1320 Cambridge Blvd.

Columbus, Ohio 43212

(614) 488-0681

Ext. 263

HOW WE HELP

Our Projects

What Would Be Missing Without Foundation Support?

Donors with the foresight to invest gifts or establish legacy funds to address the long-range needs for our church’s properties and programs have had a huge impact for nearly 75 years. Here’s a snapshot of the hundreds of Foundation grants from donor gifts approved in recent years.

Table of Contents

Camp Akita

More than 20 of the Foundations 90 funds are designated to support scholarships, programs and facilities at Camp Akita. Millions of dollars have been directed to the camp including the following:

  • Purchase of a 10 passenger cargo van to transport campers
  • Purchase of a tent to provide a space where we can continue the operations of summer camp in a COVID safe manner ($16,000)
  • Annual camper and counselor scholarships. Our no-camper-is-turned-away-due-to-ability-to-pay philosophy makes it possible for many children of refugees to attend.
  • New mattresses for campers and counselors in cabins and the Lodge
  • HVAC systems for Toad Hall and Bent Nail cabin
  • Replacement of Sky Valley’s roof and Dogwood’s floor
  • New furnishings for the Akita Cafe 
  • Replacement of seating in each wing of Akita’s Lodge and entrance way ($9,000)
  • Partial purchase of land adjacent to Akita property ($27,000)
  • Handrails and stairs for safety up and down hills
  • Purchase of Back Country Tents ($4,500)
  • Purchase of Big Willy water slide and adventure equipment
  • Purchase of AV equipment for educational purposes and internet access equipment 
  • Purchase of Rough Terrain Vehicle ($5,000)
  • Contribution toward purchase of truck that has snowplow and towing capabilities ($25,000 from Solis, Akita Maintenance Endowment and Sutphen Fund)
  • Tree removal of dying Ponderosa pines ($8,200) and stump grind ($4,000)
Camp Akita Transport Van
Tent Rental for 2021 Camp Session
Dominica School and Orphanage
Heart to Heart Food Pantry

Missions

  • Dominica School & Orphanage – School in the Dominican Republic saved from “going under” by an FCC family’s commitment and assistance from their Foundation fund ($100,000+ annually)
  • Heart to Heart – Purchase of food from Mid-Ohio Food Bank and annual commitment to assist with Heart to Heart’s operating expenses
  • Habitat for Humanity – FCC’s participation in the NW Columbus Neighborhood Collaborative helps put roofs over families’ heads
  • Back Bay Mission – $1,000 grant provided to FCC volunteers who have traveled to Mississippi to help build homes and support Back Bay staff. Lessons learned in Biloxi were applied in Heart to Heart pantry methods.
  • First Community Village – Electronic door openers for residents and sustaining funds for the benevolence of residents with financial challenges (up to $30,000 annually)
  • Pastoral Roses – More than $2,000 provided to support baptismal ceremonies, new member services and hospital visits
  • Trading Post Improvements – Lighting and shelving upgrades and purchase of point-of-sale equipment 
  • Community Support Grants – Marketing support for Godman Guild’s Bow Ties catering service, operational support for Columbus Furniture Bank and replacement of cuts to the Lifecare Alliance Under-60 Meals-On-Wheels program, The Homeless Families Foundation Youth Education programs and Homeport low-income housing

Education Support

  • Seminary Student Support – Expenses related to Sarah Kientz’s Master of Divinity degree and tuition and expenses for healthcare students
  • Mary Evans’ Early Child Development Center – Purchase of playground equipment  
  • Mexico Trip – Allows our youth to see poverty and inadequate housing and to aid in the building of new homes
  • Spiritual Searcher and Burkhart Center – Supports our bringing renowned speakers to First Community Church 
  • Young Adults Program – Supports the development and implementation of the program 
Security System for Mary Evans' Early Childhood Development Center
First Community North Klais Organ

Worship and Arts

  • First Community South Organ – Rebuilding and repair 
  • First Community North Klais Organ – Contributions toward its purchase
  • Special Choir Services – For example, Morning Song and Evensong
  • Senior Minister Succession – Search and transition expenses

Church Property Improvements & Maintenance

  • Crane Welcome Center courtyard landscaping expenses
  • North Welcome Center ($7000) for desk, signage and printed materials 
  • Painting of numerous classrooms
  • Flooring for pre-school classroom at South Room 209 ($6650)
  • Hearing Loop equipment purchases for members with hearing disabilities
  • Emergency natural gas line repair at South ($71,000) 
  • HVAC system replacements for Wiest Room, Gallery Court, South Chiller ($135,000), Lincoln Road Chapel
  • Design and construction of Baptismal Font (Guild X)
  • Safety/security systems for both locations
  • New dishwasher (Guild VII $7,400)
  • Renovations and irrigation to Share-and-Learn Memorial Garden
  • New fire alarm panel and modular units with installation 
  • New South library portable table and chairs ($4000 total)
  • Support of North Columbarium construction
First Community North Columbarium
Baptismal Font for North Sanctuary

With grateful hearts, we thank those who have the wisdom and vision to support the ministries of First Community Church.