Columbus Urban League Receives $500K Gift from Columbus Foundation

Courtesy of Columbus Underground
By Taijuan Moorman
September 8, 2021

The Columbus Foundation and Columbus Urban League have announced the foundation has granted the advocacy organization $500,000 to fund its core operations, in its dedication to advancing social justice and racial equity.

The foundation considers the gift “critical” to advancing a more just and equitable community.

“As a longstanding pillar of our social sector, CUL and CUL President and CEO Stephanie Hightower demonstrate exceptional tenacity and resolve to improve the lives of African American community members,” said Columbus Foundation President and CEO Douglas Kridler. “Through their comprehensive array of initiatives, they address a broad spectrum of needs and provide valuable resources that improve the lives of those they serve as well as the well-being of our community overall.”

According to research from Echoing Green and The Bridgespan Group, historic philanthropic red-lining practices and programming-only grants play a role in limiting and diminishing the ability of Black-led organizations to fulfill their missions.

Hightower said often donations are linked to certain programs, putting into jeopardy the core needs of organizations, such as staffing and operations. She said the Columbus Urban League was “delighted and honored” by the foundation’s recognition and generosity.

“It is a credit to The Columbus Foundation that they deliberately and intentionally want to move Central Ohio away from long-standing inequities,” she added. “We are excited to have them as allies, partners and leaders in advocating for social justice innovation, economic empowerment and organizational capacity for strategy and management.”