To commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month, we’re spotlighting various charities, non-profits, and initiatives established by and for Central Ohio’s Black community. There’s not a cut-and-dry way to support the Black community, so these entities are dedicated to addressing racial inequity and bolstering support for the Black community through diverse avenues.
In addition to providing each organization’s mission, we strongly urge you to explore their linked websites for deeper insight and opportunities to donate to each important cause.
It’s crucial to recognize and amplify the efforts of these organizations as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the Black community and advancing social justice initiatives. By actively engaging with and supporting these entities, we can collectively work towards a more equitable and inclusive society.
1. Columbus Urban League
“The Columbus Urban League is a community‐based, non‐profit, advocacy organization. Founded in 1918, the Columbus Urban League is an affiliate of the National Urban League and stands as one of the largest and most prestigious community‐based organizations in Central Ohio. The mission of the Columbus Urban League is to empower African Americans and disenfranchised groups through economic, educational and social progress.”
2. Black Girl Rising
“Our vision is to ensure that all African American girls live lives of authenticity, equality, and resiliency. The mission of Black Girl Rising, Inc. is to place Black girls at promise by serving as a catalyst for change that improves outcomes for African American girls and their families”
3. JUST (Justice, Unity, & Social Transformation)
“The vocation of JUST is determined by an ingrained sense of civic duty to uplift, enrich, and provide assurance for marginalized communities. We believe in unifying our neighborhoods through education and policy. We believe in the collective inclusion that results from racial equity. We seek to reach for racial and socioeconomic equity by dismantling the foundation of systemic racism upon which our systems are built; we aim to rebuild said systems with racial equity at the forefront.”
4. The Black Girls’ & Young Women’s Collective
“At The Black Girls’ and Young Women’s Collective, we know we can bridge the gaps Black girls confront—but only when the girls set the course. Only when they know they’re valued, valuable leaders, braided together by common threads, empowered as individuals, and effective as a collective. With a forum to share their challenges, ideas, and hopes, Black girls and young women can express, openly and fully, what they’re facing and what they need. And as we listen, we learn how to support them. To create programs that serve them. To shape policies that benefit them. To build bridges that bring allies and options near.”
5. Willie & Vivian Gaddis Foundation
“We promote education and entrepreneurship to children and youth in central Ohio. Through instruction and exposure, our program participants receive resources and encouragement to discover, affirm, and live out their purpose intentionally.”
6. The Columbus Foundation
“Our community can move forward, together, but we must earn that togetherness by addressing the systems that created our present conditions, conditions that are not equitable for everyone and that limit the ability to succeed in life, especially for our Black residents and other communities of color.”
7. Black Queer & Intersectional Collective
“BQIC is a grassroots community organization in Central Ohio that works towards the liberation of Black LGBTQIA+ people from all walks of life through direct action, community organizing, education on our issues, and creating spaces to uplift our voices. BQIC is working towards a world where Black LGBTQIA+ people can live safe, healthy, and flourishing lives. Since we are grassroots, we rely primarily on donations to fund our work.”
8. Columbus Black
“OhioBlack.com is the ideal platform for companies, promoters, entrepreneurs, artists, schools, and those looking to promote themselves who realize the economic buying power of the Black community. As an incentive, the site offers a free membership which includes a weekly digital newsletter highlighting key information, events, advertisements and more. The goal of OhioBlack is to provide the black community and it’s allies with a relevant omni-channel platform highlighting Black Culture and addressing key topics related to Social, Physical/Mental Health and Wellness, Wealth Creation, Events, Entertainment, Black Founders, Black Businesses and Job Opportunities targeting black candidates.”
9. Friends of Art for Community Enrichment (F.A.C.E.)
“To educate and enrich the lives of youth and senior citizens in the central Ohio community by sharing the art and culture of Africa and African-Americans through musical performances, enrichment programs, and community engagement.”
10. New Harvest Urban Arts Center
“Provide academic and economic development opportunities for the residents of Linden though urban agricultural and art education.”
11. Urban Strings Columbus
“Urban Strings Columbus develops underserved youth, with a focus on African American and minority youth, to become string musicians.”
12. Columbus Cultural Orchestra
“One of CCO’s long term goals is to raise the percentage of African-American musicians that play in professional symphony orchestras. Currently, that percentage stands at 2% and we believe that through proper training and engagement, we can change this. Locally, we can impact the Columbus market and raise the number of professional African-American classical musicians by 5% in the next 5 years.”
13. Columbus College of Art & Design
“CCAD fosters a community that educates diverse students so they can unleash their creative power to shape culture and commerce.”
14. King Arts Complex
“The Martin Luther King Jr. Performing and Cultural Arts Complex connects community through the arts. We engage central Ohio through performing, cultural and educational programs of high artistic merit that increase and disseminate knowledge regarding the vast and significant contributions of African-Americans to the culture and history of America and the world.”
15. Art Possible Ohio
“Founded in 1986, we work together with artists of all ages who have disabilities to advocate for accessibility and inclusivity, advance careers in the creative sector, build community, and improve the academic achievement of Ohio’s students through arts integration. By bridging arts and disability, our programs and services promote inclusive spaces and accessible opportunities for Ohioans.”
16. Global Gallery, Inc.
“Promote fair trade handcrafted products from around the world while developing cultural enrichment through educational workshops and social events.”
17. Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center
“Founded in 2000, Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center’s (OCVJC) mission is to ensure that Ohio state and federal crime victims are treated with fairness and respect for their safety, dignity, and privacy during the criminal justice process, they are informed of their rights, their voices heard, and the rights they choose to exercise are protected and enforced.
To fulfill its mission, OCVJC provides no cost legal representation to enforce crime victims’ rights and victims’ rights training to justice system officials and allied professionals in all of Ohio’s 88 counties. OCVJC has provided no cost legal assistance to protect and enforce the rights of nearly 3,000 crime victims.”
18. People Like Me Project, Inc.
“Using a culturally diverse lens to empower individuals and communities to promote positive social change.”
19. Adult Advocacy Centers
“Serve adults with disabilities who are alleged victims or witnesses of abuse, maltreatment, or neglect; we exist to teach the world how to listen to what people with disabilities have to say.”
20. United Way of Delaware County
“We are focused on education through programs and services that help children and youth achieve their potential. Your contributions help to increase access to quality child care and early childhood education. They help to support youth mentoring programs and scouting programs that develop tolerance, diversity and conflict resolution. They provide advocacy for abused and neglected children, and support for school children who are at risk due to substance abuse within their families.”
21. We Elevate You Foundation
“Designed to bolster black, indigenous, and people of (BIPOC) entrepreneurs in their journeys to build successful businesses and establish generational wealth.”
22. Columbus Area Chapter of Blacks In Government
“The mission of the Columbus Area Chapter of Blacks in Government:
- Training
- Professional Growth and Development
- Counseling and Representation
- Community Service/Youth Programs
- Advocacy
- Networking
- Job Opportunities
- Eliminate practices of racism and racial discrimination
- Promote professionalism
- Develop and promote programs to enhance pride and educational opportunities
- Establish a mechanism for the gathering and dissemination of information
- Provide a nonpartisan platform on major issues of local, regional and national significance affecting African American/Black in government”
23. Black, Out, & Proud
“Our purpose is to provide a safe space for and by Black LGBTQ+ individuals that advocates, educates, and inspires.”
24. Healing Broken Circles
“Provide space for healing and learning for those touched by the justice system; develop restorative environments and partner with communities to create strength-based, trauma-responsive education.”
25. Martin de Porres Center
“Caring for the educational and spiritual needs of God’s people, including outreach to underserved Latino, African-American, and immigrant communities.”
26. Central Ohio Club of the NANBPW Clubs, Inc.
“Promote and protect the interests of African American business and professional women; serve as advisors for young people seeking to enter business and the professions; improve the quality of life in our local and global communities; and foster good fellowship.”
27. Advocating Opportunity
“Use a human rights-based framework to provide holistic legal services and advocacy to survivors of sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and exploitation in Ohio, serving adults, juveniles and youth, as well as foreign national survivors. We believe in a world where communities exist free from all forms of exploitation and are building abundant, sustainable futures by prioritizing compassion, eliminating barriers, and advancing healing.“
28. MOSAIC Fund for Justice
“Supporting organizations committed to ending mass incarceration through consciousness raising, organizing, and movement building for racial justice and the liberation of all”
29. Dr. Patty’s Legacy Fund
“This memorial fund will continue the legacy of Dr. Patricia Cunningham. Dr. Patty was a former OSU professor, community leader, and tireless advocate for all.”
30. Ohio CASA/GAL Association
“We work for a world where every child who has experienced abuse or neglect is given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home. We specially trained volunteers to advocate in court for the best interest of children who have experience in Ohio’s child welfare system. CASA Volunteers are assigned to a child for the duration of a case, usually lasting a year or two. The average time spent in care is two years, during which they may change residences as many as three times — which is why CASA Volunteer work is so important.”
31. YWCA Columbus
“YWCA Columbus is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. We defy the status quo that puts women, people of color, and the marginalized on unequal footing. By fostering dialogue, providing practical resources, and educating our community, we promote empowerment and inclusion.”
32. Digital Equity Fund
“Donations to this fund support programming to identify and address broadband connectivity issues that hinder students, and others, from working online, with emphasis placed on need and equity of opportunity.”
33. Zora’s House
“Provide women of color with the clarity, confidence, and connections they need to amplify their authentic voices; grow and contribute their talents; and powerfully transform their lives, careers, and communities. A non-profit coworking and community space built by and for women and gender expansive people of color, Zora’s House is a place to gather. To connect. To make progress. To feel safe. And most of all, to thrive.”
34. Remnant House Living Inc.
“Our goal is to address the needs of thousands of homeless women in our community and eventually throughout the world by providing a safe haven and tearing down of strongholds. We provide volunteers experienced in education, housing, life skills, and employment and career training, as well as medical professionals to assist those struggling with the crises of being displaced from family and loved ones.”
35. American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio Foundation, Inc.
“To champion and expand constitutional and other fundamental rights and to pursue racial, economic, gender, and social equity for all Ohioans using all the tools of integrated advocacy without political partisanship; to fight in both principle and practice for the best ideals of fairness, freedom, and justice; and to advance our mission through an anti-racist, intersectional lens with determination, agility, practicality, and hope.”
36. National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.
“NC100BW, Inc. is a nationally recognized movement of over 14 million black women and girls in 28 states. The mission of NC100BW, Inc. is to advocate on behalf of black women and girls through national and local actions and strategic alliances to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment.”
Did we miss one? Send us a note!