Columbus, OH (February 18, 2026)—The Columbus Foundation has announced that Cheryl Graffagnino, an experienced nonprofit and public sector professional with extensive expertise in community health systems and grantmaking strategies, has joined the organization as the Director of Community Health Grantmaking.
Cheryl Graffagnino, Director of Community Health Grantmaking
Within her position, a newly focused role at The Columbus Foundation, Graffagnino will lead the Foundation’s health grantmaking initiatives, with an emphasis on population health, the social determinants of health, infant and maternal health, mental health, emergency food assistance and nutrition, hospice and palliative care, and developmental disabilities. Graffagnino will also cultivate and steward relationships with nonprofits, donors, civic leaders, and other key partners to lead programs and drive strategic charitable investments that improve a wide variety of community health indicators and programs across the central Ohio region.
“Through her education, professional experience, and dedicated board service, Cheryl has developed a deep understanding of our community’s interconnected health landscape, grantmaking strategy, and the value of civic collaboration,” said Dan Sharpe, Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management at The Columbus Foundation. “We are pleased to welcome Cheryl to our team as she works to increase the effectiveness of nonprofits serving our region and to help address unmet community needs.”
Most recently, Graffagnino served as the Program Officer at the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation, where she managed a large portfolio of local, state, and national funding awards in support of the organization’s health-focused mission. She also served in various roles at Columbus Public Health, including as the Local Food Systems Strategies Coordinator, where Graffagnino led the creation and implementation of the City of Columbus and Franklin County Local Food Action Plan.
Graffagnino is active on several volunteer boards and committees, including the Ohio Department of Health Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee, the Franklin County Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Crisis Care Community Advisory Council, and the Franklin County Local Food Council Steering Committee.
“I am honored to help further The Columbus Foundation’s commitment to strengthening and improving the health, well-being, and quality of life of our community,” said Graffagnino. “I look forward to supporting impactful organizations and programming through meaningful collaboration, community engagement, and thoughtful investments.”
A registered dietitian, Graffagnino earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Dietetics and a Master of Science in Allied Medical Professions from The Ohio State University. In 2024, she was selected as an Osteopathic Health Policy Fellow with the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine.
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