The Columbus Foundation

"Betsy's story reminds us that generosity comes in many forms, and that what may start as a small gift can grow into an amazing legacy that will improve lives for future generations."

At our annual Celebration of Philanthropy, we were deeply honored to posthumously present The Harrison M. Sayre Award to Mary E. “Betsy” Rueb in recognition of her incredible contributions to education and community support. Her remarkable $55 million gift to The Columbus Foundation represents the largest endowed gift to a multi-university scholarship fund in Ohio’s history and is the largest endowed gift to the Foundation in its 80-year history.

Mrs. Rueb, a longtime Columbus resident, was passionate about youth and helping students pursue their educational dreams. This scholarship fund will forever impact our community and change lives for generations to come.

Learn more at https://cbusfdn.org/3X7h5dY.

At our annual Celebration of Philanthropy, we proudly honor those making extraordinary contributions to our community’s well-being. Their acts of compassion, leadership, and generosity inspire us all. Meet the 2024 philanthropy award honorees:

🌟 The Harrison M. Sayre Award: Honoring the late Mary E. “Betsy” Rueb, whose incredible $55 million gift will create scholarship opportunities for local students forever, changing lives for generations to come. This remarkable gift is the largest known endowed gift to a multi-university scholarship fund in Ohio’s history and the largest endowed gift to The Columbus Foundation in the organization’s 80-year history.

🌟 The Columbus Foundation Award: Recognizing The Center for Healthy Families for its unwavering commitment to elevating the agency of young girls and women with a network of care and support.

Discover more about their impactful stories and the historic scholarship gift in our latest press release: https://cbusfdn.org/3X7h5dY.

The Columbus Foundation Announces Historic Commitment to the Community and Record Year for Grants | The Columbus Foundation At this year's Celebration of Philanthropy, The Columbus Foundation announced a historic commitment to the community through the establishment of a more than $55 million endowed scholarship fund.

Thank you, YMCA of Central Ohio, for hosting some of our team along with other volunteers to help build a new playground for the community at the Eldon and Elsie Ward Family YMCA!

Looking for a way to make a meaningful impact in our community? Volunteering your time, skills, or expertise can make a big difference in supporting the causes you care about most. Many nonprofits rely on dedicated volunteers to continue serving and strengthening our community.

Not sure how to get started? Organizations like Besa make it easy to find opportunities with local nonprofits that align with your passions.

From campfire songs to zip lining, summer camp is filled with unforgettable memories. But beyond the adventure, these camps offer so much more. They are essential spaces where youth grow, learn, and develop valuable lifelong skills.

In our latest blog post, we dive into the transformative benefits of summer camp and how continued support from generous donors is making these enriching programs, like Camp Mary Orton, accessible to more youth in our community.

Discover the power of summer camp in shaping young lives: https://cbusfdn.org/46TzYp8.

A Summer of Learning and Adventure | The Columbus Foundation On the At the Table blog, discover the transformative impact of summer camps like Camp Mary Orton, where local youth in central Ohio engage in adventures, learning, and community building. From outdoor activities to academic enrichment, these programs foster personal growth and lifelong connections.

Get ready for a weekend celebrating our community’s passion for literature, learning, and libraries at the Columbus Book Festival starting tomorrow, July 13, at 10 a.m.! Imagine the treasures you’ll discover as you browse the Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library Big Book Sale tent, the Official Festival Bookstore, and Indie Author Alley. Hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation and presented by Battelle, this free event is a celebration of books and our book-loving community.

Don’t forget to visit the Center for HumanKindness booth this weekend! Spin the kindness wheel and take home some swag and inspiration.

Learn more at 📚 https://www.columbusbookfestival.org/.

Week 3 reflections are in! Our Summer Fellows have hit the ground running, collaborating with nonprofit hosts across Franklin County. From learning the ropes to organizing community events, their experiences are shaping them into future leaders of the social sector.

Dive into their stories and discover the heartwarming connections they've made so far on the Summer Fellows blog: https://tcfsummerfellows.wordpress.com/.

Tonight during an evening honoring legacies and champions at the Columbus Crew match, The Columbus Foundation announced that Linda Logan, CEO & President of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission is the 2024 honoree of The Spirit of Columbus® Award!

“Linda’s visionary leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering community pride have helped position Columbus as one of the premier sports destinations in the country.” — Doug Kridler, President & CEO of The Columbus Foundation

Join us in celebrating Linda’s remarkable achievements and her dedication to making Columbus a city of champions. Learn more about The Spirit of Columbus® Award at https://cbusfdn.org/3KXOyC6.

Linda Logan named 2024 Honoree of The Columbus Foundation's The Spirit of Columbus® Award | The Columbus Foundation On June 22, 2024, during the Columbus Crew game at Lower.com Field, The Columbus Foundation announced Linda Logan, CEO & President of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, as the 2024 honoree of The Spirit of Columbus® Award.

Meet our 2024 Summer Fellows! 🌟 These 13 talented students have hit the ground running, bringing fresh ideas and energy to local nonprofits in Franklin County. Follow their journey on our Summer Fellows blog as they contribute to meaningful projects and discover the impact of nonprofit work firsthand.

Catch up on their Week 2 adventures at https://tcfsummerfellows.wordpress.com/.

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth—a day to reflect, learn, and celebrate freedom while strengthening our commitment to work that advances equity, justice, and belonging for all.

Over the weekend, Juneteenth On The Ave united the community to celebrate and honor Juneteenth’s enduring legacy and the invaluable contributions of Black Americans through music, art, and unity. Please join us in applauding the attendees, organizers, vendors, and volunteers who make this annual event a joyous and meaningful experience.

🗓️ Mark your calendars for The Big Table® on September 25, 2024! Get ready to make new connections, share your stories, and imagine a brighter future for central Ohio. Everyone has a seat at the table, and together, we can create a community built on dialogue, empathy, and kindness. Learn more at https://cbusfdn.org/BigTable.

Last year, housing and community engagement were the most common conversations. 💬 What topics are you excited to explore at The Big Table® this year?

This month on the blog, we celebrate and support the vibrant arts community of central Ohio. Discover how recent investments in local arts organizations help meet community needs, expand arts and cultural programming, and enrich the region with creativity, entertainment, and the transformative power of art.

Explore how:

Celebrating the Columbus Arts Community | The Columbus Foundation Discover how The Columbus Foundation celebrates and supports the vibrant arts community of Columbus, Ohio, by investing in organizations to meet community needs, expand arts and cultural programming, and enrich the region with creativity, entertainment, and the transformative power of art.

“Columbus is fortunate to be home to many world-class arts organizations, both large and small, that contribute to the vibrancy and well-being of our region."—Doug Kridler, President and CEO

With over $1.75 million awarded to 74 local arts and culture nonprofits, we’re proud to support the health, innovation, impact, and future of our arts sector. These unrestricted funds will provide the flexibility needed for these groups to continue their vital work and exceptional programming.

A heartfelt thank you to all the arts organizations that enrich our community and to the donors who make this support possible.

The Columbus Foundation Awards $1.75 Million in Grants to Local Arts and Culture Organizations | The Columbus Foundation The Columbus Foundation today announced its Governing Committee has approved more than $1.75 million in grants to local arts and culture organizations. A total of 74 nonprofits will receive unrestricted operating support to help these organizations meet community needs and expand arts and cultural p...

🎶 5 Nonprofits to Watch Spotlight: WAV - We Amplify Voices 🎶

One of the 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2024, WAV empowers underrepresented voices in our community through creativity and collaboration.

Listen to a special podcast featuring local artists Charlotte McGraw and AJ Vanderelli to learn how WAV’s Community CREATurEs workshops are fostering connection and healing through art.

🎧👉 Listen here: https://cbusfdn.org/4bh02vJ.

5NP2W Spotlight: We Amplify Voices | The Columbus Foundation Discover how WAV's Community CREATurEs workshop fosters community healing and individual empowerment through expressive art. Join local artists Charlotte McGraw and AJ Vanderelli as they share insights with The Columbus Foundation on harnessing creativity to nurture kindness and foster belonging.

Please join us in welcoming Erin Scott to The Columbus Foundation team as the new Director of Capacity Building and Community Knowledge!

With her extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, including as Co-Executive Director of the Ohio Women’s Alliance and as a nonprofit consultant, Erin brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for supporting organizations and their missions.

Welcome, Erin! We can't wait to see the positive impact she will make in this role to strengthen central Ohio's nonprofit sector and improve our community.

Read more at https://cbusfdn.org/3JHeOzY.

We're thrilled to announce that The Columbus Foundation has awarded the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra a Columbus Performing Arts Prize, supporting a collaboration with the five-time GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste!

At the Southern Theatre on May 2nd and 3rd for two unforgettable performances. Batiste will premiere a new original work commissioned by ProMusica during his performance on May 3.

"At the heart of our Jon Batiste x ProMusica Musical Residency is the creation and world premiere performance of a new, original composition by Jon Batiste. Batiste is a boundless artist and musician, moving art forward to serve humanity—and it is an honor for ProMusica to join him onstage to bring his new composition to life and share this creation with Columbus and the world."—Janet Chen, CEO of ProMusica

For more information, visit https://cbusfdn.org/3UIhlAg. Let's celebrate the power of music together!

Read the press release: https://cbusfdn.org/3wlO6tB.

Columbus Foundation Supports ProMusica, Jon Batiste Collaboration through Columbus Performing Arts Prize | The Columbus Foundation The Columbus Foundation awarded the $25,000 Columbus Performing Arts Prize to the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra to support the world premiere of an original work by five-time GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste, which will be performed before a sold-out audience at the Southern Theatre...

Celebrating Earth Day! 🌿 Experience how Joseph A. Jeffrey's generosity continues to sow seeds of transformation in our community. From the Slyh Run Pedestrian Bridge to tree plantings, the Joseph A. Jeffrey Endowment Fund at The Columbus Foundation is helping create beauty throughout our community.

📸 The Slyh Run Pedestrian Bridge at Cranbrook Elementary School

A Beautiful Legacy | The Columbus Foundation During the late 1870s, Columbus banker and entrepreneur Joseph A. Jeffrey turned an inventor’s idea for undercutting coal into a booming manufacturer of mining machinery. More than a century later, thanks to Jeffrey’s foresight and philanthropy, the community continues to benefit from the Joseph...

Today marks the 60th anniversary of Jerrie Mock’s historic landing at Port Columbus International Airport! On April 17, 1964, Jerrie safely landed her single-engine Cessna, named the Spirit of Columbus, completing her epic 29-day, 23,000-mile solo flight around the world.

Join us in celebrating Jerrie’s incredible achievement and enduring legacy as a trailblazer for women in aviation. Dive into the story of her remarkable voyage in this month’s At the Table blog: https://cbusfdn.org/3Jm2lkY.

This photo was taken in 1964 by the Honolulu Star-Bulletin and ran again on 8/15/99 in the “Voices of the Century” ACCENT series.

Do you know a graduating Franklin County senior who embodies kindness and compassion? Nominate them for the HumanKIND Scholarship by April 15th: https://cbusfdn.org/3VJs0vf.

This scholarship recognizes students who have shown a commitment to making a difference in our community. With $20,000 over 4 years towards their education, help them pave the way for a brighter, kinder future. Learn more about the HumanKIND scholarship at https://cbusfdn.org/4a39jGN.

🗓️ Mark your calendars! Join us May 2 & 3 at the Southern Theatre for Jon Batiste x ProMusica Chamber Orchestra: A Musical Residency!

Experience two unforgettable nights of artistry and creativity featuring the incredible talent of five-time GRAMMY-winning artist Jon Batiste alongside ProMusica Chamber Orchestra.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, March 27! More details here: https://bit.ly/3VrtR7P.

JUST ANNOUNCED! Jon Batiste x ProMusica: A Musical Residency. Five-time GRAMMY winning artist Jon Batiste joins ProMusica for two distinct nights showcasing his versatility and limitless imagination as a composer, creator, and soloist. May 2 & 3 at the Southern Theatre.

Presented by The Columbus Foundation - 80 Years Strong

Tickets on sale Wednesday, March 27.

Details: https://bit.ly/3VrtR7P

Today marks the 60th anniversary of Jerrie Mock's historic takeoff! On March 19, 1964, Jerrie embarked on her solo flight around the world, etching her name in aviation history. With her trusty Cessna, the 'Spirit of Columbus,' she soared from Port Columbus International Airport into the skies with unwavering determination and a trailblazing spirit.

Jerrie Mock's journey embodies the courage, determination, and resilience that define The Spirit of Columbus. Yesterday, we commemorated the start of her journey by announcing the 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2024—local nonprofits that, like Jerrie, demonstrate boldness in their actions, optimism amidst the unexpected, and an incredible spirit. Meet this year's organizations at https://cbusfdn.org/3TGmOpB.

Jerrie Mock's courage in the face of uncertainty, challenges, and headwinds serves as an inspiration to us all!

On March 19, 1964, pilot Jerrie Mock, a Bexley resident and mother of three, boarded her single-engine Cessna, named Spirit of Columbus, and flew into history as the first woman to circumnavigate the globe solo.

Today, on the eve of the 60th anniversary of Jerrie’s historic takeoff, we’re pleased to introduce you to the 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2024. Like Jerrie, these nonprofits demonstrate boldness in their actions, great optimism amidst the unexpected, and an incredible spirit.

Congratulations to:

Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio
Franklinton Farms
Mansion Day School
Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio
WAV - We Amplify Voices

Explore each organization's incredible work at https://cbusfdn.org/3TGmOpB.

Meet the 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2024 | The Columbus Foundation Each year, The Columbus Foundation recognizes 5 Nonprofits to Watch that are addressing pressing community issues. Congratulations to the 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2024: Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio, Franklinton Farms, Mansion Day School, Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio,....

Happy International Women's Day! 🌟 Today, we honor the strength and resilience of women and their invaluable contributions that make our communities stronger.

Join us in celebrating by learning more about WELD's Pathway to Management Program for Women of Color—a program dedicated to nurturing leaders and shaping a more equitable future. Explore how empowerment and education pave the way to success: https://columbusfoundation.org/stories-of-impact/building-a-more-equitable-community.

Building a More Equitable Community | The Columbus Foundation WELD, which was founded in Columbus in 2003 and has since grown into a national organization, develops and advances women’s leadership to strengthen the economic prosperity of women. Earlier this year, The Columbus Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to WELD to support the WELD Pathway to Managemen...

Step into the past, present, and future of Poindexter Village! In 2022, Ohio History Connection and the James Preston Poindexter Foundation announced the Poindexter Village—Windows of Stories Youth Art Challenge to connect with local students and elevate the vibrant history of the Near East Side and those who contributed to its history. In partnership with the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus City Schools, and The Columbus Foundation, the challenge encouraged students to use their voices to help tell this important neighborhood’s story.

Local students poured their creativity into beautiful pieces of art. Now, their work is on display in the windows of the future Poindexter Village Museum and Cultural Center for all to enjoy. Check them out! To learn more about the history of Poindexter Village, go to https://cbusfdn.org/4bO904r.