Columbus Citizens Foundation was founded over 75 years ago by the children of immigrants to memorialize the contributions of their Italian ancestors to the rich mosaic of America.

Originally formed as the Columbus Citizens Committee in 1944, the organization became the Columbus Citizens Foundation in 1982.

Italian Americans have played an indelible role in shaping the fabric of American society. From early exploration by Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, and Giovanni da Verrazzano, to the intellectual contributions in the writing of the American Constitution by Filippo Mazzei, the Italian American legacy is profound and far-reaching.  

CCF sponsors and organizes the annual Columbus Day Parade in New York City, the largest national celebration of Italian American heritage, a landmark event viewed by millions across the country. The Parade celebrates the vibrance of Italian American culture and is always led by a noteworthy Grand Marshal of Italian heritage.

Additionally, CCF supports Italian American students and has dispersed over $43 million in scholarships, grants and to charitable causes. 

Columbus Citizens Foundation Members include prominent men and women of Italian heritage representing the fields of law, medicine, government, business, education, and the arts.