The Columbus Foundation

06/08/2026

The latest issue of NEXUS is here!

Inside, you’ll find examples of generosity, learning, nonprofit innovation, and civic connection. Each one highlights people and organizations working together to strengthen central Ohio.

Explore the latest stories of philanthropy in central Ohio: https://cbusfdn.org/49Knzql.

05/28/2026

A surprise moment. A room full of music. A celebration of a Columbus legend.

Each year, The Columbus Foundation presents The Spirit of Columbus® Award in honor of Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly solo around the world. The award recognizes members of our community who, like Jerrie, exhibit bravery, determination, and inspiration through their actions.

This year, the Foundation honored keyboard virtuoso Bobby Floyd in recognition of his remarkable artistic achievement and contributions to the cultural life of central Ohio.

An Emmy Award-winning and Grammy-nominated artist, Bobby has shared his extraordinary talent with audiences across the country, touring with legendary artists including Ray Charles and Dr. John. Here in Columbus, he continues to inspire through his artistry, generosity, and presence as a cherished member of the Columbus Jazz Orchestra and our local music community.

Watch the surprise announcement and the incredible musical tributes that followed.

Learn more at https://columbusfoundation.org/spirit-of-columbus.

Special thanks to the following musicians who joined us in celebration: Byron Stripling, Jeff Ciampa, Reggie Jackson, Derek DiCenzo, Bryan Olsheski, Sydney McSweeney, and Jimmi Love.

Video Production by Vital Companies.

05/21/2026

The Center for HumanKindness’ Kindness Street Team is on the move this summer!

Powered by staff and interns, the Kindness Street Team is appearing at community gatherings across central Ohio to spark conversations about kindness, connection, and how each of us plays a part in building a stronger, kinder region for all.

If you see the Center for HumanKindness’ blue tent at an upcoming event, come say hello! Learn more about local social enterprises, celebrate nonprofits in our region, share the joy of connecting with strangers, and even spin the Kindness Prize Wheel.

Upcoming stops include:

📍 May 21: Bexley Farmers' Market
📍 May 23: Clintonville Farmers' Market
📍 May 28: Rise Up CBUS!
📍 May 30: Westerville Farmers Market
📍 June 3 & 17: Upper Arlington Farmers Market
📍 June 6: Worthington Farmers Market
📍 June 11: Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
📍 June 13: Columbus Jazz's PBJ & Jazz

Looking for more ways to get involved? Learn more about Kindness Close to Home, an initiative that encourages individuals to host small gatherings with their neighbors—on a porch, at a backyard barbeque, or in a local park: https://cbusfdn.org/43op35S.

05/19/2026

On Tuesday, September 29, The Big Table® returns—a community-wide day of conversation across central Ohio!

Since 2016, The Big Table has invited neighbors, coworkers, friends, families, and community members to meet new people, share experiences, and talk about the topics that matter most to them.

Whether you host a conversation or join a table near you, there is a seat for you.

Be on the lookout for more information soon. Registration and materials, including special opportunities for educators, will be available on Thursday, August 13.

Add The Big Table to your calendar at

The Big Table®, a day of community-building through conversation, will take place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

05/07/2026

Yesterday marked a powerful milestone on Columbus’ Near East Side: the groundbreaking of the future Poindexter Village African American Museum.

Poindexter Village was one of the nation’s first public housing communities and became home to generations of families, artists, educators, professionals, and community leaders.

As Shelbi Toone, Project Director for Poindexter Village African American Museum at the Ohio History Connection, shared:

“Poindexter Village is not only a part of Columbus history. It is a part of American history. And today, we take an important step to ensure that that story is told fully, truly, and with care.”

The future museum will honor the lives, stories, and legacy of the people who made Poindexter Village a place of hope, dignity, stability, and pride—and create space for future generations to see themselves reflected not only in the past, but in what comes next.

Congratulations to the Ohio History Connection, the James Preston Poindexter Foundation, Union Grove Baptist Church, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, and all who helped bring this vision forward.

05/01/2026

Ninety-four Columbus City Schools students were honored this week as Best All-Around Students by the Columbus Youth Foundation, a Supporting Foundation of The Columbus Foundation.

Recognized at Huntington Park before the Columbus Clippers game, these students represent academic achievement, leadership, service, and involvement in their schools and communities.

Since 1985, this award has celebrated young people who are not only excelling in the classroom but also showing up for others. We’re proud to celebrate this year’s students and the bright future they’re helping shape.

🔗 https://cbusfdn.org/4vY9sqN

04/24/2026

Congratulations to Bobby Floyd, renowned keyboardist and this year’s Spirit of Columbus Award honoree!

An Emmy Award-winning and Grammy-nominated artist, Bobby Floyd has inspired audiences across central Ohio and around the world through a lifetime of extraordinary musicianship. From performing with legendary artists to bringing joy to local audiences, his artistry reflects the bravery, determination, and inspiration embodied by Jerrie Mock, the trailblazing aviatrix who inspired this award.

Join us in celebrating a beloved artist whose music continues to enrich the cultural life of central Ohio.

Learn more: https://cbusfdn.org/4vPgaiX

The Columbus Foundation presented Bobby Floyd with The Spirit of Columbus® Award, recognizing his artistic achievement and impact on central Ohio’s cultural life.

04/24/2026

Learning, together—across communities. This week, Heather Tsavaris, Principal Consultant for Community Well-being: Design & Impact, is at the Skoll World Forum in Oxford, sharing how human-centered design is taking shape in our community and learning alongside leaders from around the world.

“Spending the week in Oxford at Skoll has been enlightening. We’ve been sharing how we do co-design here in Columbus and learning from colleagues all over the world! So grateful to be with a team from Cities-RISE and Templeton World Charity Foundation to think about how we advance youth well-being!”

We’re excited to see how these insights can help strengthen our community!

04/21/2026

Learning to appreciate the natural world can begin anytime, at any age. Explore how Ribbit!, a free Columbus children’s magazine from Naturewise Columbus, is helping curious minds discover science and nature in their own backyards—inspiring the next generation to care for our planet.

🔗 https://cbusfdn.org/3Og3Szh

Learning to appreciate the natural world can begin anytime, at any age. Explore how Ribbit!, a free Columbus children’s magazine, is helping curious minds discover science and nature in their own backyards—inspiring the next generation to care for our planet.

04/20/2026

There’s something powerful about helping children see that they can make a difference.

Seeds of Caring Columbus gives kids and families the chance to learn about important issues, reflect together, and take meaningful action. It’s the kind of work that helps build compassion and connection over time.

Read the Story of Impact: https://cbusfdn.org/4sCSmMc.

It was Brandy Jemczura’s two young children who initially inspired her idea to create Seeds of Caring back in 2016. As she thought about what she wanted her children to grow up and be like, she kept coming back to the same notion—the kind of people who, if they see something in their community t...