Columbus Foundation Awards More Than $600,000 to Create a Healthier Central Ohio

COLUMBUS, OH--(Marketwire - September 12, 2007) - The Columbus Foundation is awarding $603,650 to improve the lives of local citizens through grants for 17 health programs in central Ohio. The grants were approved from unrestricted and field of interest funds by the Governing Committee of The Columbus Foundation at its July 31 meeting.

"The Columbus Foundation is focused on creating a healthier community by increasing access to health care for central Ohioans," said Lisa Schweitzer Courtice, Ph.D., vice president for Community Research and Grants Management. "Together with our donors, the Foundation is making a difference by supporting programs that address important physical and emotional health issues in our community."

A unique project receiving Columbus Foundation support is a joint venture between two central Ohio nonprofit organizations. The Breathing Association will receive $20,000 to implement a shared services model with the Central Ohio Diabetes Association that includes hiring a shared staff person and instituting a shared billing-for-services system. The primary goals of the project are to reduce organizational operating costs and better serve the needs of the central Ohio community.

The Breathing Association provides education and prevention programs and services on the management of lung health and lung disease, including tobacco cessation and prevention programs, lung health support programs, and health education and disease case management services for vulnerable populations with asthma and chronic pulmonary lung disease. The Central Ohio Diabetes Association provides direct services to adults and children including detection and prevention services as well as disease management.

"With the help of central Ohio's generous donors and The Columbus Foundation, we'll be able to combine our similar missions to better serve those who suffer from health issues," said Marie E. Collart, president and CEO of the association. "This is an incredible benefit to both of our organization's client services and business development, and is a great fit for both our current needs as well as a way to help us reach our goals for future growth."

Through its competitive grantmaking, The Columbus Foundation supports projects that have a significant impact on central Ohio's greatest needs. The grants are made possible by donors working with the Foundation to make a difference through the most effective philanthropy possible.

About The Columbus Foundation

The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor to nearly 1,600 individuals, families, and businesses, who have created funds to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Serving the central Ohio region for 64 years, The Columbus Foundation is a resource for philanthropic strategy and community knowledge and is a partner in improving central Ohio. With assets of $1 billion, The Columbus Foundation is one of the ten largest community foundations in the United States today.

For more information about The Columbus Foundation, visit www.columbusfoundation.org or call 614/251-4000.

Contact Information: Contact: 614/251-4000 Carol Harmon x 113