The Columbus Foundation

The early years of a child’s life are crucial for development. In the third and final part of this Meeting the Moment series, Chasity Edwards, Ed.M, Director of Education Grantmaking at The Columbus Foundation, discusses the pressing issues early childhood education providers face. From rising tuition costs to underfunded childcare centers, discover the systemic challenges impacting our youngest learners:

Get ready for a weekend celebrating our community’s passion for literature, learning, and libraries at the Columbus Book Festival starting tomorrow, July 13 at 10 a.m.! Imagine the treasures you’ll discover as you browse the Friends of the Columbus Metropolitan Library Big Book Sale tent, the Official Festival Bookstore, and Indie Author Alley. Hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation and presented by Battelle, this free event is a celebration of books and our book-loving community.    Don’t forget to visit the Center for HumanKindness booth this weekend! Spin the kindness wheel and take home some swag and inspiration.    Learn more at 📚 https://lnkd.in/gua-ZrZy.

In part two of our Meeting the Moment series, Chasity Edwards, Ed.M, Director of Education Grantmaking at The Columbus Foundation, shares more about the economic realities and challenges families face due to rising childcare costs and the childcare affordability crisis in central Ohio. 📖 Read the full blog:

Introducing our new Meeting the Moment series on early childhood education in central Ohio! The early years of a child’s life are critical to their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. In part one of this three-part series, Chasity Edwards, Ed.M, Director of Education Grantmaking at The Columbus Foundation, discusses the importance of high-quality early childhood education in shaping successful futures for our youngest community members. Dive into insights about the current state of early childhood education and reflections from local leaders. Don’t miss out on parts 2 & 3—subscribe now to stay updated with our latest posts!

Week 3 reflections are in! Our Summer Fellows have hit the ground running, collaborating with nonprofit hosts across Franklin County. From learning the ropes to organizing community events, their experiences are shaping them into future leaders of the social sector. Dive into their stories and discover the heartwarming connections they've made so far on the Summer Fellows blog: https://lnkd.in/exDT7RF.

✨ What a night! On Saturday, June 22, a record-setting crowd of 20,000 at the Columbus Crew match helped us surprise and celebrate Linda Logan, CEO & President of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, as she was named the 2024 Spirit of Columbus Award honoree. Linda’s bold vision and unwavering commitment have transformed Columbus into a premier sports destination, bringing world-class events to our city and sparking immense community pride. As the “First Lady of Sports in Columbus,” Linda truly embodies the Spirit of Columbus. Watch the video to relive this unforgettable moment and her impact on our city!

Tonight during an evening honoring legacies and champions at the Columbus Crew match, The Columbus Foundation announced that Linda Logan, CEO & President of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, is the 2024 honoree of The Spirit of Columbus® Award! “Linda’s visionary leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering community pride have helped position Columbus as one of the premier sports destinations in the country.” — Doug Kridler, President & CEO of The Columbus Foundation Join us in celebrating Linda’s remarkable achievements and her dedication to making Columbus a city of champions. Learn more about The Spirit of Columbus® Award at https://lnkd.in/gQ8jKa3G.

Meet our 2024 Summer Fellows! These 13 talented students have hit the ground running, bringing fresh ideas and energy to local nonprofits in Franklin County. Follow their journey on our Summer Fellows blog as they contribute to meaningful projects and discover the impact of nonprofit work firsthand. Catch up on their Week 2 adventures at https://lnkd.in/exDT7RF.

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth—a day to reflect, learn, and celebrate freedom while strengthening our commitment to work that advances equity, justice, and belonging for all. Over the weekend, Juneteenth On The Ave united the community to celebrate and honor Juneteenth’s enduring legacy and the invaluable contributions of Black Americans through music, art, and unity. Please join us in applauding the attendees, organizers, vendors, and volunteers who make this annual event a joyous and meaningful experience.

🗓️ Mark your calendars for The Big Table® on September 25, 2024! Get ready to make new connections, share your stories, and imagine a brighter future for central Ohio. Everyone has a seat at the table, and together, we can create a community built on dialogue, empathy, and kindness. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gdeUCHgj. Last year, housing and community engagement were the most common conversations. 💬 What topics are you excited to explore at The Big Table® this year?