IMPACT IN ACTION

Investing in the Community

The Worthington Companies Foundation, formerly the Worthington Industries Foundation, is a donor advised fund of The Columbus Foundation and is supported by Worthington Enterprises and Worthington Steel. The Foundation supports the communities where we work and live—one of the seven pillars of Our Philosophy.

In fiscal year 2025, the Foundation contributed $3.1 million to 73 non-profit organizations. The organizations supported are selected through an application and review process in the focus areas of Health, Human Services, Youth & Education and Civic Causes.

Health

West Africa Clean Cooking Fund

In November 2024, Worthington Enterprises launched the West Africa Clean Cooking Fund committing $1 million to help transform practices in a region where more than 267 million people still depend upon traditional biomass fuels for cooking. The extensive use of these biomass fuels causes significant health issues, especially for women, and environmental challenges with deforestation and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The support from this fund helps advance universal access to clean cooking methods.

Health

Update: Worthington Companies Pediatric Research Fund

In 2023, The Worthington Companies Foundation announced its $7,500,000 donation to Nationwide Children’s Hospital to create the Worthington Companies Pediatric Research Fund. This transformational gift is managed by the scientific leadership of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute and each year $1.2 million is awarded to a small contingent of researchers to launch or continue their most innovative and promising work. In fiscal year 2025, the four recipients tackled expansion of research and use of iPSC models, CRISPR/gene editing technology development, the exploration of sleep brain dynamics and its role in mental health and depression, and creating a vaccine to overcome antibiotic-resistant staphylococcus aureus.

Vista Villa tent and sign for grand opening

Human Services

Vista Village

Vista Village, a community of 41 homes in Columbus, Ohio, opened this year offering housing to those experiencing homelessness with the goal of helping them gain economic independence. By providing safe and stable housing along with a comprehensive range of supportive services, Vista Villages empowers residents to transition from homelessness to economic independence and self-sufficiency, fostering a sense of hope, dignity and long-term well-being. The Worthington Foundation is a founding supporter of The Community Shelter Board, a collective impact organization driving strategy, accountability, collaboration and resources to achieve the best outcomes for people facing homelessness in Columbus and Franklin County, with over 15,000 people served last year with homelessness prevention, shelter, street outreach, rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housing.

Human Services

We Care

Worthington Enterprises stands behind its commitment to our people by offering several means of support. One unique way is through the Worthington Cares employee fund. Administered by the Salvation Army, the fund is designed to support employees experiencing unexpected, personal hardships. Employees can apply to receive financial support, and the Salvation Army makes determinations on funds granted. In fiscal 2025, this fund supported 25 Worthington Enterprises employees with $35,300.

Youth & Education

Girls in STEM

As part of its Dream Big Transformational Initiative, the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland opened a STEM Leadership Center and Maker Space in 2025 to help inspire more women to enter STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields. Today less than one in five STEM leadership roles is held by women. The Foundation donated $100,000 to help equip girls to bridge the gender gap by providing tools and resources to pursue in-demand careers in STEM.

Civic

Celebrating America's History

2026 marks America’s 250^th anniversary of independence. America 250-Ohio was formed to help prepare Ohio to participate in this milestone and amplify the state’s contributions and impact on our country over the years.

The Worthington Companies Foundation provided funds to America 250-Ohio to help bring the celebration to life by sponsoring Ohio’s Homecoming and Picnic in July 2026. This is an opportunity for Ohioans to gather throughout the state and in their own communities to reconnect, unite and share in this milestone celebration. We are proud to help bring our communities together in celebration!