The Foundation was formed in 1995 by a group of forward-thinking community leaders who wanted to create a public, not-for-profit organization that would advance the aspirations of the community in perpetuity. A registered 501(c)(3) organization, the Foundation is a component fund of the Columbus Foundation.The Foundation Board of Trustees adopted four strategic areas of impact:- Life-long Learning- Arts & Culture- Health & Wellness- Sustainable Environment & Historic PreservationIn addition to advancing community projects and initiatives, each year the Foundation awards grants to not-for-profit community organizations. The Foundation believes that one way to build a strong sense of community is to bring people together for enriching "shared experiences." We envision New Albany as a center for intellectually, culturally, healthful and environmentally stimulating programming year round. We accomplish this through collaborations that generate resources for transformational investments in lifelong learning, health and wellness, arts and culture and the environment.Our Mission: The Foundation's mission is to help build an extraordinary community.We accomplish this through collaborations that generate resources for transformational investments in lifelong learning, health and wellness, arts and culture and the environment.Our Purpose:- To steward a philanthropic spirit in the community;- To pursue strategic grant-making that benefits the community's citizens, employees and students, and that is consistent with the intent of our donors;To provide flexible and cost-effective ways for civic-minded individuals, families and companies to contribute to their community – now and in perpetuity;- To be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us;- To do all of this in a manner that brings people together and strengthens community bonds.