Contact Information: Media contact: Carol Harmon The Columbus Foundation 614/251-4000, ext. 113
The Columbus Foundation Announces 58 Percent Growth in Gifts in 2006
First Time in History the Columbus Community Has Donated More Than $100 Million in Gifts in a Single Year
| Source: Paul Werth Associates
COLUMBUS, OH -- (MARKET WIRE) -- March 6, 2007 -- Recording unprecedented growth in 2006, gifts
to The Columbus Foundation
grew by a record 58 percent to $107 million, a new all-time high for the community foundation and the first time in the Foundation's
63-year history it has received more than $100 million in new gifts in a
single year.
"Working through The Columbus Foundation, the people of this community are
building a tremendous resource for now, and forever," said Douglas F.
Kridler, president and CEO of the Columbus Foundation. "The growth in gifts
in 2006 is clear evidence that generosity is one of our community's
defining characteristics."
"The Columbus Foundation helps make charitable giving easy -- they have a pulse on nonprofit
organizations and needs in the community," said Sue Doody, a Columbus
Foundation donor. "I rely on the Foundation for their advice when I make
decisions about giving."
Through a giving option called donor advised funds, Columbus
Foundation donors support the causes and nonprofit organizations they
choose. Last year, donor advised funds accounted for 45 percent of all new
gifts and are considered one of the fastest growing forms of philanthropy
in the United States today.
Total grants to the community also reached an all-time high in
2006. The Columbus Foundation and its donors awarded a record $72.4 million
in philanthropic grants to the community in 2006, the most ever distributed
in the Foundation's history. Since its creation, The Columbus Foundation
and its donors have granted more than $800 million back to the community.
As of December 31, 2006, the assets of the Foundation totaled $978 million
and are held in 1,579 charitable funds and 28 supporting foundations.
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 63 years, The Columbus
Foundation is a resource for philanthropic strategy and community knowledge
and is a partner in improving central Ohio. For more information about the
Foundation, visit http://columbusfoundation.org or call 614/251-4000.