Established 1974

Columbus Charities, established in 1974, initially funded its activities through an annual raffle. These proceeds were used to support requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. Over the past 50 years, more than $2,400,000 has been distributed through grants. These grants have supported various community and youth programs, including:

• Special Olympics Gold Donor
• Community Champion of the Year award
• Special Olympics Washington: Event website coverage, e-communications, event ads, free advertisement, presentation slides at events, social media recognition, and logo exposure at all state games, Polar Plunge, and tasting room events.

Impact of the Grants

The grants have had a significant impact on the community, including:

• Empowering Youth: Funding has enabled numerous youth programs, providing resources for education, sports, and extracurricular activities that foster personal growth and development.
• Supporting Special Olympics: As a Gold Donor, Knights of Columbus Washington State Council operating under Columbus Charities has played a crucial role in supporting Special Olympics Washington, helping to organize events, provide necessary equipment, and ensure broad participation and visibility.
• Community Recognition: The Community Champion of the Year award highlights individuals and organizations making substantial contributions to their communities, encouraging continued civic engagement and volunteerism.
• Enhanced Visibility and Outreach: Through event ads, social media recognition, and logo exposure, Columbus Charities has increased awareness and support for various causes, driving community involvement and donations.

Additionally, the grants have benefited over 55 organizations, such as:

L’Arche: Creating communities where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together.

ARC: Supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy and services.

Dwelling Place: Providing affordable housing and support services to mentally impaired individuals.

Upper Valley Connection: Offering recreational and social opportunities for people with disabilities.

Camp Prime Time: Providing a wilderness camping experience for families with children who have serious illnesses or disabilities.

Tootsie Roll Program

In 2011, the Board of Directors of Columbus Charities, Inc., established the Tootsie Roll Program where councils hold drives across the State offering specific tootsie rolls to all without a donation. This program has generated in excess of $1.2 million dollars and continues to be a very strong program to help those with disabilities.

Coats For Kids

The Coats for Kids program was added in 2020. In 2022, 10,564 coats were issued providing warmth to children in need. Councils and donors contributed over $98,000 to this very successful program. In 2023, 14,256 coats were distributed, and 2024 saw Washington distributing 16,656 coats. These numbers do not account for all the coats that councils bought or collected in their parishes without Columbus Charities’ involvement.

Least of All My Brethren (LAMB) 1882

Begun in 2022, this program has generated over $80,000 since its inception. These funds will benefit those that assist with the hungry, clothing those in need and pro-life education. This program will eventually bridge the gap between what a council can do to Supreme programs. Our Washington State Council is not a funding source, but infrastructure support for councils leaving a goodwill gap. LAMB 1882 will eventually help bridge that gap.

Global Wheelchair Mission and KC Help

Columbus Charities has partnered with Global Wheelchair Program and KC Help (Knights of Columbus Hospital Lending Program) in providing thousands of wheelchairs and medical equipment in Washington State and beyond.

Donations

For nearly 50 years, Columbus Charities has granted donations to over 55 organizations and over $1.7 million. Since the Tootsie Roll Program, donations have increased substantially. With LAMB 1882 it will only grow stronger with your help.

Give a Gift By Mail

You can give a gift by downloading the form below and send it to the following address:

Columbus Charities
22909 40TH PL W
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, WA 98043-5001