The Columbus Foundation

Specialties

The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor to more than 1,800 individuals, families, and businesses who want to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. For 67 years, people from all walks of life have partnered with the Foundation and created unique, named funds to support the causes they care about, today and in the future. The Foundation offers unparalleled expertise, services, and resources to help donors realize their charitable goals.

History

Established in 1943.

From an «idea» that founder Harrison M. Sayre nurtured over his lifetime, inviting others to participate in The Columbus Foundation’s formation, a première foundation has been created to help people from all walks of life build a better community.

1943 — The Foundation is officially established November 6, 1943 with a $ 700 grant from the Ira Wilson Fund. Harrison M. Sayre acts as unpaid director, working from his home for the first 25 years. The first unsolicited gift is a $ 25 contribution from Olga Anna Jones, a former reporter and Columbus’ first councilwoman. H. Russell Culp, a local printer, establishes the first planned gift. When he dies in 1960, his $ 500 bequest is realized as a gift to the Columbus Public Library.