Google has deepened its strong commitment to Central Ohio with the announcement of more than $1.1 million in direct grants to 13 local nonprofit organizations. The funding targets critical community needs, including education, STEM initiatives, mental health services, and digital equity programs.

Major Impact Areas

The grants will support various crucial community initiatives, with significant funding allocated to early childhood education and digital equity programs. Two notable recipients include:

Future Ready Five

Receiving the largest grant of $250,000, Future Ready Five will focus on addressing kindergarten readiness in Franklin County, where currently only 35% of children are prepared for kindergarten. The organization aims to achieve 100% kindergarten readiness by 2030.

"We are deeply grateful to Google for this transformative investment in our mission," said Mario Basora, CEO of Future Ready Five. "This funding brings us closer to achieving our ambitious goal of ensuring that every child in Franklin County is ready for kindergarten by 2030."

PAST Foundation

The Columbus-based nonprofit will receive $150,000 to launch a new program focused on digital equity, ensuring all central Ohio residents, including those in underserved communities, have access to essential technology and technical skills for the 21st century.

Complete List of Grant Recipients

The comprehensive distribution of funds includes:

Future Ready Five - $250,000 for kindergarten education
PAST Foundation - $150,000 for digital equity
Columbus Urban League - $150,000 for local economic development
Buckeye Ranch - $100,000 for youth mental health programming
Hamilton Local School District - $100,000 for education
National Skills Trades Network - $100,000 for job and skilled trades training
Junior Achievement of Central Ohio - $50,000 for program expansion in Licking County
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio - $50,000 for solar panels
YWCA Columbus - $50,000 for staff trainings
New Albany Community Foundation - $50,000 for community programming
LifeCare Alliance - $40,000 for Meals-on-Wheels
Watkins Memorial Schools - $14,689 for STEM education
Neighborhood Bridges - $5,380 for new computer equipment

Google's Ongoing Commitment to Ohio

"At Google, we believe that building strong communities means addressing a wide range of needs, from education and mental health to digital equity and economic opportunity," said Winton Steward, Google's Director of Government Affairs in Ohio.

Congressman Mike Carey praised the initiative, stating, "Central Ohio thrives when businesses like Google step up to support the unique needs of our communities."

Google maintains a strong presence in Ohio with three data centers located in:

Columbus
Lancaster
New Albany

Since 2006, Google.org has contributed more than $11 million in grants to Ohio nonprofits and organizations, with Google employees adding another $2 million in donations.