Grants | Columbia Foundation

WHO WE HELP

COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND

The Columbia Foundation recently launched a new giving program -- the Community Impact Fund (CIF) – which is designed to award three $20,000 grants in focus areas chosen with the input from Columbia Country Club members. For its inaugural year, grants were made in the areas of Family and Housing (including food security), Education and Health and Wellness.

To be considered for a CIF grant, successful organizations provide needs-based services within the Greater Washington area and show demonstrable positive outcomes within its area of focus. Operational and financial transparency, administrative efficiency and effective leadership are also critical factors.

The Foundation strives to develop relationships with its grantees and preference is often given given to organizations that have a member of Columbia Country Club either serving on its Board or participating in a significant volunteer capacity. Similarly, organizations that offer opportunities for the Club to extend in-kind contributions and that welcome the Club’s members to volunteer and engage in an active way may also be given preference.

For more information on the CIF process, or to learn more about how your organization might be considered in future rounds of funding, please email columbiagivesback@gmail.org.

CLICK to learn more or apply for a Grant Application

The%2520Columbia%2520Foundation%2520Logo

The%252520Columbia%252520Foundation%2525

2022 GRANT RECIPIENTS

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

DC Diaper Bank Columbia Foundation Grant Winner

Greater DC Diaper Bank, Silver Spring, MD

The Greater DC Diaper Bank (GDCDB) will use The Columbia Foundation’s $20,000 grant to turn temporary pandemic-necessary collection sites into permanent community donation locations. Founded in 2010, the GDCDB empowers vulnerable families and individuals by providing an adequate and reliable source for basic baby needs and personal hygiene products and has evolved into one of the largest diaper banks in the country.

Washington Jesuit Academy, NE Washington DC

Through enhancement of the school’s Office of Student and Alumni Success, The Columbia Foundation’s $20,000 CIF grant will provide individualized support for over 300 alumni as they navigate college and career amid the pandemic. Replacing the cycle of poverty with a cycle of hope, determination, and success, the Washington Jesuit Academy (WJA) annually serves 116 young men in grades four through eight as well as over 300 alumni from 17 cohorts. WJA admits students without regard to race, ethnicity, or religion, but all student families must demonstrate financial need.

2022 Columbia Foundation Grant Winner: Washington Jesuit Academy

2022 Columbia Foundation Grant Winner: Mercy Health Clinic

Mercy Health Clinic, Gaithersburg, MD

Through The Columbia Foundation’s $20,000 CIF grant, Mercy’s scope will expand to include improving teens’ physical and mental health. Mercy Health Clinic opened its doors in October 2000 as a nonprofit, nonsectarian, free health clinic with all-volunteer physicians. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mercy conducted more than 7,000 medical appointments to underserved and uninsured populations.

COLUMBIA'S EMPLOYEES

Amid all the hardship and turmoil of the past several years, bright spots emerged, especially within the Columbia Country Club community.

In an amazing display of compassion and support, Club members rallied around employees through their generous support of The Columbia Foundation’s Employee Assistance Fund (EAF). Addressing critical needs that were caused by the financial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EAF has made X grants to date, totaling $X, providing support for groceries, housing assistance, utility payments, medical expenses, childcare and more.

Since its inception, the EAF was designed by the Foundation Board to be flexible in its ability to pivot and respond to ever-changing circumstances and needs of Club employees. Check back soon for updates on the EAF’s scope and reach.

"My family and I want to thank the Columbia Foundation for all the help that this organization is doing for our staff. Many, many thanks to all the organizers from the bottom of our hearts."

~long-time Columbia Country Club employee

FEATURED PAST RECIPIENTS