Grantmaking Philosophy

The Columbus Medical Association Foundation focuses resources- people, ideas and money to support initiatives that improve health. The new mission replaces the traditional identification of selected program themes and recognizes the importance of challenging our conventional forms of grantmaking through our Open Grants Cycle.

The CMAF funding criteria are determined by three key factors: (1) the decision of our trustees, who offer a breadth and depth of experience in health care service delivery; (2) the comparative advantage as a health care grantmaker, focusing only on health related issues and concerns while drawing upon the expertise of our physician trustees; and (3) research to inform our judgments about the health challenges facing greater Columbus.

Responsive Grantmaking Focus

The CMAF grantmaking philosophy is catalytic, meaning to exact significant change. The CMAF sets priority initiatives and grant requests offering the greatest hope for creating significant, constructive change or action in health systems related to increasing access to health care (both physical and mental health), health promotion, health maintenance, reducing health disparities, and increasing health literacy.

Strategic Grantmaking Focus

The five areas of strategic investment include:

• Affordable and Sustainable Health Care (Our Optimal Health)
• Healthcare Safety Net
• Convening Conversations on Health and Healthcare
• Health Disparities
• Youth Philanthropy and Leadership