The Columbus Citizens Foundation is a nonprofit based in New York, established with the aim of celebrating and promoting Italian-American heritage through a wide range of philanthropic and cultural projects. The foundation's work includes a number of programmes to celebrate the language, culture and history of Italy, as well as ongoing cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Among the most important initiatives is the programme of scholarships for deserving Italian-American students and those with Italian heritage. Since 1929, the foundation has also organised an annual parade on Columbus Day, which falls on 12 October, and a gala dinner of which NERO Lifestyle is a sponsor.