Landmark Columbus Foundation raises $3 million for endowment

The Landmark Columbus Foundation has reached a major fundraising goal.

The group, which works to preserve and promote the community’s architectural heritage, has completed its goal of $3 million in funding for its endowment.

The endowment drive began in 2019 with a half a million dollar grant from the Lilly Endowment. Other major donations included a $500,000 pledge from former Eli Lilly executive John and Sarah Lechleiter, a $100,000 donation from Mark and Wendy Elwood and $100,000 pledge by Tracy Haddad earlier this year. Organizers are also crediting 235 individual donors including 33 who donated more than $10,000 each.

Mark Elwood, chair of the foundation’s board, said that reaching the goal means the foundation can continue to support Columbus’s world-renowned design legacy for future generations.

The endowment is being managed by Heritage Fund and starting next year, will be used to create a consistent revenue stream to support the staff and key programs of the Landmark Columbus Foundation.

The most public face of Landmark Columbus Foundation is Exhibit Columbus which operates on two year cycles of symposiums and downtown exhibitions. This year’s round of exhibits will be available through the end of November.