FAQ

PowerPhilanthropy is the community’s premier online giving marketplace where you can find information about 600 local nonprofits. The Columbus Foundation created PowerPhilanthropy to share the Foundation’s knowledge about the nonprofit sector and to help donors be better informed about their charitable choices. Since the launch of PowerPhilanthropy in 2008, the online site’s giving events have so far raised nearly $7 million for central Ohio nonprofits.

You may search the online marketplace by organization name, keyword, or program area. In addition, you may search for organizations that have an endowment fund at or have received a competitive grant from The Columbus Foundation.

Organizations featured in PowerPhilanthropy have completed a portrait to share details on their mission and background, programs, leadership, and finances.

All portrait information is provided voluntarily by nonprofit organizations. At minimum, information is updated annually—sometimes more frequently. Documents indicated as available by an organization are verified by Foundation staff. The financial section is completed by Foundation staff based on available documents for a three-year period.

Creating a user name and password allows you to manage your giving and connect with your favorite causes 24/7. You may access updated information about your favorite nonprofits, see your giving history, share your passion with friends and family, save pending transactions in your Giving Cart, and learn about community needs.

For gifts made by credit card, a nominal fee of 2.35% per transaction is charged. The Columbus Foundation receives no income from any credit card charges. All donations, once made, cannot be rescinded.

Your donation will be listed as to The Columbus Foundation on your credit card receipt. All donations will be sent by The Foundation to the nonprofit you selected.

The minimum grant suggestion amount from a donor advised fund is $250. The minimum credit card gift is $20.

The Columbus Foundation supports opportunities in five major areas that address community needs and invest in solutions that strengthen and improve our community. Organizations that have received a competitive grant in the past three years have received funding after going through a rigorous application and review process.

Donors and nonprofit organizations can create an endowment fund at The Columbus Foundation to protect charitable dollars and provide a stable, predictable source of income for the organization. You may support an organization with an endowment fund by giving directly to the nonprofit or to their endowment fund.

The Columbus Foundation Award is given annually to an organization that has made a significant difference in the quality of life in our community.

Click on the “My Account” link at the top of the page and select the “My Login” tab to change your username or password.

You may use one login to manage your fund, view portraits, make credit card gifts to organizations, update your organization’s portrait, or submit your organization’s grant application. Click on the “My Account” link at the top of the page and select “My Access” to update your user roles.

Click on the “My Account” link at the top of the page and select the “My Preferences” tab to add or remove interest areas.

Click on the “My Account” link at the top of the page and select the “My Preferences” tab to remove organizations from your favorite listing. You may add a new favorite by viewing the organization’s portrait and clicking the “Favorite” button below the organization’s mission statement.