In addition to providing financial support, the Foundation inspires Club members and their children to engage with its grantees through various hands-on volunteer events and in-kind donation campaigns.  Examples of these initiatives include art supplies and backpack drives, diaper bundling and baby supplies sorting, toiletry donations, and non-perishable food collections, among other efforts.

Community Impact Fund Grants

2024 Grant Recipients

2023

2022

  • Samaritans Inns (2024)

  • Wilderness, Leadership and Learning (2024)

  • Patriot Point (2024)

  • Jewish Council for the Aging (2023)

  • St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families (2023)

  • Don Bosco Cristo Rey (2023)

Who We Help…

Community Impact Fund

In 2021, the Columbia Foundation launched a new giving program -- the Community Impact Fund (“CIF”) – to focus its giving and produce a greater impact for supported organizations.  Through the CIF, the Foundation awards $60,000+ in grants each year, focusing on specific areas chosen with input from Columbia Country Club members.  Grants have been fielded in the areas of Education, Health and Wellness, Family and Child Welfare, Veterans, Housing, and Aging.

Grant Application Requirements

Organizations must provide needs-based services within the Greater Washington area and show demonstrable positive outcomes within its area of focus.  The CIF generally seeks to support organizations with annual revenue not exceeding $2.5M (excluding in-kind donations), and eligible non-profits must have been in existence for 5 years or more.  Other critical factors include operational and financial transparency, administrative efficiency and effective leadership.

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

“The Columbia Foundation promotes the power of community by investing in local charities and supporting Club employees. Since 2000 the Foundation has donated nearly a million dollars to community-based charities and granted close to $400,000 to Club employees.”

Grant Application Process

Step 1: Fill out the interest form

Step 2: A Columbia Foundation member will reach out to you with more information and a copy of the Application Form

Step 3: Committee reviews grant applications

Step 4: Finalist organization present their ask to the CIF Committee

Step 5: Grantees announced

Applications are generally submitted and processed in the early winter, with final grantees announced in late spring. For more information on the CIF process, or to learn more about how your local charitable organization might be considered in future rounds of funding, please complete an interest form or email columbiagivesback@gmail.org.