Awarded Grants

The Leadership Academy is a dynamic youth development initiative designed to empower students in grades 8–12 through monthly Saturday sessions. The program offers a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where young people and their families can grow together through mentorship, skill-building, and meaningful community connections.

The Arthritis Foundation will host community education events designed to reduce health disparities and improve the lives of residents living with chronic conditions. Programs will combine nationally developed resources—such as support groups, roundtables, webinars, and educational materials—with locally tailored sessions delivered in community settings. By reaching high-need populations in underserved neighborhoods, the Foundation will provide trusted information, build connections, and create opportunities for individuals and families to better manage their health and well-being.

The Columbus Diaper Bank works directly with agencies who provide assistance to mothers/families who are struggling financially. When mothers run short on diapers, children may spend extended periods of time in dirty diapers or in more extreme cases mothers may need to clean, dry and re-use disposable diapers. This can lead to sever diaper rash and other health issues. Women who lack an adequate supply of diapers for their babies are more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety than other low-income mothers.

The Columbus Museum of Art’s program is a dynamic arts initiative that celebrates the power of collaboration, creativity, and community engagement. Featuring a multidisciplinary approach rooted in performance, sculpture, movement, and conceptual art, the program explores themes of resilience, care, improvisation, and the human experience.

Columbus Urban League’s year-round, dual-generation workforce development program aims to connect youth (ages 14–19) and adults (18–55) with economic mobility pathways. The initiative integrates CUL’s Work Readiness Training University (WRTU), Career Connect Hub (CCH), and Trades Academy to provide a holistic continuum of services, including career exploration, credentialing, coaching, internship placement, and job navigation. Youth participants engage in STEAM workshops, soft skills training, and paid internships, while adult participants receive barrier assessments, skills training, supportive services, and direct access to jobs in healthcare, construction, technology, and trades. The program supports at least 750 individuals annually, promoting long-term self-sufficiency, increasing placement in high-wage roles, and driving household stability in Franklin County. It directly advances the Rise Together Blueprint’s goals under the Youth and Jobs pillars.

This community-based initiative provides access to fresh, healthy food while addressing key social and economic factors that influence long-term well-being. In partnership with regional food organizations, the program operates a free market where eligible families can access fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis. Beyond food access, the initiative includes targeted programs to promote stability and empowerment. A transitional employment component offers part-time job opportunities paired with life skills support, helping participants build confidence and prepare for long-term employment. A youth education program focuses on nutrition, cooking, urban farming, and sustainability, while also introducing

This innovative youth development program uses animal-assisted learning to promote social-emotional growth in elementary students. Designed for early and upper elementary grades, the program combines experiential learning with evidence-based practices to help students develop key life skills. Participants engage in guided activities with horses at a certified facility, building competencies in relationship skills, social awareness, decision-making, self-awareness, and self-management.

This holistic community support initiative serves as a centralized hub for essential social services, designed to reduce barriers to access and improve outcomes for individuals and families. By offering a wide range of resources in one convenient location, the program helps residents connect with the services they need without the burden of navigating multiple agencies.

This multigenerational education program supports families by offering language learning in a way that is accessible, and community-centered. By providing English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for adults while children simultaneously receive meals, homework help, and early learning support, the program removes common barriers such as transportation and childcare.

This education and wellness initiative is designed to support the long-term success of underserved youth by addressing two critical areas: literacy development and overall health. Through a combination of academic enrichment and wellness-focused activities, the program empowers young people to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Participants engage in literacy-based learning combined with physical activity and nutrition education, helping them build essential reading skills while promoting healthy lifestyles. Families also receive resources that extend learning and wellness support beyond the school setting, creating a stronger foundation at home.

This early childhood education program provides a safe, nurturing, and highquality learning environment for preschool-aged children. Operating year-round, the program serves children ages 3 to 5 with small class sizes and personalized attention that supports both academic and social-emotional development. Using a research-based curriculum aligned with state early learning standards, daily instruction balances structured learning with child-led exploration and play. Regular screenings and assessments help track progress and ensure children are on the path to kindergarten readiness. The program also builds strong community partnerships to connect families with local events, resources, and support services—enriching the educational experience and promoting the overall well-being of every child and family served.

This youth development program supports high school students as they prepare for life after graduation—whether that path leads to college, a career, vocational training, or continued exploration. Recognizing that every student’s journey is unique, the program focuses on equipping participants with practical knowledge, essential life skills, and the confidence to succeed in adulthood. Key components include Sessions that break down the college application process, campus life expectations, and scholarship opportunities, Assessments to help students identify strengths and interests, alongside exposure to real-world careers through guest speakers, internships, and job shadowing, and Interactive workshops on financial literacy, goal setting, stress management, leadership, mental wellness, and building healthy relationships.

The Law & Leadership Institute (LLI) uses the aspiration of becoming a lawyer as a pathway to inspire and equip students from underserved communities to succeed in school and beyond, while developing their leadership potential. Through summer and academic year programming, students engage in rigorous instruction, skill-building activities, and mentorship opportunities with professionals. The program combines academic enrichment, career exploration, and personal development to prepare participants for college, careers, and community leadership.

The Guided Access Project brings together two established programs of Mental Health America of Ohio (MHAOhio) to address gaps in mental health care for populations experiencing systemic inequities. The initiative connects individuals to trusted navigation, peer support, and advocacy services, with a focus on those who often face barriers to care. By building trust and providing culturally responsive support, the project helps community members access the mental health resources they need to improve overall well-being.

This community-based mutual aid program is built on a model of collective care, where members work together to ensure families have consistent access to essential resources and support. With a focus on equity, wellness, and mutual responsibility, the program addresses basic needs, health care (including mental and reproductive health), and social connection.

Our OBK program is a comprehensive, community-based initiative serving atrisk youth ages 14 to 24 in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. The program is designed to reduce youth violence and prevent homelessness by addressing the root causes of instability such as poverty, trauma, and lack of supportive services. Participants receive individualized case management, mentorship, and access to mental and behavioral health services, and transitional housing support

The S.O.U.L. Foundation’s youth development program provides holistic support to young people by combining academic enrichment, wellness activities, and life skills training. Through engaging programming that emphasizes physical activity, learning, and personal growth, the initiative helps youth build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills, and develop healthy relationships.

The Pathways After-School Program provides academic support and youth development opportunities for K–12 students in Franklin County. The program offers free, daily after-school services that include tutoring, enrichment activities, mentorship, and college and career preparation. By fostering strong community relationships and creating an affirming, supportive environment, Pathways helps students build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and prepare for long-term success.

This early childhood program supports social-emotional development and school readiness through comprehensive, family-centered services. Focused on helping young children build emotional awareness, form healthy relationships, and manage their feelings, the program lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.

This community farming initiative addresses food insecurity by growing and donating fresh, organic produce to local food pantries and programs serving children and families. With expanded operations on a multi-acre farm, the program is increasing its capacity to meet the growing demand for healthy, locally sourced fruits and vegetables in the region.

This after-school program supports elementary students who need extra help building foundational reading skills and academic confidence. Designed to assist children who are reading below grade level or at risk for school challenges, the program provides targeted literacy instruction, homework support, and character development in a safe and structured environment. Each session includes small group reading lessons tailored to individual needs, with instruction focused on core areas such as phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Regular progress monitoring helps track student growth and adjust instruction as needed.

Vista Village provides transitional housing and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them build stability and prepare for independent living. Residents receive safe, affordable housing paired with wraparound supports such as workforce development, healthcare, counseling, and employment readiness. By combining stable housing with personalized case management, the program equips participants to secure long-term housing and achieve self-sufficiency at a pace that meets their individual needs.

• Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio
• Childhood League
• Creative Living
• Jefferson Center for Learning & the Arts
• Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio
• Neighborhood Services Inc.
• Nellie’s Champions for Kids
• Netcare
• Siemer institute
• United Way of Central Ohio
• Warriors Karate Academy

• Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbus
•  Columbus Early Learning Centers
• Communities in Schools of Ohio
• CompDrug
• Elevate Northland
• Huckleberry House
• Impact Community Action
• Kingdom Image Arts
• Lower Lights Christian Health Center
• St Mary School Inc.
• St. Vincent Family Center 

• Furniture Bank of Central Ohio
• Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council, Inc.
• Gladden Community House
• St. Stephen's Community House
• YWCA Columbus
• Zora’s House