Columbus City Council established the Columbus Families Together Fund (CFTF) in 2017 to protect immigrant and refugee families from the financial and emotional devastation that results from aggressive immigration enforcement. CFTF provides funding to support legal education and representation for eligible immigrants in removal proceedings before the Cleveland Immigration Court.
Columbus prides itself on being a diverse city that welcomes all people. Ten percent of the city’s residents are foreign-born; our Somali population is the second-largest in the nation; and nearly half of all refugees settled in Ohio are settled here in Franklin County. Immigrant and refugee communities are critical economic contributors to Columbus. They pay $345 million each year in state and local income taxes, $638 million in federal taxes, and spend $2.8 billion in the local economy. In fact, immigrants contribute slightly more than their share in taxes relative to their income. It is in the city’s clear economic and public safety interest to protect its immigrant and refugee families.
Yet Columbus’ immigrant and refugee communities face unique threats. They are especially vulnerable as victims of crime and financial scams because the fear of a loved one’s deportation prevents them – undocumented or not – from reporting crimes. This makes the city less safe for everyone. Aggressive deportation tactics tear deported parents from their children, inducing permanent financial strains on families, placing children into the foster care system, and unnecessarily burdening state and local resources for the long run.
The CFTF is a critical need in Central Ohio. The well being of our immigrant communities is intertwined with the city's overall wellbeing. Ultimately, Columbus is a safer, more just, and more economically vibrant city for everyone when we address the needs of all our residents.
To learn more about eligibility for the CFTF grant, join us at the Pre-Bidder's Conference!
Organizations that are interested in submitting grant applications for CFTF grants are encouraged to attend the Pre-Bidder's conference for an overview of the Request for Proposals and the opportunity to ask questions.
Pre-Bidder's Conference: Wednesday April 14, 2021, 3PM-4:30PM
Via WebEx RSVP: [email protected]
Proposals may be submitted by e-mail to [email protected] & [email protected] or by hard copy via mail to:
Columbus Families Together Legal Services Grant
Councilmember Shayla Favor
Columbus City Council
90 West Broad Street, Room 231
Columbus, OH 43215