Since its founding in 1943, The Columbus Foundation has worked with thousands of passionate individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to help them achieve their charitable goals. Recognizing that everyone’s giving is unique, The Columbus Foundation offers donors a variety of charitable fund options to help fuel their philanthropy. One such fund option, known as a Donor Advised Fund, has been part of The Columbus Foundation for nearly all of the organization’s 80-year history.
A Donor Advised Fund is a personalized fund that makes it easy for donors to support the issues and organizations they care about. Known for their convenience and flexibility, Donor Advised Funds are one of the most popular types of funds at community foundations nationally—including at The Columbus Foundation. Through this fund type, individuals can make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants from the fund to nonprofits over time.
“Donor Advised Funds offer a hands-on approach to philanthropy, and are ideal for those wanting to give to multiple organizations and programs throughout the year,” said Angela G. Parsons, JD, CAP®, Vice President of Donor Services at The Columbus Foundation. “The Columbus Foundation is proud to have a long and established history of supporting Donor Advised Funds. Through the collective generosity of many individuals, these dynamic funds provide critical resources to nonprofits in our community, and in other communities throughout the country.”
“Donor Advised Funds offer a hands-on approach to philanthropy, and are ideal for those wanting to give to multiple organizations and programs throughout the year."
Angela G. Parsons, JD, CAP®, Vice President of Donor Services
Donor Advised Funds got their start in the early 1930s, when The New York Community Trust established the first-ever Donor Advised Fund. While not the first to develop the concept, The Columbus Foundation was an early leader in the promotion and advocacy of Donor Advised Funds. In 1947, the first Donor Advised Fund at The Columbus Foundation was established, thanks to the generosity of Frederick B. Hill.
Frederick B. Hill
Hill, who served as a member of The Columbus Foundation’s Governing Committee from 1953 to 1980, earned a living making plastic tubing for industrial use. His wealth grew after he created his own plastic version of the Hula Hoop, and Hill invested his wealth back into the community by supporting nonprofit organizations through his Donor Advised Fund.
Since then, many donors have established Donor Advised Funds at The Columbus Foundation to streamline their giving and maximize their impact. The Columbus Foundation is currently home to roughly 1,500 Donor Advised Funds, each supporting a variety of nonprofits in central Ohio and beyond. All throughout the year, donors with Donor Advised Funds make grant suggestions to support the issues and organizations they care about—and the collective impact is extraordinary.
In 2023, more than $257.5 million in grants was awarded through Donor Advised Funds at The Columbus Foundation. Such grants have supported everything from new musical performances in the community and youth sports to STEM education and programs serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families. For many donors, Donor Advised Funds also provide opportunities to express their love of the community and engage their family in philanthropy.
From the establishment of The Columbus Foundation’s first Donor Advised Fund in 1947 through today, these funds have played an important role in strengthening and improving the community. As Donor Advised Funds continue to grow in both popularity and impact, The Columbus Foundation remains ready to help donors achieve their philanthropic goals—whether through a Donor Advised Fund, planned gift, or other charitable funds.
