Why Charitable Giving Matters

The Community's Conversation

The state of charitable giving has a profound impact on hundreds of nonprofit organizations throughout Central Ohio, ranging from mighty arts, healthcare, and higher education institutions to local civic clubs and direct service providers. Trends in giving affect all of them — from the decline of giving among “everyday households,” increasing dependence on high-net-worth donors, trends in corporate giving, and the rise of donor advised funds, this dynamic sector represents more than 12% of Ohio’s workforce – about as many as are employed in manufacturing. Following the June 25 release of Giving USA’s annual report, we host a landmark conversation diving into the state and future of charitable giving.

Featuring:

Erika Gable, President, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Central Ohio Chapter

Rachel Lustig, CEO, Lutheran Social Services

Dr. Una Osili, Associate Dean for Research and International Programs, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, who also provides opening remarks.

The host is Laura MacDonald, Principal & Founder, Benefactor Group

Opening remarks by Dan Sharpe, Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management, The Columbus Foundation.

The presenting sponsor was The Columbus Foundation.

This forum was also sponsored by The Hodge Group. The forum partner was AFP Central Ohio.

It was supported by The Ellis.

The livestream presenting sponsor was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. The livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.

This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus, Ohio's historic Italian Village on June 26, 2024.