Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation is a public charity based in Columbus, Ohio. It makes grants through charitable funds established by donors and Supporting Foundations, supporting a broad range of nonprofit organizations and initiatives intended to strengthen and improve the community.
Columbus Foundation at a glance
In short: Columbus Foundation gave $242.7M across 1,747 grants in 2024 (avg $139K), mostly in Ohio. 40% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $242,682,197
- -24.3% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 1,747
- -2.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $138,914
- -22.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $21,471
- Total assets
- $2,783,783,271
- +11.9% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 40% first-time grantees (688 of 1,737, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Ohio (75% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Columbus Foundation
- How to Apply
-
Explore the Foundation’s current grant opportunities and the relevant program’s requirements. The website lists annual deadlines and grant opportunity open houses for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits serving Franklin County, Ohio. Some 2026 deadlines listed on the website have passed as of October 2, 2026; listed upcoming dates include December 15, 2026, for several Dorothy E. Ann Fund grants, and early 2027 for Community Garden Grants.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1234 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43205-1453
Phone: (614) 251-4000
Website: https://columbusfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
128 open opportunities from Columbus Foundation
A. Gordon and Betty H. Imhoff Scholarship Grant
Columbus Foundation
Amount
US $6,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
All Saints Evangelical Lutheran Church Scholarship Grant
Columbus Foundation
Amount
More than US $500
Deadline
Deadline not published
Allen Eiry Fund Grant
Columbus Foundation
Amount
Approximately US $15,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Columbus Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The Huntington Foundation ($21.8M). Together the top 10 received $77.1M.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($40,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
11,664 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 8,834 grants of 11,664 (76%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s website describes its community work as focused on central Ohio. In 2024, 75% of grant dollars went to recipients in Ohio. Other reported recipient-state shares were Illinois, 5%; Massachusetts, 3%; New York, 3%; and the District of Columbia, 2%. The Foundation’s program listings include opportunities specifically for Franklin County, and some Supporting Foundation grants are geographically limited, such as the Paul G. Duke Foundation’s support for nonprofits serving Miami County.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 1,747 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Columbus Foundation open to new grantees?
40%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 688 of 1,737 grantees (40%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $90K; repeat grants $172K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $25K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $188.5M (2020) to $320.5M (2023). In 2024 it made 1,747 grants totaling $242.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Huntington Foundation Columbus, OH | Advancing Philanthropy | $21,846,166 |
| The Ohio State University Foundation Chicago, IL | Education | $11,667,513 |
| Nationwide Children's Hospital Foundation Columbus, OH | HEALTH | $9,737,094 |
| Columbus Downtown Development Corporation & Capitol South Columbus, OH | Neighborhood | $8,420,523 |
| I Know I Can Columbus, OH | Education | $4,741,988 |
| Lesley University Cambridge, MA | Education | $4,305,000 |
| Kipp Columbus Foundation Columbus, OH | Education | $4,300,000 |
| Columbus Museum of Art Columbus, OH | Arts and Humanities | $4,234,728 |
| Columbus Symphony Orchestra Inc Columbus, OH | Arts and Humanities | $4,008,815 |
| The Nature Conservancy in Ohio Dublin, OH | Conservation | $3,811,425 |
Ready to take the next step with Columbus Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,783,783,271 | $411,632,853 | $272,733,262 | $242,682,197 | 1,747 | $172,784,443 |
| 2023 | $2,487,180,715 | $255,754,957 | $342,712,374 | $320,478,864 | 1,789 | $105,146,638 |
| 2022 | $2,369,457,379 | $287,508,310 | $299,743,646 | $279,038,188 | 1,813 | $81,194,190 |
| 2021 | $2,768,665,470 | $582,508,645 | $210,278,469 | $194,378,180 | 1,644 | $221,701,321 |
| 2020 | $2,241,760,925 | $316,145,889 | $211,430,740 | $188,544,586 | 4,671 | $93,263,299 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is “to assist donors and others in strengthening and improving the community for the benefit of all its residents.” Its website lists opportunities related to areas including arts and culture, education, environment, health and special populations, neighborhoods, basic needs, animals, and capacity building. The Foundation says that grant programs and donor instructions may limit funding to specific interests or named organizations.
Its grant opportunities include operating and program support and capacity building. Specific programs include arts and culture, digital access, community gardens, neighborhood initiatives, and opportunities for youth. Supporting Foundations administered by the Foundation have their own stated priorities, including youth recreation, education, critical human needs, literacy, and support for underprivileged families.
The grantees’ stated missions illustrate the range of organizations receiving support. Columbus Downtown Development Corporation describes its work as planning, developing, and managing projects for the revitalization of downtown Columbus. I Know I Can says it equips Central Ohio students for postsecondary education and career readiness. Columbus Museum of Art describes its mission as providing “great experiences with great art for everyone.” United Way of Central Ohio says it works with community partners to strengthen Central Ohio, including helping families meet basic needs and children achieve student success.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Foundation reported 1,747 grants totaling $242,682,197. Grant amounts ranged from $5,032 to $21,846,166, with a median of $21,471.
Among its largest reported 2024 grants were $21,846,166 to The Huntington Foundation for advancing philanthropy; $11,667,513 to The Ohio State University Foundation for education; $9,737,094 to Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation for health; and $8,420,523 to Columbus Downtown Development Corporation & Capitol South for neighborhood purposes. Other large grants included $4,741,988 to I Know I Can for education, $4,305,000 to Lesley University for education, $4,300,000 to KIPP Columbus Foundation for education, and $4,234,728 to Columbus Museum of Art for arts and humanities.
For programs that accept applications, the Foundation’s grant guide directs organizations to explore specific opportunities. The guide identifies 501(c)(3) status as a starting point and notes that some programs accept applications from groups partnering with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor; other categories may consider fiscal-sponsor applications case by case. Grant opportunities include operating and program support and capacity-building grants, as well as more focused programs. The Foundation says its staff review proposals, while funding may be subject to donor intent.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The Foundation’s 2024 filing lists Douglas F. Kridler as president and CEO, Clark Kellogg as chairperson and trustee, and Jeffrey W. Edwards as vice chairperson and trustee. Trustees listed on the filing also include George S. Barrett, Lisa Ingram, Jane Grote Abell, Katie Wolfe Lloyd, William J. Hicks II, MD, Marchelle E. Moore, and Matthew A. Scantland.
Columbus Foundation is led by Douglas F. Kridler, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 9 of 18 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Douglas F. Kridler
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$526K (2020) → $905K (2024)
Nikki Scarpitti
Executive Director & Walter Foundations
Executive Director of the Walter Foundation → Executive Director & Walter Foundations, 2024
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$171K (2022) → $189K (2024)
Clark Kellogg
Chairperson & Trustee
Trustee → Vice Chairperson & Trustee, 2022
Vice Chairperson & Trustee → Chairperson & Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John B. Britton
Director of Planned Gvg. & Gnl
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$224K (2020) → $259K (2024)
George S. Barrett
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey W. Edwards
Vice Chairperson & Trustee
Trustee → Vice Chairperson & Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Katie Wolfe Lloyd
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marchelle E. Moore
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Matthew A. Scantland
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Ingram
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jane Grote Abell
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William J. Hicks II MD
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Angela G. Parsons
Vice President of Dsd
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$220K (2020) → $267K (2024)
Dan Sharpe
Vice President Crgm
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$184K (2020) → $239K (2024)
Gregg Oosterbaan
Vice President of Informat
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$159K (2020) → $194K (2024)
Scott G. Heitkamp
Vice President & CFO
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$231K (2020) → $318K (2024)
Steven Moore
Chief of Staff
Community Council & Director → Chief of Staff, 2022
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$162K (2020) → $204K (2024)
Tess Tannehill
Senior Advisor & Associate
Senior Advisor & Associate General Counsel → Senior Advisor & Associate, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$217K (2023) → $220K (2024)
Former officers (7)
- Former: Tamara J. Durrence (2020–2023) — Vice President Supporting
- Former: Michael P. Glimcher (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Nancy Kramer (2020–2022) — Chairperson & Trustee
- Former: Emily H. Savors (2020–2021) — Director of Grants Managem
- Former: Joseph A. Chlapaty (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Dwight E. Smith (2020) — Chairman & Trustee
- Former: Lisa A. Hinson (2020) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $905K, to Douglas F Kridler (President & CEO). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Columbus Foundation
How much does Columbus Foundation give each year?
Columbus Foundation gave $242.7M across 1,747 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $320.5M across 1,789 grants.
What is Columbus Foundation's typical grant size?
Columbus Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $21,471, and its average grant was $138,914, across 1,747 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Columbus Foundation that year got $90K on average.
Where does Columbus Foundation give grants?
Columbus Foundation gives mostly in Ohio: 75% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Illinois (5%). The most frequent recipient cities were Columbus, OH (529 grants), New York, NY (52 grants), Washington, DC (51 grants) and Westerville, OH (42 grants).
Does Columbus Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 1,747 grants with a stated purpose on Columbus Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Social Services" (475 grants), "Education" (411 grants) and "Religion" (219 grants).
Who are Columbus Foundation's largest grantees?
Columbus Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include The Huntington Foundation ($21,846,166), The Ohio State University Foundation ($11,667,513) and Nationwide Children's Hospital Foundation ($9,737,094), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($40,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 18% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Columbus Foundation?
Columbus Foundation reported $2.8B in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $411.6M.
What does Columbus Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is “to assist donors and others in strengthening and improving the community for the benefit of all its residents.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Columbus Foundation?
Explore the Foundation’s current grant opportunities and the relevant program’s requirements. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Columbus Foundation's EIN?
Columbus Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 31-6044264. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Columbus Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Columbus Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/columbus-foundation-morg_95b3e51847f84015853b24fa995f36ee
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_316044264_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Columbus Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/columbus-foundation-morg_95b3e51847f84015853b24fa995f36ee},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Columbus Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Columbus Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?