ELEVATE! Human Services Funding Thank you for your interest in Elevate! The application is now closed. Please check back for information regarding organizations that were selected for funding, as well as future opportunities.

COVID-19 SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY GRANTS Applications are now open for COVID-19 small business recovery grants of up to $20,000. Grants through the Columbus-Franklin County Small Business Recovery Fund are available to local small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically those in underserved communities and/or minority-owned businesses, disadvantaged businesses and veteran-owned businesses.

Applications opened Monday, March 7, 2022 and are being accepted in waves, opening every six weeks through Saturday, September 3, 2022, or until all funds are awarded. Go to SmallBusinessRecoveryGrant.com to determine eligibility and apply. - learn more

CRA Residential Abatement Policy Update The Department of Development conducted a scheduled three-year review of the CRA policy, and identified opportunities to ask developers to expand the affordability captured for the value of the abatement. Based on independent analysis of 2021 market conditions, the new policy asks developers to go deeper or wider in creating affordability, in order to earn an abatement.

Community Meetings

Tuesday, June 7, the Department of Development hosted a virtual town hall presentation and conversation about the draft policy revisions. The virtual meeting will begin at 5:30pm.

Wednesday June 15, Councilmember Favor hosted a Council Hearing at 5:30pm in Council Chambers.

Tuesday June 21, the Department of Development will host an in-person town hall presentation and conversation about the draft policy revisions at St. Stephen's Community House (1500 East 17th Avenue, Columbus 43219) at 5:30pm. 

Proposed CRA Policy Updates
2022 CRA Community Presentation 
CRA and Census Track Categorization Map

Prior Outreach

On Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 5:30pm, the Department of Development hosted a virtual town hall presentation and conversation about proposed revisions to the Community Reinvestment Area residential tax abatement policy
Two community meetings and 1 public hearing were held to discuss the draft policy revisions:

The first meeting took place Wednesday, November 3rd from 5:30PM-7:30PM at the Fedderson Community Center located at 3911 Dresden St. Columbus, OH 43224.

The second community meeting took place Wednesday, November 10th from 5:30PM-7:30PM at the Barack Community Center located at 580 E Woodrow Ave. Columbus, OH 43207.

A public hearing was held in Council Chambers on December 7, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.

Recovery and Resiliency Advisory Committee - Final Report The Recovery and Resiliency Committee was created in 2020 and challenged committee members to identify recommendations focused on equity and long term resiliency that will propel all residents to an improved quality of life in Columbus and Franklin County.

The Committee, composed of community, small business, non-profit, corporate and human service leaders, has assembled a series of short, medium, and long term plans to equitably address the human service and economic impacts of the pandemic and foster future resiliency. These recommendations serve as a framework for community investment and growth that will create prosperity for our entire community, and make us more resilient in the face of future challenges.  - learn more

Rent and Utility Assistance Help Available The Columbus Urban League and Impact Community Action have funds available to help residents that need assistance with rent and utility payments. For more information, contact the CUL at [email protected]; or call: 614-484-9111. To schedule an appointment for emergency assistance, contact Impact Community Action at 614-246-0019.  Find additional rental and utility services at https://www.rentful614.com/.