Meet Karim

Karim Jackson, M.Ed., is the Executive Director of the Reeb Center, a community hub connecting residents and families on Columbus’ South Side with essential resources, programs, and opportunities. In his first Executive Director role, he leads the Center’s strategy, operations, partnerships, community engagement, and fundraising.

Karim has more than a decade of experience across nonprofit leadership, education, government, philanthropy, and youth development. His professional experience includes serving as Senior Program Officer for My Brother’s Keeper Columbus, leading community engagement and economic development initiatives, and advancing college access and student success through I Know I Can. He is also the founder of the Jackson Youth Empowerment Foundation, which creates opportunities and support for young people and families.

A graduate of Wilberforce University, Karim earned his Master of Education from Wright State University. His leadership development experiences include the African American Leadership Academy, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Leadership Institute, and the CIRCLE Fellowship. Across each role, Karim has remained committed to building strong partnerships, expanding access to resources, and creating lasting opportunities for historically underinvested communities.

How do you intend to use the funds?

I will use the R.I.S.E. Fund stipend to complete professional development courses through the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, focusing on nonprofit executive leadership, fundraising strategy, and long-term sustainability.

This investment comes at a pivotal point in my career. I am serving in my first Executive Director role at the Reeb Center, a vital community hub serving families on Columbus’ South Side. I also serve as the organization’s chief fundraiser, making my ability to cultivate donors, diversify revenue, engage the board, and build a sustainable culture of philanthropy essential to the Center’s future.

The Lilly School’s research-informed, practical courses will strengthen my ability to lead the organization while developing a more strategic and sustainable fundraising program. I will immediately apply what I learn to deepen donor relationships, strengthen institutional partnerships, increase board participation in fundraising, and expand resources for a historically underinvested community.