The Columbus Foundation is kicking off The Big Give today at 11am, and this unique 24 hour philanthropic event will take place entirely online. 600 local nonprofits can be donated to directly through ColumbusFoundation.org with contributions starting as low as $20. The Columbus Foundation will be expanding upon your donation with a matching pool of over $1 million dollars, making today a special occasion to really amplify the power of our community’s collective charitable contributions. Additionally, The Columbus Foundation is allocating grant funding to cover all credit card deduction fees so that every nonprofit recieves 100% of all donor gifts.
With 600 local nonprofits participating, you might feel overwhelmed at the thought of reading through the entire list (PDF) and figuring out which ones you want to donate to. To help, we’ve broken down some of the different types of nonprofit categories and provided some examples to give you a better understanding of just how broad of a range of causes there are that you can support.
1. Support Urban Development
Columbus Underground reports regularly on urban redevelopment projects occurring in and around Downtown, and if you’re one of our many readers who get excited at the thought of new development announcements, then The Big Give is a great way to put your financial support behind the organizations that lend a hand to continuing to redevelop our city.
Examples: The Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC), Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), Neighborhood Design Center, SID Public Services Association (Capital Crossroads), Columbus Housing Partnership, Inc (Homeport).
2. Support Alternative Transportation
Without proper funding for research, programming and development, alternative transportation organizations may be unable to thrive as we would like them to. You can support the continued conversation for rail transit in the state of Ohio, or donate to organizations responsible for cycling safety, advocacy, and public infrastructure installation.
Examples: All Aboard Ohio, Yay Bikes!, Consider Biking.
3. Support Local Arts Groups
Columbus culture is largely defined by our arts organizations. From the larger groups that provide services to our nationally acclaimed institutions, down to the smaller collaboratives that provide a more unique local experience, there is something to be found for everyone today when looking for a good place to make a donation.
Examples: Available Light Theatre, CAPA, GCAC, Columbus Museum of Art, MADLAB, Roy G. Biv Gallery, The Ohio Art League, The Wexner Center, Wild Goose Creative.
4. Support Your Neighborhood
Many Columbus neighborhoods have nonprofit organizations set up to assist with various goals. Some focus on historic preservation while others plan new development for the future. If you take pride in where you live and want to see your localized environment continue to thrive, consider donating right in your own backyard.
Examples: German Village Society, Friends of the Hilltop, Franklinton Development Association, Short North Neighborhood Foundation.
5. Support Local Music Groups
Several local arts groups mentioned previously also support the musical arts, but there are several nonprofits who solely exist to further support specific types of musical interests. These organizations provide Columbus with cultural amenities in the form of world-class musicians traveling to our city for a more diverse range of entertainment offerings.
Examples: City Music, Jazz Arts Group, Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra.
6. Support Small Business Development
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and several local nonprofit organizations support the development of new startups and entrepreneurs. Providing funds to these organizations allow new businesses to get up and running, and provides resources for existing small businesses to expand. Supporting them provides our community with more options to buy locally, eat locally and shop locally.
Examples: Economic and Community Development Institute, Inc (ECDI), Increase Community Development Corporation.
7. Support Local Food
Our food systems are an important part of our region’s landscape, from our farms to our markets to our restaurants. You can support nonprofit organizations at every step along the way, which helps provide better access to healthy foods, educational opportunities for all ages, and assistance and resources for those in need.
Examples: Local Matters, Mid-Ohio Foodbank, North Market Development Authority, Inc., Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA).
8. Support Columbus History and Culture
You can’t know where you’re going, until you know where you’ve been. There are several local nonprofit organizations that work to preserve our city’s 200 year history and to provide context for future generations. Your financial support helps them to provide education, public events, and other forms of recognition to the Columbus of yesteryear.
Examples: Columbus Historical Society, Ohio Historical Society, Columbus Landmarks Foundation, Columbus Metropolitan Club.
9. Support Green Spaces and The Environment
Our park systems and recreational areas provide locals with the opportunity to enjoy our natural environment all throughout the region. Whether you’re a fan of our historic urban greenspaces or our expanding suburban trails and protected wooded areas, there is a great cause to be found to fund.
Examples: Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District (Metro Parks), Green Columbus, Grange Insurance Audubon Center, Franklin Park Conservatory Joint Recreation District.
10. Support Educational Institutions
Several of the major educational institutions in Columbus regularly receive praise as the best in the nation. These institutions supplement the learning experience of the local school systems and provide opportunities for children and adults alike to continue with enrichment in a variety of fields.
Examples: Columbus Metropolitan Library, COSI (Center of Science and Industry), Columbus Zoological Park Association Inc. (Columbus Zoo and Aquarium).
These examples are only the tip of the iceberg. While we’re not endorsing any local nonprofit organizations as being more worthy of your dollars, or more significant than others, we do hope that you’ll strongly consider donating to multiple causes that resonate with you personally.
Visit ColumbusFoundation.org to donate online and take part in The Big Give today.