Funding Amount

Up to US $25,000

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle
Twice a year
Tracked since
April 2026

From the program guidelines: “Applications are accepted biannually in May and October, fostering impactful projects that promote sustainability and improve quality of life in central Ohio.”

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Required status

  • 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

Overview

The Columbus Foundation offers the Focused Funds Grants to enhance community well-being through strategic support for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in diverse areas, including environment, health, special populations, and social services. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a maximum of $25,000 available. Applications are accepted biannually in May and October, fostering impactful projects that promote sustainability and improve quality of life in central Ohio.

Through strategic grantmaking, we invest in a broad range of highly effective nonprofits. We invite nonprofits to explore competitive grant opportunities made possible by our generous donors.
Targeted Funds
Targeted Fund categories are based on the interests of donors who have established funds to support a variety of focus areas. Based on the available grant dollars each year, the majority of the grants awarded will be $1,000 to $10,000. The largest possible grant awarded is $25,000.
A category is listed as ‘Closed’ when all grant dollars have been committed for the calendar year. Grant applications are accepted in May and October for different funding categories, as reflected below.
Conservation and Environment
Enhance the quality of life in central Ohio by supporting responsible use of natural resources and ensuring their availability for future generations.
Many nonprofit organizations are working to make our community a smarter, healthier, cleaner, and more eco-friendly place in an effort to protect the Earth’s environment.
The Green Funds advisory committee provides input on The Columbus Foundation's targeted grantmaking in environmental conservation and education. Additionally, in partnership with the Foundation, the Green Funds provide a $6,700 stipend for a qualifying student to work with a central Ohio environmental or conservation nonprofit for 10 weeks during the summer. Past fellowship sites include Broad Street Presbyterian Church, Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW), Green Columbus, and Ohio Environmental Council.

Eligibility

Your organization must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit.

What Columbus Foundation actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2024

Grants in 2024
1,747
Total given
$242.68M
Median grant
$21K
Range
$5,032–$21.85M
  • By dollars: Ohio 75%, Illinois 5%, Massachusetts 3%. Top recipient cities: Columbus, OH; New York, NY; Washington, DC.
  • 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
  • 43% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

Example grants

  • The Huntington Foundation · Columbus, OH

    Advancing philanthropy

    $21.85M

  • The Ohio State University Foundation · Chicago, IL

    Education

    $11.67M

  • Nationwide Children's Hospital Foundation · Columbus, OH

    Health

    $9.74M

  • Columbus Downtown Development Corporation & Capitol South · Columbus, OH

    Neighborhood

    $8.42M

  • I Know I Can · Columbus, OH

    Education

    $4.74M

IRS Form 990, 2024. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

  • Environment
  • Nonprofits
  • Health disparities
  • Social services

Categories

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