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. Through this we promote living the ComFest way all year round.
Since 1997 ComFest has given out over $700,000
It has gone to:
Assistance to Individuals – $61,670+
Grants – $191,766+
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. ComFest is a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax deductible.
2026 Community Festival Grants
The Grants for 2026 were presented at the ComFest Annual Membership Meeting on May 14th, and will be celebrated during the Festival on the Bozo Stage (Saturday, June 26th at 1:40 PM). Over $10,000 was awarded this year.
ComFest has always been the party with a purpose. Whether it is providing workshops on current social issues or providing space at the festival for community organizations to share information, ComFest has always made it a priority to be a place promoting active participation in your community . To date, ComFest has given over 500,000 dollars to local community groups in the form of grants. This year’s grant recipients span political, social, and art groups working to improve the lives of those around us.
The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus – Voter Education Tools 2026
With voting laws changing rapidly in the state, the Metro League is working to keep all voters – registered and potential - informed of these changes. Access to information on voting rights is vital in keeping everyone’s voice heard. The Metro League will use their grant money to produce material in multiple languages, provide information on how the unhoused can register and vote, as well as updating the changing registration and voting rules.
Franklinton Cycle Works – Bikes for Independence
As a non-profit bicycle cooperative, Franklinton Cycle works believes that mobility is the cornerstone of opportunity. With reliable, affordable transportation individuals can access employment and educational opportunities. The Bikes for Independence program aims to provide free bicycles, safety gear and hands on maintenance training for adults experiencing homelessness and individuals returning to the community after incarceration. Without adequate transportation, these individuals struggle to access healthcare, employment, and appointments. With adequate transportation individuals can rebuild independence, stability, and connection.
Columbus Collage Collective – Columbus Collage Magazine
Creative collage collectors and interested newcomers are welcome to join the CCC and experience the joy of creation. Their goal is to create and print an interactive community magazine focused on collage and mixed media art. At a time when the world feels heavy it is important to remember that we all have a creative side that can spirit us through tough days. Columbus has a vibrant arts community and this project will showcase a subsect and build community with those that often lack visibility.
Mothers in Arms (dba Motherful) – Trauma informed Training
Founded by single mothers that looked to connect with others, Motherful has become a vital resource for women raising families on their own. This year Motherful embarked on a program to address the lack of support for single mothers experiencing trauma. They worked with professionals in the field of trauma informed therapy and created a training program for their CARE team. This training was recorded so they may continue to train others – each one, teach one. ComFest is proud to support the work of the matriarchal group that aims to lift those most marginalized women.
Mission Warmth – Outreach Mission
There is a growing need for tangible resources for the unhoused in our community. Mission Warmth serves these individuals by providing warm coats, tents, sleeping bags and more to provide direct help to those in need. Mission Warmth is expanding their efforts to target areas around Columbus that are often over-looked or under served. Included in this expansion is more out-reach to unhoused veterans in the Franklin County region. Volunteers also scout out homeless camps to try to reach as many people as possible.
