multi-year funding (Core Support, Focused Funds, Arts and Culture). For sustainable initiatives, these may be better targets than one-time project grants.

  • Timing varies significantly: With deadlines ranging from rolling (Opportunity Youth) to annual (Focused Funds in May and October) to every three years (Core Support in March), plan your application timeline carefully based on the most appropriate program.

  • Collaboration and capacity building are priorities: The Foundation values initiatives that strengthen the entire nonprofit sector, involve multiple partners, and build organizational capacity alongside programmatic work.

  • Equity is a strategic priority: Under Doug Kridler's leadership, the Foundation has made significant commitments to racial equity and closing wealth gaps. Align your proposal with these values when relevant to your work.

References

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