The Columbus Foundation

Yesterday marked a powerful milestone on Columbus’ Near East Side: the groundbreaking of the future Poindexter Village African American Museum (@poindextervillage ).    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 @ohiohistory , the James Preston Poindexter Foundation, @uniongrovebcoh , Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, and all who helped bring this vision forward.

Celebrating the next generation of leaders in our community at @clbclippers 's Huntington Park! This week, 94 @colscityschools students were recognized as Best All-Around Students by the Columbus Youth Foundation—honored for their commitment to learning, leadership, and service. From the classroom to their communities, these students are showing what it means to lead with purpose. We’re grateful to celebrate them and the many people who support their growth along the way. Read more at the link in our bio.

🏡 Claim your free neighboring kit! 🥳 Kicking off today, Kindness Close to Home makes it easy to bring neighbors together—whether it’s a front porch conversation, game night, or a casual backyard gathering. Claim your free host kit with supplies and inspiration to help you get started. Learn more about how to get involved at the 🔗 in our bio. #KindnessCloseToHome

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 at the link in our bio.

Sometimes this work takes us beyond central Ohio. This week, Heather Tsavaris, Principal Consultant, Community Well-being: Design & Impact, is at the Skoll World Forum in Oxford—sharing how co-design is happening here in our community and learning alongside leaders from around the world. “Spending the week in Oxford at Skoll has been enlightening. We’ve been sharing how we do co-design here in Columbus and learning from colleagues all over the world! So grateful to be with a team from Cities Rise and Templeton World Charity Foundation to think about how we advance youth well-being!” Grateful to be part of a global conversation on youth well-being. Because the best ideas don’t happen in isolation—they happen when we listen, learn, and build together. #CommunityCoDesign #WellBeingInAction #DesigningWithNotFor #SkollWF

Learning to appreciate the natural world can begin anytime, at any age. Explore how Ribbit!, a free Columbus children’s magazine, is helping curious minds discover science and nature in their own backyards—inspiring the next generation to care for our planet. 🔗 in bio PICTURED (l-r): Jessica Dickson, Board Treasurer of Naturewise Columbus, and Bettina Cooper, Executive Director of Naturewise Columbus and Production Manager of Ribbit! Magazine. This image was taken at Grange Insurance Audubon Center. Photos by The Columbus Foundation/Challen Brown.

A simple way to care for the community we all share. 🌱 Volunteer opportunities with Earth Day Columbus are happening across the region this month! Check out the link in bio to find a volunteer opportunity near you. It’s a meaningful way to spend time outside, support your neighborhood, and be part of something bigger. Plan to join the 2026 Earth Day Celebration at Scioto Audubon Metro Park on Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sometimes the things that support our well-being are simple: time outside, conversation, and feeling connected to other people. This Story of Impact highlights @walkwithadoc and how one walk in Columbus grew into a global movement rooted in health, connection, and community. In 2005, Dr. David Sabgir invited patients and community members to join him for a walk at Sharon Woods Metro Park. More than 100 people showed up. “That day was truly magical,” he said. “I realized this needed to be part of the way I and other doctors practice medicine.” Today, Walk with a Doc includes more than 600 chapters around the world. Read more at the link in bio.

Community is stronger because of nonprofits like these. In this month’s At the Table blog, we’re celebrating The Columbus Foundation’s 2026 5 Nonprofits to Watch: @dfscolumbus @wearefestaorg @homeforfamiliescbus @opera.columbus @ywcacbus As the blog puts it, nonprofits help build a community that feels strong and connected. They bring people together, spark new ideas, and help address important challenges across housing, childcare, workforce development, and the arts. Read the latest blog at the link in bio and help us celebrate this year’s honorees. Pictured (in order): Habiba Bankston, Executive Director of Dress for Success Columbus Kim Emch, Founder and Executive Director of Festa Beth Fetzer-Rice, President & CEO of Home for Families Julia Noulin-Mérat, General Director + CEO of Opera Columbus Elizabeth Brown, President and CEO of YWCA Columbus

A bold flight.      A lasting legacy.      A group of changemakers to watch.         More than 60 years after Jerrie Mock took off from Port Columbus in the Spirit of Columbus and became the first woman to fly solo around the world, her story still reminds us what you can achieve with courage and conviction.          That spirit lives on in the 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2026:          @dfscolumbus @wearefestaorg @homeforfamiliescbus @opera.columbus @ywcacbus    Launched in 2014, the 5 Nonprofits to Watch program recognizes innovative and impactful organizations strengthening our community.          Here’s to organizations helping build a central Ohio rooted in opportunity, belonging, and care.          Read the press release at the link in bio and help us celebrate these remarkable nonprofits in the comments.

From a napkin sketch to a place built for possibility. This Story of Impact highlights @girlscoutsoh and the journey behind the AEP Foundation STEM Leadership Center and CK Construction Maker Space — a place where girls can explore STEM through hands-on learning and begin to imagine what their futures might hold. As we commemorate Women’s History Month, it’s a powerful reminder that when girls are given the chance to try, build, and discover, they dream bigger and help make our communities stronger. Read the Story of Impact at the link in bio.

Service is a legacy. The story of Dr. B.J. Hicks and his family reflects a deep commitment to community, leadership, and responsibility passed down from one generation to the next. As a member of The Columbus Foundation’s Governing Committee, Dr. Hicks continues his family’s legacy — investing in central Ohio with care and purpose. Read the At the Table blog where B.J. Hicks and his father, Dr. William "Bill" Hicks, reflect on their family’s legacy of service and their careers as highly respected physicians. Link in bio.