Columbus Chamber Foundation Launches Don DePerro Memorial Fund to Invest in Small Business Leaders

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce Foundation has announced the launch of the Don DePerro Memorial Fund, a new scholarship fund created to honor the legacy of one of Columbus’s most respected small business advocates and to invest in the next generation of local business leaders. 

The Don DePerro Memorial Fund is designed to help employees at eligible small businesses access transformational sales and leadership development programs offered by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and its partners. Through scholarships that offset the cost of training, the fund removes financial barriers and helps local professionals build critical skills, grow with confidence, and strengthen the region’s small business ecosystem. 

“Don DePerro understood something fundamental about economic growth: it starts with people,” said Derrick R. Clay, President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. “He believed deeply in small businesses and in the leaders behind them. This fund honors his legacy in the most meaningful way possible, by investing in the talent, skills, and confidence of the people who will build the next chapter of our region’s economy.” 

Don DePerro led the Columbus Chamber of Commerce through a period of growth and deeper connection to the community. He was a passionate advocate for leadership development and for small businesses as the foundation of a thriving Columbus Region. The scholarship fund named in his honor carries forward that commitment by investing in the people who power local businesses. 

The Don DePerro Memorial Fund currently supports access to two flagship programs: 

• Columbus WINS, a six-month sales training program that helps business owners, sales leaders, and sellers move beyond transactional selling and adopt a more effective, human-centered approach to selling in today’s market. 

• Elevate Cbus, a six-month leadership experience designed for professionals at pivotal moments in their careers, focused on self-awareness, practical leadership tools, and confident, purpose-driven leadership. The program is delivered in collaboration with The White Stone Consulting Group. 

Community members, businesses, and partners are invited to honor Don DePerro’s legacy by contributing to the fund and helping more small business professionals access the skills they need to lead, grow, and succeed. 

This fund would not be possible without the generosity of the founding donors who stepped forward early to help ensure Don’s legacy lives on through the people and businesses he cared about so deeply. The Columbus Chamber Foundation is grateful to the following founding donors for their leadership and commitment: 

To learn more or to donate, visit columbuschamberfoundation.org. 

About the Columbus Chamber of Commerce: The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that serves more than 2,500 organizations across the Columbus Region. Founded in 1884, the Chamber serves as a strategic partner to the region’s businesses. We convene the community, advocate as the active voice for business, and navigate the insights, connections, and solutions that drive prosperity and growth. The Chamber provides an interconnected ecosystem where businesses collaborate to eliminate barriers to success, creating a vibrant environment for enterprises throughout the region. Together, we make our region an exceptional place to do business. Learn more: www.columbus.org.

About The Columbus Chamber of Commerce Foundation: The Columbus Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s goal is to remove barriers to prosperity and growth in the Columbus Region business community through strong relationships and purposeful inclusion. Learn more: www.columbuschamberfoundation.org.  

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