Columbus Foundation has given $4.6B to nonprofits since 1943

The Columbus Foundation announced Sept. 8 that it provided a total of $477.4 million in grants to more than 5,200 nonprofit organizations in 2025. The announcement was shared as part of its annual Celebration of Philanthropy events, which also spotlight the philanthropic efforts from community membe

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The Columbus Foundation announced Sept. 8 that it provided a total of $477.4 million in grants to more than 5,200 nonprofit organizations in 2025.

The announcement was shared as part of its annual Celebration of Philanthropy events, which also spotlight the philanthropic efforts from community members and organizations that make these grants possible. The foundation presented two annual awards to local organizations for their exemplary contributions to the community: The Harrison M. Sayre Award and The Columbus Foundation Award.

The Harrison M. Sayre Award, named for the foundation’s founder and 25-year volunteer director, was presented to Huntington National Bank. The organization has assisted in raising more than $54 million for cancer research

through Pelotonia, and has served as a founding trustee bank for the Columbus Foundation since 1943.

Columbus Early Learning Centers (CELC) earned the 2026 Columbus Foundation Award, which highlights organizations that improve the quality of life for members of the community. In addition to education for infants, toddlers and young children, CELC also provides families with developmental screenings, speech and hearing interventions, lead testing, food support and more. The award includes a $100,000 unrestricted grant from the foundation.

The 2026 Harrison M. Sayre Award was presented to Huntington National Bank. From left, Tanny Crane, Crane Group executive chair and Huntington Bancshares Incorporated board member; Brant Standridge, president of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated; Jessica Standridge; Patti Steinour; and Steve Steinour, chairman and CEO of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.

"At a time of change and challenge, our community continues to give generously to the many causes and organizations that are improving lives and addressing our community's most pressing needs," Doug Kridler, president and CEO of The Columbus Foundation, said in a press release.

"The generosity of our donors and the dedication of our nonprofit partners demonstrate what is possible when people come together to invest in their community and in a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."

Columbus Early Learning Centers (CELC) earned the 2026 Columbus Foundation Award. From left, Amanda Bundy, PhD, Columbus Early Learning Centers board member; Gina Ginn, PhD, CEO of Columbus Early Learning Centers; and Jessica Cano, Columbus Early Learning Centers board member.

The Columbus Foundation, one of the largest foundations of its kind in the country, has awarded a total of $4.6 billion in grants to nonprofits that support central Ohio communities since it opened its doors in 1943. The foundation received more than $262.5 million in new donations and bequests in 2025.

Reporter Kelly Tucker can be reached at ktucker@dispatch.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Foundation has given $4.6B to nonprofits since 1943