Foster Grandparents tutor children in need of support academically, socially, and emotionally. We wish to nurture and instill a sense of pride in every child we tutor and show them that they are loved and that with a lot of hard work, they can be the best that they can be.

The Foster Grandparent Program pairs volunteer seniors with at-risk youth in the Columbus community. The goal is to help children do better in school.

Eligibility Requirements to become a Foster Grandparent:

• No prior experience working with children or teaching is necessary, as we provide training
• No minimum education requirement
• Must have the willingness to share knowledge and experience with young children
• Must be at least 55 years old
• Must be willing to volunteer a minimum of 15 hours a week on a set schedule 
• Must meet the income requirements
• Must pass BCI/FBI background check 
• Must be given the okay to serve by a Doctor or Registered Nurse on our physical evaluation form

Benefits of becoming a Foster Grandparent:

• A stipend of $4.00 an hour
• A daily meal reimbursement of up to $6.00 per day
• $.45 a mile for travel to and from volunteer activities if they use their own car OR full bus fare reimbursement
• Monetary reimbursement is considered a stipend and NOT income
• Funds received through the program are never taxed and cannot count against any benefits the volunteer is currently receiving or may receive in the future such as (but not limited to):
  • Income-based housing
  • Disability
  • Food Stamps
• Reimbursement for the annual physical of up to $40
• 25 hours of pre-service training
• Monthly in-service training
• Annual volunteer recognition

Interested in becoming a Foster Grandparent?:

Contact Volunteer Coordinator Erika Maas at 614-857-1225 or [email protected]

FGP Volunteer Application

Preschools and elementary schools interested in learning about how to get Foster Grandparents in their building should contact Program Director Tameko Martin by phone at 614-857-1246 or by email at [email protected].