Columbus, OH (September 21, 2023)— This week, The Columbus Foundation announced that Chasity Edwards, Ed.M, has joined the organization as the Director of Education Grantmaking.
In this role, Edwards will research, review, and recommend strategic charitable investments in central Ohio, with a focus on the vital area of educational and academic grantmaking, from early childhood through K-12 education. Edwards will also maintain awareness and understanding of trends and current events in the central Ohio region and provide support to the nonprofit community.
Chasity Edwards
“Chasity is an accomplished and passionate educational leader with an impressive depth and breadth of experience—from the classroom to consultancy,” said Dan Sharpe, Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management at The Columbus Foundation. “She will be instrumental to our team as we continue to address pertinent educational issues in the central Ohio community.”
A dedicated advocate for students, Edwards brings 20 years of experience in educational development, project management, and strategic planning to The Columbus Foundation. She previously worked as a consultant at Education First Consulting, where she utilized equity-centered practices to manage projects and advise clients focused on innovative systems and schools, strategic planning, and social, emotional, and academic development.
“Chasity is an accomplished and passionate educational leader with an impressive depth and breadth of experience—from the classroom to consultancy. She will be instrumental to our team as we continue to address pertinent educational issues in the central Ohio community."
Dan Sharpe, Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management
Edwards has also served in various roles at Columbus-based nonprofits, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University’s Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, and Community Properties of Ohio Impact Corporation, the philanthropic arm of Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing. Additionally, Edwards previously worked in classroom settings as a special education teacher for D.C. Public Schools and as a long-term substitute teacher for Columbus City Schools.
Edwards received a bachelor of arts in psychology from Ohio University. She also holds a master’s in special education from Howard University, and a master’s in education policy and management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Edwards also previously served as a policy fellow at Harvard University’s Education Redesign Lab, whose mission is to ensure the social, emotional, physical, and academic development and well-being of all children and youth, especially those affected by racism and poverty.
“I am thrilled to join The Columbus Foundation team in this new and exciting role,” said Edwards. “I look forward to working alongside my colleagues, nonprofit leaders, and the community to deploy charitable capital in central Ohio, especially in the areas of educational and academic grantmaking, so that every student in our region has the opportunity to thrive.”
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation, one of the top 10 community foundations in the United States, serves thousands of individuals, families, and businesses that have created unique funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible.