Columbus City Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, Council President Shannon Hardin and Councilmember Shayla Favor have announced 48 non-profit organizations as the recipients of the city’s $5 million Elevate grant program. 

A total of 48 non-profit human service agencies are receiving funds to focus on infant vitality, homelessness and housing stability for immigrants and refugees.

“In Columbus, we believe every resident deserves to be stably housed, and we believe that every baby should reach his or her first birthday and beyond,” said Mayor Ginther. 

“This funding from the City of Columbus will empower 48 local organizations to change these trajectories for Columbus families.”

The grant funding will be used to increase the organizational capacity of human service agencies, to be used in conjunction with their general operating funds. Grant applicants were evaluated based on need and services offered in three impact areas:

·       Infant Vitality — ability to address social determinants of health and demonstrated effectiveness in helping all babies — regardless of race, zip code or family income – celebrate their first birthdays.

·       Homelessness — work to reduce the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness by improving access to obtain or maintain safe, affordable housing and supportive care

·       Housing Stability for Immigrants and Refugees – efforts to improve the access needed for supportive services for immigrants and refugees

With data surrounding infant vitality and homelessness, Mayor Ginther has specifically targeted these areas through his Opportunity Rising equity agenda, the Columbus Housing Strategy and many other city-wide initiatives, including partnering with non-profits already working in this space.

“As we build back from the COVID pandemic, capacity-building at local non-profits is a critical step to help partners provide the goods and services our residents deserve,” said Council President Shannon G. Hardin. “I’m excited to support these non-profits so they can better support residents.”

This $5 million comes from the federal American Rescue Plan funds allocated to the City of Columbus.

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