The Columbus Foundation

06/15/2026

A beautiful tribute to beloved Columbus artist Bobby Floyd, the 2026 Spirit of Columbus Award honoree.

At the 2026 Spirit of Columbus Award event, several musicians came together to honor the renowned keyboardist with a moving performance of “What a Wonderful World.”

A treasured figure in Columbus jazz, Bobby was named The Spirit of Columbus® Award honoree in recognition of his lifetime of artistry, determination, and inspiration.

Watch the tribute performance and learn more about Bobby Floyd and The Spirit of Columbus® Award: https://columbusfoundation.org/spirit-of-columbus.

Featured musicians: Bobby Floyd, Byron Stripling, Jeff Ciampa, Reggie Jackson, Derek DiCenzo, Bryan Olsheski, Sydney McSweeney, and Jimmi Love.

🎥 : Vital Companies

06/12/2026

Some of the biggest wins at Community Youth Camp happened off the scoreboard.

At the Greater Columbus Sports Foundation's Community Youth Camp this week, kids had the chance to try new sports, learn from local coaches and volunteers, and build skills that extend far beyond the game.

These campers aren't the only ones having fun and experiencing new opportunities during the summer months. Thanks to the generosity of donors, The Columbus Foundation and Supporting Foundations provided grants totaling $330,152 to 20 local organizations that will help more than 4,500 kids attend camp this summer. Thank you!

Greater Columbus Sports Commission

06/09/2026

Meet the 2026 Summer Fellows!

This year, 11 students are gaining hands-on experience with nonprofit host sites across Franklin County through the Foundation’s 10-week Summer Fellowship Program.

From volunteer engagement and digital storytelling to public programming, fundraising, community research, and youth-focused summer programs, each Fellow is supporting meaningful, mission-driven work while learning more about the essential role nonprofits play in strengthening central Ohio.

Learn more🔗: https://cbusfdn.org/4eeJdUW.

Throughout the summer, the Fellows will share stories and reflections from their host sites on the Summer Fellows blog.

Follow along and hear directly from this year’s cohort: https://tcfsummerfellows.blog/

Meet The Columbus Foundation’s 2026 Summer Fellows, 11 emerging leaders gaining hands-on experience with nonprofits across Franklin County.

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.