The 2026 Grant application will be available on this page by January 2026.
The Community Festival established the grants program in the spirit of giving back to the community. Each year, ComFest invites grant applications to support and sustain programming consistent with ComFest’s principles, which are rooted in community, social justice, and progressive activism.
Since 1997 ComFest has given out over $688,000
It has gone to:
Assistance to Individuals – $61,670
Grants – $181,766
Gifts – $4,468
Homeless Donation (Libation Booth Tips) – $113,887
Wine tip Grants – $8,991
Community Relations – $52,648
Endowment Grants – $242,597
Friends of Goodale Park, and Parks & Rec. – $38,270
Click here if you would like to donate to the ComFest Grants fund.
100% of your donation goes directly the grants fund.
2025 Community Festival Grants
The Grants for 2025 were presented at the ComFest Annual Membership Meeting on May 1st, and will be celebrated during the Festival on the Bozo Stage (Saturday, June 28th).
A total of $12,500 was awarded this year. The recipients are:
Rickenbacker Woods Foundation:
Transforming local carry-outs into fresh produce hubs using a voucher system, store owner training, and nutrition workshops to fight food insecurity.
West High Cowboys Athletic Boosters:
Revitalizing West High’s tennis courts to support student-athletes and restore school pride through improved athletic facilities.
Ohio Justice Bus:
Providing free mobile legal aid clinics to help Franklin County residents seal or expunge criminal records, opening paths to jobs and housing.
Short North Alliance:
Extending outreach in the Short North with daily street-level support for individuals facing addiction, homelessness, and mental health crises.
National Tax Service:
Delivering free tax preparation to low-income Ohioans, maximizing refunds and financial empowerment through credits like the EITC.
Heer to Serve:
Offering weekly showers to unsheltered individuals near Heer Park, promoting hygiene, dignity, and access to job and support services.
Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS):
Improving English learning for refugees through updated materials and community connections that foster educational success and integration.
