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 Columbia Country 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 a historic landmark, responsive to the 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.”

The Board of Directors

Mark Belles

PRESIDENT
It 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.
Frank Cantrel

EX-OFFICIO
Being 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.
Catherine Gallagher

VICE PRESIDENT
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.
Scott Huguely

TREASURER
I 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.
Katie Drossos

SECRETARY
It 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.
Maddie Donnelly Glading

DIRECTOR
As a third-generation Columbia member, I'm excited to have the opportunity to further my family's commitment to the well-being of the Club and the greater Washington community in general.
Kathleen Barker

DIRECTOR
I joined the Columbia Foundation after being involved in the First Tee Honorary Guest Program since 2022. Columbia is such a unique, caring, and philanthropic community, and I'm excited to contribute more to this community through the Foundation.
Mark Johannessen

DIRECTOR
For me, the Columbia Foundation Board is about promoting community.
William Lawler

DIRECTOR
I am excited to join the Foundation Board to help continue and build upon the great work the Foundation does. The thoughtfulness and care that goes into the Foundation’s work reflects the caring, charitable attitude of the entire Columbia community.
Scott Talbott

DIRECTOR
Through the Foundation, Columbia members have a powerful tool to give back. I joined the Foundation Board to make a difference in the lives of Club employees and in the community.
Amy Tejral

DIRECTOR
I am excited to serve on the Columbia Foundation Board and honored to work in support of our amazing Club employees, their families, and the local non-profits playing critical roles in our community.