ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Since its inception, the Columbia Foundation has continually evolved and expanded by thoughtfully broadening the depth and breadth of its giving. The Foundation continues to work closely with the Club’s Board of Governors to develop ways to not only support Club employees and their families, but also to impact the work of community non-profits and to promote awareness and appreciation of Columbia’s storied history.
The Columbia Foundation was established in October 1996 as a 501(c)(3) supporting the charitable and educational priorities of the membership of Columbia Country Club. Originally, the Foundation was responsible for the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of neighboring Hayes Manor as an historic landmark, responsive to membership's expressed philanthropic desires. Since the disposition of Hayes Manor, continuing the socially conscious endeavors of the Foundation has been a priority.
From its launch in 1996 and through almost three decades, the Columbia Foundation has provided nearly a million dollars to small and mid-size local charities and close to $400,000 to Club employees. Through its Community Impact Fund (CIF), the Foundation confers yearly grants in categories chosen by the Club’s membership and organizes volunteer efforts to enrich those awards, while the organization’s Employee Assistance Fund supports crisis needs and the educational goals of Club staff.
The Foundation embraces the Club’s honored “warm Columbia welcome” and spreads that goodwill both within the walls of the Club and throughout the D.C. Metro area. In so doing, its work is earning for Columbia a reputation as “the Club that gives back”
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 Frank Cantrel, PresidentBeing on The Columbia Foundation Board is a meaningful way to serve both our employees and the local community of which Columbia is an important part. |  Sue Cook-Guzman, Vice-President“The Club has been my family’s ‘home away from home’ for the past twenty years. Serving on The Columbia Foundation Board is my way of showing our gratitude to members, staff and leadership alike.” |  Yogini Patel, Treasurer"I joined The Columbia Foundation Board during the pandemic because I was inspired by and am thankful to the Columbia Club Board, the members, but most importantly, to all the Club staff. They kept us safe, while also sustaining an environment to which we can escape and spend time with our friends and family. We truly are a village in every sense of the word." |
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 Jennifer Vermillion, Secretary"Being on the Columbia Foundation Board has been a great experience. It’s given me the opportunity to support the Columbia community and give back to local non-profit organizations." |  Mark Belles, DirectorIt is an honor to be on the Columbia Foundation Board and engage with so many talented and passionate Directors. I look forward to partnering with the Board and membership to positively impact our amazing employees and our local community. |  Katie Drossos, DirectorIt is my privilege to serve on the Board of the Columbia Foundation. I look forward to continuing the good work the Foundation does in supporting the staff and our local community. |
 Catherine Gallagher, Director“I love that Columbia wants to earn the reputation as “the Club that gives back.” The fact that we have a Foundation with a mission to invest in our community and support our wonderful employees sets our Club apart and I am excited to play a role in this effort.” |  Tammi Houton, DirectorHaving worked with the Foundation from the vantage point of a partnering nonprofit, I have seen the impact our Club can make. I am pleased to join the Foundation Board to continue their efforts in advancing the work of local nonprofits and engaging our membership. |  Scott Huguely, DirectorI look forward to serving as a Columbia Foundation Board Member. Columbia has always been a part of my life and I cherish the opportunity to support our wonderful, hard-working employees as well as various organizations within our community. |
 Jerry Kraisinger, DirectorI am honored to serve as a director on The Columbia Foundation Board because the organization advances the philanthropic spirit of Club members, myself included. The Foundation not only supports our cherished employees, without whom a “warm Columbia welcome” would not be possible, but also meaningfully impacts local charities offering much-needed assistance to our community’s underserved. I hope my service contributes to the Foundation’s expanding mission. |  Chris Lamond, Director“The Columbia Foundation is more than the charitable arm of our Club. With a vison for truly impacting our community in positive ways, the Foundation is well situated to build off its great history and inspire our membership to support our shared mission.” |  Molly McNamara Hugo, DirectorMy family has always been heavily involved in local charities. I am honored to be a part of the Columbia Foundation and the impact we have within our local community. |
 Betsy Pothier, Director“I am a third generation Club member with many family traditions shared at Columbia. Serving on The Columbia Foundation Board is an honor and a privilege, affording an opportunity for me to give back not only to the Club, but also to the community at large.” |  Catherine Zimmermann, Director"Giving back to our community and supporting Columbia’s employees motivates me and inspires my participation in The Columbia Foundation. I'm thankful to volunteer my experience and skills to help the Foundation achieve its goals.” |  Caroline Cunningham, Ex-Officio“I have been honored to serve on The Columbia Foundation Board for the last five years, and now as its President. I am inspired by the extraordinary group of talented Board members who have transformed the Foundation’s philanthropy and engaged Club members in meaningful ways. As a former career non-profit President, I am humbled by the Foundation's growing impact on the lives of our employees and those in need in our community.” |