In Central Ohio, conscious consumerism is more than just a trend; it’s a powerful way to fuel positive change directly within our community. By choosing to shop at these local spots, you’re not merely purchasing goods – you’re investing in the mission of the nonprofit that operates them. These social enterprises are purpose-driven, dedicating their profits and operations to support vital nonprofit initiatives, from job training and poverty alleviation to environmental sustainability and empowering marginalized groups.
Every dollar spent at these establishments creates a ripple effect, strengthening our local economy, fostering opportunities, and building a more equitable and thriving Central Ohio for everyone. If you want to support more nonprofits, check out these social enterprises to find your next favorite cafe or catering service.
Franklinton Cycle Works
897 West Broad St, Columbus, OH 43222
Looking for the perfect place to satisfy all your cycling needs? Look no further than Franklinton Cycle Works! FCW functions as a community resource center and a full-service retail bike shop offering one of the city’s best refurbished and used bike selections. This commitment to community was truly put to the test last fall when a car crashed directly into its building. The damage was significant, but the community rallied, helping FCW rebuild and continue its vital work. FCW’s resilience, powered by this overwhelming community spirit, ensured it could keep operating. Whether you’re looking for a road bike or an e-bike, something to cruise or compete with, FCW makes it easy to find the perfect ride. Its on-site volunteer mechanics can also do repairs and tune-ups. FCW functions as a non-profit social enterprise whose mission is grounded in its values of empowering every individual and building community through sustainable transportation. You can even see that community in action on its Facebook page, where FCW features the happy faces of people buying its new bikes!
Franklinton Farms
867 West Town St. Suite A, Columbus, OH 43222
At Franklinton Farms, you don’t just get fresh local produce, you become part of a mission to nourish the entire neighborhood. This highly productive urban farm and education nonprofit, nestled just west of downtown Columbus, embodies its mission to foster connection and well-being through farming. You can easily get its delicious goods – by ordering online, harvesting your own, or even having them delivered. Franklinton Farms is also a familiar face at the Worthington Farmers Market. Franklinton Farms believes everyone deserves access to healthy food, offering full-price, half-price, and SNAP discounts, and even allowing you to pay it forward by covering someone else’s produce. What truly sets them apart is their dedication to a zero-waste operation: they partner with incredible organizations like Columbus Food Rescue to ensure that every harvest finds a home and no one in the community goes hungry. Want to learn more about how they do it, snag some incredible recipes, or even get a plant for your own garden? Be sure to follow their journey on Facebook, where they frequently share these insights and exciting plant giveaways!
Furniture with a Heart
2165 Morse Road, Columbus, OH 43229
Don’t let the name throw you off – Furniture with a Heart isn’t just a store; it’s a critical lifeline for families rebuilding their lives. Carrying both new and used furniture and merchandise, its showrooms are a treasure trove of daily discoveries. Every day, nearly 200 pieces of gently used furniture and home goods are lovingly donated to the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio. While the vast majority go directly to families in need, a select handful of exceptional quality or larger items find their way to Furniture with a Heart Thrift Stores. When you shop at one of the stores, every dollar directly fuels the Furniture Bank’s mission of providing furniture and household goods to individuals and families moving from difficult situations – turning empty houses into homes of hope. This summer, the Furniture Bank’s commitment is more vital than ever: They’re actively working to furnish 500 homes through their Adopt a Family program, giving hundreds of local families the dignity and comfort they deserve. Your visit isn’t just a shopping trip; it’s a contribution to a stronger, more stable community.
Goodwill Columbus
Goodwill Columbus’ retail stores are at the heart of their mission: providing vital funding for its job training programs and offering immediate employment opportunities. When you shop or donate at Goodwill, you directly support initiatives like career coaching, specialized job training, and digital literacy courses. These free programs are offered to the public at Goodwill’s job training centers, preparing individuals for careers in information technology, healthcare, and logistics. Beyond job training, the stores also help fund day programs and residential support services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), fostering their community integration. As a thrift retailer, Goodwill prices items to benefit both their shoppers and the people they serve. Goodwill encourages customers to have fun and experiment with their style. Your purchase isn’t just a great deal; it’s an investment in a stronger, more inclusive future for Columbus. This summer, Goodwill is partnering with SWACO to donate clothing and textiles that are at the end of life – helping to offset and divert 4% of the waste stream that is composed of materials like clothing.
ReStore
3140 Westerville Rd, Columbus, OH 43224
2555 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220
Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio ReStores play an important role in the effort to combat the affordable housing challenge in Central Ohio. Donations are sold and the proceeds help to offset most of Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio’s administrative costs — so cash contributions go directly toward building homes and revitalizing communities. Donating new or used home goods and materials enables Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio to offer a steady stream of available goods to the general public. This effort supports Habitat MidOhio’s commitment to serving upwards of 100 families annually in Central Ohio. Their business model reduces landfill reliance as items are donated — instead of discarded — resold and sometimes even repurposed, thus preventing durable, reusable materials from needlessly going to waste in local landfills… to the tune of over 2,000 tons annually! For daily updates and featured inventory, you can follow Habitat MidOhio’s Facebook page.
Volunteers of America
At Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, the mission isn’t just words; it’s tangible hope, restored dignity, and transformed lives. VOA provide services designed locally to address specific community needs, focusing on vital areas like mental health and recovery, supporting veterans, promoting self-sufficiency for those experiencing homelessness, and helping citizens reenter their communities after incarceration. Take Leslie, for example. A retired U.S. Army veteran, Leslie found himself homeless after losing his wife to cancer and then his home. For three months, he had nowhere to go, until he connected with VOA’s supportive services for veterans. There, surrounded by the camaraderie of fellow veterans, Leslie reestablished a sense of safety and now has a place to call home with his loyal dog, Nova, by his side. When you shop at VOA Thrift, you’re directly supporting these life-changing programs, helping individuals and families like Leslie rebuild their lives. The proceeds from your purchases make a profound difference in the community. You can also discover fun crafts and ideas on VOA’s blog and see what’s in stores by following on Facebook, where VOA also shares inspiring stories of impact.