Matt Martin

Matthew Martin serves as the Community Research and Grants Management Officer at The Columbus Foundation, a position he has held since August 2017. His role involves overseeing research, development, and implementation of social investments aimed at enhancing community well-being.13

Background and Experience

• Education: Martin holds a bachelor's degree in Urban Affairs with a minor in African and African American Studies from Wright State University, and a master's degree in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University.1
• Previous Roles: Before joining The Columbus Foundation, he was a researcher at the Kirwan Institute for Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University, where he worked on community assessments and produced an award-winning documentary titled Free To Ride. He also has experience as a regional planner with the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.12

Community Engagement

Martin is actively involved in various community initiatives:

• He serves on the Facilities Master Plan Ad Hoc Committee for Columbus City Schools.
• He is the Housing Committee Chair for the Weinland Park Community Civic Association.
• Additionally, he is an Advisory Board Member of OSU Extension and serves as a Pastor at Veritas Community Church.1

Personal Life

Matthew Martin resides in the Weinland Park neighborhood of Columbus with his wife Ashley and their three children.1

His extensive background in urban planning and community engagement positions him as a key contributor to The Columbus Foundation's mission to improve community conditions through effective philanthropy.