A big-hearted fund powered by the
Columbus startup community
Mission
START, our region’s first-ever entrepreneur giving fund, is a unique charitable fund aimed at supporting initiatives that are “starting up” something special in the community.
START helps fund BIG ideas that work towards improving the lives and opportunities of the people who live and work in Columbus. START is an ongoing donor-advised fund, set up at the Columbus Foundation. Recipients will be non-profit and charitable organizations, not individuals.
With START, entrepreneurs and startup teams have a collective and efficient way to contribute financially to the very community that supported their innovation.
What
START will target initiatives in four broad categories. The common thread is “starting up.”
Connecting Communities
STEM Education
Sustainable Food Solutions
Workforce Development
PROGRAMS FUNDED
Franklinton Farms is a non-profit urban farm dedicated to growing and sharing healthy food, creating beauty, and building community with our neighbors.
The Overwatch Partnership provides mentoring and career development support to the veteran community, while supporting local veteran hiring advocacy efforts.
The Jay Richardson Foundation (TJRF) is a non-profit organization that focuses on the long-term success of our adolescent youth. With a resounding motto to “breathe life into Team FAMILY”, this unique approach shifts the emphasis from our youth as individuals to a holistic, familial responsibility.
Submit your initiative to be considered:
How to Give
Give via mail
The Columbus Foundation – START Fund of the Columbus Foundation
ATTN: Carter Hatch
1234 E. Broad St.
Columbus OH 43205
Questions about START
OR
Questions about giving
Contributing Individuals
- Erik Berg
- Dann Bruno
- Suzanne Bureau
- Kristy Campbell
- David Dillman
- Jon Eesley
- Alonzo Edmundo
- Andrea Ewing
- Chaz Freutel
- Bethany George
- Kathleen Green
- Mary Grinstead
- Margaret Groh
- Ryan Helon
- Muyang Hu
- Charles Hill
- Michael Kindratt-Pratt
- Ann Kneidinger-Flaherty
- Ron Landthorn
- Alison Lopriore
- Betsy MacDonell
- Parker MacDonell
- Mike McCann
- Trevor McCool
- Greg Pugh
- Tim Roe
- John Schroepfer
- Ruben Vargus
- Matthew Veryser
- Tom Walker
- Bob Wiggins
- Terry Ziegler
- Lora Zotter
Advisory Board
Phil George
CEO & Founder MentorcliQ
Rachel Roman
Director, Talent Management Updox
Anthony Reynolds
Co-Founder & CMO Refill
Steve White
CEO & Founder Clarivoy
Shaun Young
CEO & Founder Ardina/Millenefits
Kristy Campbell
COO Rev1 Ventures
FAQ
I’d like to participate directly to help make START a success. Can any startup help out? What about serving on the advisory board?
START is seeking broad and diverse participation from Columbus’ community of entrepreneurial founders, teams, and startups. Early advisors have helped us get the fund launched, coming up with a mission and a name. START welcomes additional input and support. To volunteer, contact Kristy Campbell at Kristy@rev1ventures.com.
What kind of initiatives will START support?
START’S mission is to invest in BIG ideas in the Columbus region that support “starting up.” START is targeting four inclusive categories: Connecting Communities; STEM Education; Sustainable Food Solutions; and Workforce Development.
What’s the process to apply for START funding?
START is in build mode. START has raised over $31,600 and has awarded $15,000 in grants since it’s inception.
The Columbus Foundation manages distributions from the fund.
If you have a good idea for an initiative that will improve our community, we want to hear about it.
How can I donate to START?
Here are the ways to give:
- Online at Columbus Foundation
- Via mail at:
“The Columbus Foundation”
START Fund of the Columbus Foundation.
ATTN:
Carter Hatch
1234 E. Broad St.
Columbus OH 43205