Philanthropitch Columbus 2022 raises over $162,000 for nonprofit finalists!

Yesterday, five nonprofits brought their big ideas to the stage at Philanthropitch Columbus presented by American Electric Power Foundation!

We gathered in-person for the first time in over two years to celebrate the dedicated work and impact of five finalists: Columbus Fashion Alliance, Elevate Northland, Besa, The Ohio Association of Student Leaders and Wild Goose Creative.

Thanks to the generosity of corporate supporters, judges, audience members and YOU, Philanthropitch Columbus 2022 raised $162,571!

Each non-profit shared impact stories during their pitch about the many Ohio residents their programs reach, from young fashion designers, to student leaders, to local creatives and volunteers. The Judges and audience alike were impressed and inspired by the work these orgs do driving their capital toward uplifting underserved communities in new, innovative ways.

Active Columbus community members graciously got involved hosting and judging this event. Having Emcee Lachandra Baker and Judges Kate Oliphint, Ed Porter, Hannah Wexner, Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, Sean Lane, and Jenny Lane on stage with us made this edition of Philanthropitch Columbus all-the-more special.

During early voting, more than 100 people submitted their donations to our finalists, and thanks to the community, we raised nearly $5,000 of our $162,000+ total the week leading up to pitch day. Without your help, we would not have been able to make Philanthropitch Columbus 2022 the largest amount awarded to finalists to-date, surpassing our record-breaking $150,000 milestone from San Antonio last year! We’re excited to be on this upward trajectory each and every competition day.

Thank you, Columbus residents, neighbors and friends, for investing in local nonprofits with big ideas. Thank you to our sponsors and finalist funders who support this model and want to take a step beyond traditional donation into active engagement. Finally, thank you to the Ohio community and nonprofit staff who rally around each of these orgs every day and make sure their work is amplified!

We’ll be back in 2023 to rally more community investment in Columbus at Philanthropitch!