Our Non-Profit Mission: A Deeper Look
The North Market Development Authority (NMDA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as the steward of a vital community asset. For over 149 years, the North Market has been more than a place to buy groceries; it’s a living piece of Columbus history, a cultural landmark, and a catalyst for economic growth. Our non-profit structure is the very foundation that allows us to fulfill this public purpose.
A History of Resilience and Renewal
Established in the late 1980s, the NMDA was created to save the last remaining public market in Columbus. After a fire in 1948 and decades of decline, the market was struggling. The formation of the NMDA, a not-for-profit entity, marked a turning point. It shifted the market’s focus from a money-losing, city-run operation to a community-driven enterprise dedicated to historic preservation and urban revitalization. This led to a capital campaign that funded the construction of our current building in the 1990s, transforming the market into the vibrant destination it is today.
Supporting a Community of Entrepreneurs
The North Market is an internationally recognized small business incubator. We provide affordable and accessible retail opportunities for new and independent businesses, with a special focus on supporting women, minority, and ethnically-owned ventures. Our merchants are the heart of the market, and their success is a direct measure of our impact. By offering a platform for these entrepreneurs to grow, we contribute to a more diverse and dynamic local economy.
More Than a Marketplace
The NMDA’s work goes beyond the daily operations of the market. We are committed to a public purpose that includes:
- Preserving Local Farming: We connect urban consumers with local farmers and producers, helping to sustain regional agriculture and food systems.
- Cultural Preservation: We maintain the historic character of the North Market district, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, and celebrate the diverse cultures of our community through our merchants and programming.
- A Civic Space for Everyone: The market is a social hub where people from all walks of life can gather. We provide a venue for educational workshops, community events, and a space for other non-profits to engage with the public and raise funds.
Your Role in Our Mission
As a 501(c)(3) organization, the NMDA relies on the generosity of our community. Revenue from vendor fees covers our daily operations, but donations are essential for capital improvements, community initiatives, and ensuring the market’s long-term sustainability. Your support is a direct investment in a unique and irreplaceable resource that enhances the economic and cultural vitality of Columbus.
Market Cities Network
The North Market is proud to one of the founding members of Market Cities Network, an initiative of Project for Public Spaces, is the first international forum uniting market operators, advocates, researchers, NGOs, and funders to strengthen markets and the communities they serve. Through its Market Cities Program, Project for Public Spaces builds on over 30 years of experience supporting public markets by fostering regional systems that promote community well-being and equitable opportunity. The program connects global stakeholders through research, specialized training, and events such as the biennial International Public Markets Conference, which has convened market leaders worldwide for more than three decades—all working together to create vibrant, resilient, and community-driven public spaces.
