Founded in 1901 by New Yorker and social activism pioneer Mary Harriman, the Junior Leagues are charitable nonprofit organizations of women, developed as civic leaders, making a demonstrable impact on their communities. In 1921, the Leagues joined forces as an association, which is today known as The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., in order to bolster their power and amplify their voice through shared knowledge and common causes.

In 1931, 61 Columbus women came together to form the Community Service League. In its first year, the League gave 4,595 hours of service. In 1936, the Community Service League was accepted into the Association of Junior Leagues of America.

As of 2020, the Junior League of Columbus includes membership of Active and Sustaining Members of over 750 dedicated women. Active members have given more than 5,000 volunteer hours and contributed more than $1 million to the community. Some of the projects the League have been involved in includes: opening the first pediatric wing at the old City Hospital, equipping children’s playrooms at the Medical Center, assisting Historic Columbus Committee startup and their work to save the Springer Opera House. They have also equipped the children’s Transformations Gallery at the Columbus Museum, helped establish the local Ronald McDonald House, and establishing Columbus’ first registered diaper bank.