Columbus Citizens Foundation

The Columbus Citizens Foundation is a non-profit organization in New York City committed to fostering an appreciation of Italian-American heritage and achievement.

Founded by Judge S. Samuel Di Falco and Generoso Pope in 1944, the Foundation was established to memorialize and foster the contributions that their Italian forefathers brought to the United States.

The building was designed by Boston architectural firm Peabody & Stearns and completed in 1893 for Charles L. Colby, one of the wealthiest men in New York City.

[1] Former Grand Marshals of the Columbus Day Parade include: Maria Bartiromo; Antonin Scalia; Mario Andretti; Joe DiMaggio and Sophia Loren.

At present, the Foundation's Membership includes over 550 men and women of Italian heritage representing the fields of law, medicine, government, business, education, and the arts.

Columbus Citizens Foundation headquarters, located in Manhattan's Upper East Side