Columbus OH (March 20, 2017)—The Governing Committee of The Columbus Foundation has named Dan Sharpe Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management, effective March 27, 2017. Sharpe joined the Foundation in 2006, and is an expert in community leadership and nonprofit effectiveness.
As Vice President, Sharpe will oversee the development and implementation of grant policies, program priorities, and areas of strategic grantmaking for the Foundation. He will lead the Community Research and Grants Management team, which interacts with the community’s nonprofit organizations, convenes community discussions around areas of greatest need, and participates in initiatives and partnerships to strengthen and improve the community.
“Dan’s strong qualifications, experience, and knowledge of the nonprofit sector make him an excellent choice to lead the Foundation’s strategic grantmaking efforts,” said Douglas F. Kridler, Columbus Foundation President and CEO. “He has proven skills, integrity, and success—and is unquestionably dedicated to Columbus.”
Since joining the Foundation 11 years ago, Sharpe has served in multiple capacities of increasing responsibility as an associate, officer, and most recently as Director of Community Leadership and Nonprofit Effectiveness in Community Research and Grants Management. In addition, he has supported the nonprofit community through capacity-building and innovation grantmaking, and led the Foundation’s Nonprofit Forum and Summer Fellowship programs. Previously, Sharpe managed digital media for the Foundation, and served as Project Manager for easyColumbus, an engagement and retention effort for regional college students.
In 2016, Sharpe was selected to participate in the Harvard Business School Executive Education Young American Leaders Program (YALP)—a program of the U.S. Competitiveness Project at the Harvard Business School. He is a graduate of Leadership Columbus and a past co-chair of the Create Columbus Commission.
A native of Bexley, Sharpe received his bachelor’s degree in politics and government from Ohio Wesleyan University and his master’s degree in public administration from the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University. He resides with his family in east Columbus.
“I am deeply honored to serve in this role for The Columbus Foundation,” Sharpe said. “My family and I are proud to call Columbus home and to advance our community in increasingly meaningful ways.”
Lisa S. Courtice, Ph.D., who led the Foundation’s Community Research and Grants Management Department for the past 14 years, was recently named CEO of United Way of Central Ohio.
About the Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor® to 2,500 individuals, families, and businesses who have created charitable funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Serving the region for more than 70 years, The Columbus Foundation is ranked among the ten largest community foundations in the United States. For more, visit columbusfoundation.org or call 614/251-4000.