The Town of Columbus announced a grant award of $10,000 from the Polk County Community Foundation Unrestricted Grants fund.

This grant will be used by Columbus to join the Handmade in America program. Handmade in America is a non-profit organization based in Asheville that strives to grow local economies by placing an emphasis on craft and the artisans who create it.

Town Manager Jonathan Kanipe said the grant, and subsequent partnership with Handmade in America, will benefit Columbus for years to come.

“This generous grant from the Polk County Community Foundation allows the town to move forward with a proactive economic development guide and prepare us for the next 10-15 years.”

The grant enables the town to finance the development of a community assessment integral to the Handmade in America process. During this community assessment, Columbus will seek feedback from members of the community regarding the town’s direction for the future.