Discover Public & Non-Profit in Columbus, OH dedicated to supporting and empowering your community. Our directory features organizations committed to addressing the unique needs and challenges of the community through advocacy, programs, and services.
Since its founding thirteen years ago, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin - Sleep has established itself as a cornerstone organization for sleep physicians serving the Columbus, OH area and beyond. This nonprofit organization emerged from a recognition that sleep disorders, particularly Obstructive Sleep Apnea, disproportionately affect South Asian communities despite lower obesity rates, creating unique clinical and educational needs. AAPIOS operates on a mission to foster meaningful interactions between sleep physicians of Indian origin in the United States and their counterparts in India, creating a bridge for educational, clinical, and cultural exchange. The organization is deeply committed to raising awareness about the importance of good sleep health within Indian communities across both nations. Beyond professional development, AAPIOS celebrates the achievements of its members and works to publicize their contributions to the field of sleep medicine at all levels. Through collaborative committees and community-focused initiatives, the organization addresses the specific healthcare needs of both physicians and the populations they serve. With a membership spanning approximately 2,000 sleep medicine practitioners nationwide, AAPIOS demonstrates the significant presence and impact of Indian-origin physicians in American sleep medicine, while maintaining strong connections to medical advancement in India.
Located in Columbus, Ohio, the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Central Ohio chapter embodies a mission rooted in unity of purpose, collegiality, and commitment to excellence. Serving as an affiliated organization of the national AAPI, which represents nearly 60,000 physicians and 17,500 medical students across the United States, the Central Ohio chapter connects Indian American physicians in a community dedicated to shared professional values and mutual support. The organization's leadership team comprises accomplished local physicians with extensive experience in medical institutions, bringing authentic understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing their colleagues. AAPI Central Ohio's vision extends beyond individual professional advancement to encompass bringing India's distinctive contributions to American medicine while upholding foundational American values of unity, liberty, and justice. The chapter prioritizes respect for human dignity, commitment to ethical conduct, and genuine community service as core values guiding all activities and member interactions. Through networking events, educational forums, and collaborative initiatives, AAPI Central Ohio fosters an environment where physicians can share experiences, exchange knowledge, and build lasting professional relationships. The organization recognizes that collective advocacy strengthens individual voices and creates meaningful change within the healthcare landscape. By emphasizing teamwork, embracing change, and subordinating personal interests to shared vision, AAPI Central Ohio cultivates a vibrant community where Indian American physicians feel valued, supported, and empowered to excel in their medical careers while contributing to the health and wellbeing of the Columbus community.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, the Catholic Medical Association of Central Ohio represents a vibrant community of healthcare professionals united by their commitment to faith and medical practice. This physician-led guild informs, organizes, and inspires its diverse membership—including doctors, medical students, nurses, and other healthcare workers—to maintain steadfast fidelity to Catholic Church teachings while advancing the science and practice of medicine. The organization has cultivated a welcoming environment for young Catholic medical professionals, hosting social events, vocational discussions, and educational forums where members can grow both professionally and spiritually. With strong ties to the Diocese of Columbus and local parishes, the Catholic Medical Association of Central Ohio actively engages with the broader faith community through celebrations like the White Mass featuring local bishops and prominent Catholic healthcare leaders. The organization's foundation supports charitable work, including volunteer opportunities at the Order of Malta Center of Care and various community service initiatives throughout the Columbus region. Members find value in the organization's commitment to supporting medical education, helping future physicians develop their practice within a framework of Catholic ethics and patient dignity. By bringing together healthcare professionals across specialties and career stages, the Catholic Medical Association of Central Ohio creates meaningful connections among those who believe that excellent medical care and authentic Catholic faith are deeply compatible, fostering a supportive network where members can live their values while serving others in central Ohio.
Founded in 2006, the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Central Ohio (APABA-CO) represents a unique and vital presence within Columbus, Ohio's legal community. As a non-profit voluntary association, APABA-CO brings together Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students who share a commitment to mutual support and community advancement. The organization recognizes that building a stronger community requires intentional connection and collaboration, which is why APABA-CO emphasizes relationship-building through professional networking, family-oriented events, and meaningful social gatherings. Members find value in being part of a community that understands their unique experiences and perspectives within the legal profession. Beyond internal member support, APABA-CO is deeply committed to advocating for and serving the legal needs of Asian Pacific American communities throughout Central Ohio. The association strives to give voice and presence to APA communities in Ohio, promoting leadership and community involvement that extends beyond the legal profession itself. By fostering connections between APA legal professionals and the broader Columbus legal community, APABA-CO creates pathways for mutual understanding, collaboration, and shared growth. The organization's expanding membership reflects a growing recognition of the importance of community-centered professional associations that honor both professional excellence and cultural identity.
Founded in 1991, the Ohio Women's Bar Association serves the Columbus, OH community and beyond as a dedicated organization for women attorneys interested in issues uniquely affecting women in the legal profession. The association builds meaningful community among its members while promoting leadership, advancement, and professional interests through education, networking, and collaborative dialogue. The OWBA's mission encompasses fostering communication among women attorneys, advancing their professional positions, and ensuring their meaningful participation in bar associations and civic engagement. Members value the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion, recognizing that women lawyers bring varied backgrounds, career paths, and practice experiences that strengthen the legal community. The association believes in educating both members and communities about changing laws, emerging candidates, and important social and health issues affecting women. Through its foundation and various initiatives, the OWBA provides significant support networks, lifelong friendships, and valuable professional contacts that sustain attorneys throughout their careers. Whether you're establishing your legal practice, transitioning between roles, or looking to deepen your professional connections, the OWBA offers flexible membership options and leadership opportunities suited to different career stages and schedules. The organization's vision is to be the most respected association advancing women attorneys in Ohio, valued by members, local bar associations, businesses, and the broader community for its leadership and advocacy.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, the Coalition of Labor Union Women Central Ohio Chapter represents a vital part of a national movement that has championed union women since its founding in 1974. This nonpartisan organization unites women across the labor movement to tackle shared challenges and develop meaningful action programs rooted in the labor movement's core values. The chapter embodies four foundational objectives adopted at CLUW's Chicago convention: empowering women to lead at every level of union work, organizing previously unorganized workers, advancing affirmative action and workplace justice, and expanding women's voice in political and legislative advocacy. Members speak passionately for equal pay, safe workplaces, affordable healthcare, quality childcare and elder care, and freedom from harassment and violence at work. What sets CLUW apart is its unique focus on the intersection of union membership and women's rights—creating space where women can build solidarity, develop leadership skills, and drive change within their unions and communities. The Central Ohio Chapter welcomes union women and advocates who believe in collective action and social change. Through member resources, networking events, committees, and legislative advocacy, CLUW creates pathways for women to participate meaningfully in the labor movement while addressing the economic and social challenges that affect working families throughout Columbus and beyond.
Built on over three decades of community service, the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (USA), Inc. Columbus chapter represents a vibrant network of citizens dedicated to strengthening ties with their homeland while thriving in Columbus, OH. As a chapter of the nationally-established AKISAN USA organization, this Columbus-based group embodies the mission of promoting unity, progress, and mutual support among Akwa Ibom people across geographic boundaries. The association's heart lies in its commitment to fostering genuine relationships—connecting members with one another, bridging gaps between diaspora communities and their home state, and creating spaces where cultural identity flourishes alongside American life. The Columbus chapter prioritizes the aspirations of Akwa Ibom citizens by championing educational pursuits, encouraging professional growth, and celebrating cultural heritage through events, conventions, and community initiatives. More than a social organization, AKISAN USA Columbus serves as a trusted advocate and liaison, ensuring member voices are heard and concerns addressed. The organization demonstrates its values through active participation in charitable causes, support for community development projects, and mentorship of the next generation through dedicated youth and women's wings. Members find in the Columbus chapter not just an association, but a family—a place where shared heritage creates bonds of trust and mutual investment in collective success. The organization's apolitical stance ensures inclusive membership while its structured governance through national and local leadership maintains accountability and purposeful direction in serving the Akwa Ibom community in Columbus, Ohio.
Founded in 1975 by Selma Sully-Walker, the Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio (NAICCO) has grown from humble beginnings into a thriving intertribal community hub serving Columbus, OH. What began as a grassroots effort to provide job placement and support services for Native Americans has evolved into a comprehensive cultural and wellness organization that honors the legacy of its pioneering founder while serving contemporary Native communities. NAICCO exists to preserve and restore balance in the lives of Native Americans through programming grounded in traditional teachings, cultural values, and community-centered care. The organization recognizes that many Native People in Ohio live far from their ancestral territories, and NAICCO intentionally creates a welcoming space where individuals and families can experience genuine belonging, strengthen their identity, and access the support they need. Under the current leadership of Masami and Ty Smith, both from The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, NAICCO has deepened its commitment to authentic Indigenous programming while maintaining the compassion and dedication that Selma modeled throughout her life. The center operates with a holistic approach to wellbeing, interlacing identity, pride, family, community, history, culture, traditions, and connection to place. By holding space for Native voices and experiences in Columbus, NAICCO strengthens the healing journey of its community members while fostering visibility, pride, and harmony. The organization's recognition as one of The Columbus Foundation's five nonprofits to watch in 2024 reflects its meaningful impact and continued revitalization of Native American life in Ohio.
Since 1981, Stonewall Columbus has stood as a beacon of visibility, inclusion, and connection for the LGBTQ+ community in Columbus, OH. What began as Stonewall Union with a mission to increase visibility and acceptance of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community has evolved into a comprehensive organization serving the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ rainbow. The organization's mission remains clear: increase visibility, inclusion, and connection for the LGBTQ+ community so that all can thrive. Stonewall Columbus operates from five core values—History, Visibility, Inclusion, Connection, and Accountability—that guide every program and initiative. The organization prioritizes the most vulnerable members of the community, recognizing what it means to be left out and committed to ensuring no one is left behind. As Columbus has transformed into one of the nation's most LGBTQ-friendly cities, Stonewall Columbus has grown alongside it, deepening its commitment to serve individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex, age, race, color, national origin, religion, military status, familial status, or disability. The Stonewall Center at 1160 North High Street serves as a vital gathering place where community members find not just services but genuine connection. With a vision of an Ohio where every LGBTQ+ individual is visible, included, and connected, leading fulfilling lives without fear of discrimination, Stonewall Columbus continues building its future brick by brick, honoring its history while forging pathways toward a thriving community in Central Ohio.
Founded locally in Columbus, OH in September 2011, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Central Ohio Chapter emerged from the vision of 35 African American women representing communities across Franklin, Fairfield, Licking, and Delaware counties. These founding members united around a shared commitment to the national organization's mission, which began in 1981 to establish a leadership forum for Black women. The chapter represents a continuation of this legacy of advocacy and empowerment, building on the groundwork laid by national pioneers like Jewell Jackson McCabe, the organization's first national president. At its heart, the Central Ohio Chapter is driven by a mission to advocate on behalf of Black women and girls, promoting leadership development and gender equity in health, education, and economic empowerment. The organization's values—gender equity, inclusion, respect, racial and social justice, integrity, accountability, economic empowerment, and collaboration—guide every initiative and decision. By bringing together women from diverse professional backgrounds and life experiences across Central Ohio, the chapter creates a powerful community of support, mentorship, and collective action. Members benefit from meaningful relationships with peers who understand the unique intersections of race and gender, while contributing their talents to initiatives that benefit the broader Columbus community. The chapter's commitment to collaboration and accountability ensures that its work remains grounded in the real needs and aspirations of Black women and girls throughout the region.