A Vision for a Community  

The Columbia Heights Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to enrich the quality of life in our community by creating local events and programming where residents and visitors can connect and celebrate our neighborhood. Our organization strives to promote values of diversity, service, character, compassion, and unity in the Columbia Heights. As an expression of those values we have hosted the Columbia Heights Day Festival for the past ten years.

Columbia Heights Day is a one-day street festival showcasing artists, community organizations, restaurants, and businesses from around the neighborhood. It has become a beloved event for the community but we are ready to expand beyond a one-day festival. Our vision is to build upon our already established community events to create collaborative networks that provide new opportunities for residents, businesses, and community organizations to connect and engage in a deep and meaningful way.

 To do this we needed to build a sustainable infrastructure to support our long-term growth. In 2015, we took a major step toward sustainability by hiring our first full-time Executive Director, Brianne Dornbush. In 2016, we plan to host eight signature events, launch our volunteer, business, and nonprofit networks and begin to develop strategic partnerships in the community.

 We believe communities thrive when they are connected. The Columbia Heights Initiative is committed to working with our partners in the neighborhood and city government to ensure that every resident in Columbia Heights is able to thrive and find true community. We believe by developing our networks and creating new opportunities for connection between residents, local businesses, community organizations, schools, and government agencies we can find solutions to our community’s greatest needs.

Will you join us?