Remarkable $55 million gift to The Columbus Foundation represents the largest endowed gift to a multi-university scholarship fund in Ohio’s history
Columbus, OH (September 4, 2024)—The Columbus Foundation announced a historic commitment to the community through the establishment of a more than $55 million endowed scholarship fund. The fund, made possible by the generosity of the late Mary E. “Betsy” Rueb, will provide scholarship opportunities to local students in perpetuity and is the largest known endowed gift to a multi-university scholarship fund in Ohio’s history. It is also the largest endowed gift to The Columbus Foundation in the organization’s 80-year history.
The announcement was made during today’s annual Celebration of Philanthropy event, where Rueb was also honored posthumously as the 2024 honoree of The Harrison M. Sayre Award. Named after The Columbus Foundation’s founder and 25-year volunteer director, the award recognizes leadership in philanthropy in central Ohio. Mrs. Rueb, a longtime Columbus resident who was passionate about youth and helping students pursue their educational dreams, passed away in 2023.
“More than 30 years ago, Mrs. Rueb approached The Columbus Foundation with the desire to establish a fund to support students in schools throughout central Ohio on their path to higher education. Thanks to her generous spirit and thoughtful planning, this extraordinary gift will benefit generations to come,” said Doug Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation. “We are deeply grateful not only for Mrs. Rueb’s remarkable gift, but for the many donors, nonprofits, and others in the community who dedicate themselves to the pursuit of building a vibrant, healthy central Ohio for all.”
The Columbus Foundation, which has served the community for 80 years, also announced record-breaking grantmaking totals for the fourth consecutive year. In 2023, The Columbus Foundation, its Supporting Foundations, and its generous donors awarded more than $366 million in grants to 4,760 nonprofits, supporting a variety of issues in central Ohio and beyond, including the arts, education, health, housing, social services, conservation, workforce and neighborhood development, and more. The Columbus Foundation also paid more than $5.3 million in scholarships in 2023, a single-year record, helping students achieve their educational goals.
In recognition of the essential work and vital services that nonprofits provide the community, The Columbus Foundation also announced the 2024 honoree of The Columbus Foundation Award as The Center for Healthy Families. Founded in 2007, The Center for Healthy Families is dedicated to elevating the agency of girls and young women—including pregnant and parenting teens and young adults—to have healthy, thriving lives by surrounding them with a network of care and support.
Pictured: Toshia Safford, President and CEO of The Center for Healthy Families.
Created in 1986, The Columbus Foundation Award recognizes organizations that have made a difference in the quality of life in our community. As part of the award, The Center for Healthy Families will receive a $100,000 unrestricted grant from The Columbus Foundation.
To learn more about The Columbus Foundation’s philanthropy awards, including previous honorees, click here.
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation, one of the top 10 community foundations in the United States, serves thousands of individuals, families, and businesses that have created unique funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible.