COLUMBUS, OH – In a bold move to uplift its youngest residents, the City of Columbus has announced a transformative $28.2 million investment in youth programming, sending a clear message that the future of the city rests firmly in the hands of its children—and the community is stepping up to support them.
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, alongside Council President Shannon G. Hardin, unveiled the funding initiative, which includes a significant $8.6 million in summer program grants directed toward 112 local community organizations. These programs are specially designed to enrich the lives of Columbus youth, particularly those in vulnerable neighborhoods, by focusing on academic support, mental and physical wellbeing, and career-readiness skills.
“We owe it to our kids to give them every chance to succeed,” said Mayor Ginther.
“By providing them with structure and stability, and helping them to develop new skills, we are building a brighter tomorrow while ensuring the kind of growth that is both dynamic and inclusive.”
The competitive grant process, which ran from January 13 to February 14, 2025, attracted dozens of local organizations eager to make an impact. Each proposal was meticulously reviewed by an interdepartmental committee to ensure that the funding targets communities and young people most in need—those disproportionately affected by crime, poverty, and other systemic barriers.
Crucially, the initiative targets Columbus’ “Opportunity Neighborhoods,” areas identified for their potential for transformative development despite facing significant socioeconomic challenges. By focusing on these communities, city leaders aim to create ripples of change that will uplift not just individuals, but entire neighborhoods.
Council President Hardin reflected personally on the importance of such investments. “I spent my summers lifeguarding at Wyandot Lake, now called Zoombezi Bay, where I learned to work hard and engage the public. It also kept me busy and out of trouble! This $8.6 million investment in 112 local nonprofits is all about making sure today’s young people have the same safe and enriching opportunities to grow,” Hardin said.
He also pointed to the broader context, noting that while federal funding is shrinking, Columbus is doubling down on its commitment to nonprofits and community organizations that serve the city’s most at-risk youth.The funding boost doesn’t stop there. This new investment joins an additional $19.6 million already approved for other vital city-sponsored summer initiatives, including:Police and fire cadet classes, Columbus Recreation and Parks, APPS Job Readiness Program, Summer camps and youth sportsOngoing partnerships with community-focused organizationsTogether, these efforts aim to create a web of support for Columbus youth, ensuring they have safe spaces to learn, grow, and explore opportunities that could shape their futures.
The ordinances authorizing the allocation of the $8.6 million in grants will be reviewed by the Columbus City Council on April 21, solidifying the city’s promise to invest in its future leaders.
With this comprehensive commitment, Columbus is not just funding programs—it is funding hope, resilience, and a future where every child can thrive.
