Create Columbus Announces 2016 Funding For Young Professional Initiatives
The Create Columbus Commission (Create Columbus) is pleased
to announce the recipients of the organization’s 2016 grant cycle. Seven programs were awarded funds to support
commission priorities including improving financial health and wellness,
amplifying the urban pulse and young professionals (YP) co-creation.
“Each year our application pool gets larger and stronger.
Every single application demonstrated a passion for its mission, and Columbus
overall, that should make other cities across the country envious. It is these
young professionals, and their energy, that make Columbus the amazing gem we
know it to be,” said Create Columbus Grants Chair Andy Hutter. “Great thanks
are owed to the City of Columbus and The Columbus Foundation for enabling this
program which is reaching new demographics, new neighborhoods and emerging YP
interests in Columbus.”
Create Columbus received more than $250,000 in requested
support, ultimately awarding a total of $54,000 to advance the interests of YP in
Columbus.
"The Create Columbus Commission has again selected a promising
group of organizations with diverse missions. I am excited to see the work
of these young professionals and their impact on our neighborhoods as each project comes to realization,” said Council President Zach Klein. “If past
recipients are any indication, this year's grant recipients will do lasting and
important work throughout our communities."
The 2016 class of awardees showed a strong ability to
encourage and support residents to launch innovative, community-based
initiatives that move the needle on Columbus’ effort to become the nation’s No.
1 place for young professionals.
"Create Columbus Commission grant recipients have made
a positive and lasting impact in neighborhoods across our city," said
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. "I am excited to see young professionals turn
their ideas into action and co-create with purpose and enthusiasm."
In the fourth year of the grant program, Create Columbus
expanded the program’s impact with increased support from the City of Columbus
and the addition of funds from The Columbus Foundation.
The following are summaries of the 2016 Create Columbus
grant recipients:
-
The Short North Music Series - $3,000
The Goodale Park Music Series and
Harrison West Jazz Stage have their own unique beginnings and history. This
year, a unique collaboration was formed. The goal of the series is to continue expanding
the free local musical performances for residents and visitors alike.
- Impressions of the University District – $10,000
This grant will provide temporary/tactical
installations of public art that reflect the essence of University District
culture. Additional funds cover recommendations for longer-term installations,
public space design and informative displays.
- 2017 LGBTQA Summit - $2,000
The meeting will take place in
Columbus and serve as an opportunity for individuals from around the state to
gather and hear updates about the LGBTQ movement for equality from national
speakers, EOEF staff, state legislators and local officials.
- Micro Venues Initiative - $9,000
The initiative will provide at
least five retailers and restaurants with custom-built stages to host live
music events and popup gatherings that add to city pulse. It also helps future
“micro venues” navigate performance rights organizations to remain legal while
promoting entertainment.
- YP360 - Columbus Inspires – $10,000
The final piece of the project
budget is to design, build and install an iconic city landmark in the heart of
the City that will elevate the Columbus brand throughout the region and across
the world. Think Columbus' version of
"The Bean" in Chicago.
- LIFE Financial Education Workshops - $10,000
A program for young professionals
and entrepreneurs covering introduction to finance, banking, personal credit,
credit utilization, retirement planning, life insurance and general development
and financial networking.
- 2016 Lumos Accelerator - $10,000
Lumos’ core focus is to grow the
Columbus entrepreneurial community as a whole, positively impacting as many
young professionals as possible. Instead of cultivating Columbus’ next tech
“unicorn,” Lumos is working to build a strong and vibrant entrepreneurial
community of young professionals and startups.
###