Impact & Purpose – Five Nonprofits Making a Difference in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio is an energetic city that offers culture, diversity, and a strong sense of community throughout its vibrant neighborhoods. And Columbus is growing fast. In fact, the population in the Columbus metropolitan area has grown faster than any other city in the country over the past decade. This population growth has extended beyond Columbus to the greater central Ohio area. While a consistent uptick in population provides ongoing economic opportunity, it also increases the need to address issues such as housing, education, and food insecurity.
While many people are familiar with Columbus, Ohio as the headquarters for a number of corporations, it is perhaps a lesser-known fact that the city is also home to a variety of purpose-led nonprofit organizations that impact the lives of thousands on a daily basis. These nonprofits provide critical services to individuals throughout Columbus and central Ohio. From addressing homelessness and hunger to promoting education and environmental sustainability, these nonprofits play a crucial role in making Columbus a better place for all its residents.
In this post, we’ll explore five of the most impactful nonprofits in Columbus and central Ohio, highlighting their missions, notable initiatives, and how to get involved.
Mid-Ohio Food Collective
Mission and Purpose:
The Mid-Ohio Food Collective is committed to nourishing the community and ending hunger. They provide food and support to individuals and families in need through a network of partner agencies and programs.
Example of Work:
The Mid-Ohio Foodbank is the fifth-largest food bank in the United States for distributing produce, providing food for over 140,000 meals a day to help provide for families throughout central Ohio. Their advanced logistics, warehousing, and distribution means that nearly 65% of this food is fresh. For every dollar donated, the MOFC is able to distribute up to $4.56 in groceries to people in need. In Ohio, one in four children are at risk of hunger. The Mid-Ohio Food Collective is actively addressing food insecurity and hunger, and their ongoing impact on the communities they serve is vital to the health and safety of its residents.
How to Get Involved:
There are a whole host of ways to get involved with the MOFC. Volunteer at their various food distribution centers, help with food drives or participate in fundraising events. Additionally, the MOFC offers opportunities for corporate and group volunteering, making it easy for organizations to give back to the community and become a part of the shared solution.
Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation
Mission and Purpose:
The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation supports the Columbus Metropolitan Library system in providing access to information, education, and literacy resources for all members of the community. The CML provides vital services to the central Ohio community, from initiating conversations about social justice and inclusion to providing important learning services for their “youngest readers” to help them build a foundation for lifelong learning.
Example of Work:
Through programs like the Ready for Kindergarten initiative, the foundation promotes early childhood literacy and school readiness by providing families with resources, workshops, and educational materials.
How to Get Involved:
Volunteers can assist with literacy programs, tutor adults or children in reading and writing skills, or help with library events and outreach efforts. Donations to the foundation also support its mission of promoting literacy and education in Columbus.
Columbus Humane
Mission and Purpose:
Formerly known as the Capital Area Humane Society, Columbus Humane is dedicated to fighting animal cruelty, promoting animal welfare, and providing compassionate care to animals in need.
Example of Work:
In addition to rescuing and sheltering animals, Columbus Humane offers a range of vital services for our furry friends and their human pets, from low-cost spaying/neutering and pet adoption programs to lost-and-found services and humane education initiatives to promote responsible pet ownership.
How to Get Involved:
Check out the Columbus Human website to learn more about opportunities to adopt and/or volunteer. You can volunteer at the shelter to help care for animals, assist with adoption events, or participate in advocacy campaigns. Columbus Humane also welcomes donations of supplies, funds, and time to support their mission of protecting and advocating for animals.
Habitat for Humanity MidOhio
Mission and Purpose:
Habitat for Humanity MidOhio works to provide affordable housing solutions for low-income families in central Ohio. They build and renovate homes, empower homeowners through education and support, and advocate for safe and decent housing for all.
Example of Work:
Habitat for Humanity MidOhio provides a range of services, from assistance with home ownership and home repair to leading neighborhood revitalization projects in partnership with local volunteers and businesses, transforming vacant lots into vibrant, affordable housing communities. Working alongside Habitat for Humanity International, the organization offers meaningful opportunities to advocate for affordable housing through their expansive advocacy network.
How to Get Involved:
Volunteers can lend a hand with construction projects, assist with home repairs, or help out at Habitat ReStore locations, where donated building materials and household items are sold to support their housing programs. Donations of funds, materials, and professional services are also valuable contributions to their mission. Visit their site to learn more about volunteer programs and volunteer resources today.
The Nature Conservancy Ohio
Mission and Purpose:
The Nature Conservancy Ohio works to conserve land and water resources, protect wildlife habitats, and promote environmental sustainability across the state. Their efforts focus on preserving natural areas, restoring ecosystems, and engaging communities in conservation efforts.
Example of Work:
Through projects like the Healthy Streams for Healthy Communities initiative, The Nature Conservancy Ohio partners with local stakeholders to improve water quality, restore stream habitats, and enhance recreational opportunities for residents. Their policy work and commitments to land protection, sustainable agriculture, and clean water and climate initiatives are as timely and important as ever for the sustainable future of Ohio and its residents.
How to Get Involved:
Volunteers can participate in conservation workdays, assist with land stewardship projects, or join advocacy efforts to support environmental policies and initiatives. Donations to The Nature Conservancy Ohio help fund conservation projects and protect critical habitats for future generations.
Conclusion
These are just a handful of examples of dedicated groups working to make a meaningful impact in Columbus and central Ohio. Whether it’s promoting literacy, providing affordable housing, addressing food insecurity and hunger, advocating for animal welfare, or conserving natural resources, these nonprofits play a vital role in strengthening our communities and improving the quality of life for all residents. By volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word about their missions, you can contribute to the collective effort of building a better, more inclusive future for Columbus.