Philanthropy Ohio is a statewide membership association that provides the network, tools and knowledge to help people engaged in philanthropy become effective partners for change in our communities. This philanthropic membership community was created for funders by funders, and we invite you to join us.
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Responsive and adaptive leadership in an ever-changing Ohio
Philanthropy Ohio brings funders together and leads key discussions, utilizing a community-centered approach, to advance change in our communities. From the nuts and bolts of philanthropy to diving deep into topics important to your work, Philanthropy Ohio taps the wisdom of local experts and national thought leaders to bring members high-quality programs and knowledge resources to improve your practice as you learn from and alongside your peers.
With an explicit focus on equity, the Philanthropy Ohio community lifts up the best practices in philanthropy, leverages the work of members and focuses on system change through policywork and public/private partnerships. As the recognized advocate representing the interests of Ohio philanthropy in the state and nation, Philanthropy Ohio advocates for and on behalf of members to advance policies that strengthen our communities.
A just and vibrant Ohio through impactful philanthropy.
MISSION
To lead and equip Ohio philanthropy to be effective partners for change in our communities.
VALUES
Equity: Seeking justice, fairness and belonging. Integrity: Holding to honesty, reliability, trust and respect. Voice: Listening, centering community lived experience and speaking up with purpose. Courage: Striving to be brave, innovative and to take risks. Community: Cultivating connections, collaborations and engagement.
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STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Advocating
Building and strengthening relationships to support policies that bolster the charitable sector and improve Ohio’s communities, incorporating an equity lens in policy analysis and a process for taking position on divisive or controversial or partisan issues or legislation.
Educating
Curating learning opportunities that leverage local and national thought leaders and knowledge resources to advance individual and collective interests and expertise. We lead toward impactful, equitable and community-centered philanthropy through an Ohio-relevant lens.
Convening
Gathering people in adaptive and responsive ways to create paths for connection and collaboration, peer learning and sharing, and to strengthen relationships and amplify impact.
Collaborating
Building and strengthening public/private partnership opportunities with the governor’s office, relevant state agencies and community stakeholders to address statewide challenges and opportunities.
Centering Equity
Leading and supporting philanthropic work to center racial equity by bringing training, tools, inspiration and conversations to more Ohio communities, holding space for peer sharing and cohort learning and expanding to include other marginalized identities and issues (gender, geographic, economic, health and other equities).
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"Since coming to philanthropy in January 2015, Philanthropy Ohio has played the most significant role in my professional learning. Through Philanthropy Ohio’s convening and thought leadership, I have been able to learn and leverage effective strategies to address issues at both the community and systems level. It also provides a space for me to build authentic relationships with my peers, meet professionals from other sectors and hone my leadership skills. I cannot thank Philanthropy Ohio’s staff enough for their leadership, support and camaraderie." -Anthony Richardson, President, The George Gund Foundation
Join/Renew Your Membership
When you become a member of Philanthropy Ohio, you join a community of funder organizations 200+ members strong who are working to improve our communities! Already a member? Make sure your annual membership is up to date and you have access to all the benefits – from members-only peer convenings to public policy initiatives to the latest resources and networking events.
The Columbus Foundation announced a $500K investment in 21 food pantries across the region as the central Ohio community prepares for the potential loss of Supplemental Nutrition
Convene with philanthropic leaders, staff and sector advocates for a strategic four-day advocacy experience at Foundations on the Hill (FOTH). Hosted and presented by United Philanthropy Forum, in partnership with the Council on Foundations and Independent Sector, FOTH is set for March 16-19, 2026. In addition to connecting with key legislators and elected officials, attendees will experience a full conference designed to strengthen institutional readiness at a pivotal moment for the sector. Attend pre-conference programming, conference plenaries and expert-led sessions to explore the most consequential issues facing philanthropy and the collective strategies required to respond effectively.
After a year of rapid policy shifts, heightened scrutiny and growing demands on charitable institutions, gather with peers at FOTH to collectively strengthen the sector’s independence and its ability to serve communities in the years ahead. When advocates and leaders come together and speak to Congress with a unified message, we can make a lasting impact by demonstrating philanthropy’s collective strength and advancing community-centered impact nationwide.
• Register for Foundations on the Hill by Friday, February 27, for the early-bird rate.
• Book your hotel room at The Salamander Washington, D.C. with a special event rate of $399 per night, until Monday, February 16. (The room block is anticipated to sell out before the deadline.)
• Philanthropy Ohio staff will provide planning and support to the Ohio delegation participants leading up to FOTH. For questions, contact Adrienne Wells.
What you’ll take away
• Four strategic days of advocacy, connection and coordination on Capitol Hill;
• Connections with key policymakers to share philanthropy’s value and your community impact;
• Informative and interactive programming to equip you with tools, insights and shared language to address public policy issues impacting philanthropy and our communities; and
• Adaptable, actionable resources that advance collective policy and advocacy work.
Who should attend
• Members interested in federal policy.
• Funders who wish to build relationships with elected officials and sector advocates.
• Foundation staff at all levels with an interest in policy issues and advocacy work.
[ REGISTER NOW button linked to https://www.unitedphilforum.org/events/foundations-hill-2026 ]
