The Columbus Foundation

09/03/2026

Every Big Table conversation will be a little different, and sometimes a thoughtful question is all it takes to begin.

One group may focus on youth opportunities. Another may talk about housing, the arts, volunteering, transportation, health and well-being, or what makes a neighborhood feel connected.

Find topic ideas and conversation prompts in the Host Guidebook when you register to host at thebigtable.org.

08/31/2026

Home for Families meets families where they are—and walks alongside them toward greater stability.
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One of The Columbus Foundation’s 2026 5 Nonprofits to Watch, Homes for Families helps families navigate housing crises, find and maintain housing, and address the barriers that can lead to homelessness.
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Hear President and CEO Beth Fetzer-Rice share more about the organization’s work and the families who inspire it.
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Learn more about the 2026 5 Nonprofits to Watch at https://cbusfdn.org/41K0Irh.

08/25/2026

A Big Table can begin with a few people and something they care about.

Maybe it is a conversation about young people, neighborhood connection, housing, health and well-being, the arts, or another topic that has been on your mind.

Hosts choose the place, time, topic, and format. The Host Guidebook and conversation materials are available to make planning a little easier.

Learn more about hosting: thebigtable.org.

08/24/2026

From neighborhood performances to world-class productions, Opera Columbus is creating new ways for people to experience opera—and building a growing community along the way.
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One of 2026's 5 Nonprofits to Watch, Opera Columbus champions emerging artists, hires about 90% local talent for its productions, and welcomes one of the youngest opera audiences in the country.
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Watch General Director and CEO Julia Noulin-Mérat share more about the organization’s mission and why “curious, connected, and creative” says it best.
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Learn more about the 5 Nonprofits to Watch at https://cbusfdn.org/41K0Irh.
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📸 Photos and graphics by The Columbus Foundation and Opera Columbus.

08/20/2026

2nd & 7 started with a simple idea: help kids discover a love of reading while giving student athletes a meaningful way to give back.

Today, that idea has grown into an organization bringing together young readers, athletes, schools, and communities around the power of books and positive role models.

In our latest At the Table blog, meet the people behind 2nd & 7 and learn how they’re helping shape readers and leaders in central Ohio and beyond:

Meet the people behind 2nd & 7, an organization helping children discover the joy of reading while empowering student athletes to serve as leaders in their communities.

08/18/2026

A few neighbors around a kitchen table. Coworkers gathering over lunch. Students sharing ideas in a classroom. People meeting for the first time at a public table.

There is no single way to join The Big Table®. The conversation belongs to YOU!

See how you can host or join on September 29: thebigtable.org

08/17/2026

As one of The Columbus Foundation’s 2026 5 Nonprofits to Watch, Dress for Success Columbus helps women build the tools, confidence, and community to thrive at work and in life.
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Executive Director Habiba Bankston shares that the women they serve are navigating real-life challenges, but they continue to show up and create a better life for themselves and their families.
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Watch to learn more about the women behind the mission, then explore this year’s 5 Nonprofits to Watch at the link in our bio.
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📸 Photos and graphics by The Columbus Foundation and Dress for Success Columbus.

08/14/2026

The Columbus Foundation announced a special emergency grant of $2 million to Community Shelter Board to help respond to growing shelter needs across central Ohio.

The grant comes as Community Shelter Board faces a significant funding gap and the potential for major reductions in shelter capacity.

Read the full announcement: https://cbusfdn.org/4g2dBTm.

In response to a marked increase in need and potential decrease in shelter capacity for those experiencing housing instability in central Ohio, the Governing Committee of The Columbus Foundation approved a special emergency grant of $2 million from its reserves to Community Shelter Board (CSB).

08/13/2026

Registration is open for The Big Table®!

On Tuesday, September 29, people across central Ohio will gather at workplaces, schools, libraries, neighborhood spaces, and kitchen tables to listen, share, and connect.

Host your own conversation or register to join a public table. There is no cost to participate, and everyone has a seat.

Learn more and register: thebigtable.org.

08/06/2026

“Tenacious. Beautiful. Wise.”
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Those are the words Festa Founder & Executive Director Kim Emch uses to describe the families the organization serves.
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As one of the 2026 5 Nonprofits to Watch, Festa serves our neighbors by helping families—from infants to grandparents—build confidence, strengthen relationships, and find connection through programs such as its three-generation English as a Second Language program.
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Watch Kim share why this work matters, then learn more about Festa and this year’s 5 Nonprofits to Watch at https://cbusfdn.org/41K0Irh.