Meet the Team: Laura Spires

Laura Spires, Grants Manager

For Laura Spires, being part of the OneOhio Recovery Foundation isn’t just a job — it’s a chance to help shape something that can change lives across Ohio. With more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit world, she brings a deep understanding of how mission-driven organizations like OneOhio can create lasting impact. What drew her to the Foundation was the rare opportunity to build a statewide grants program from the ground up — and to help create meaningful change in the communities she cares about.

Prior to joining OneOhio, Laura served as the Grants and Database Manager at the Ohio State Bar Foundation, where she oversaw funding programs focused on improving the justice system and addressing unmet legal needs. Her path into grants work began at COSI, where she served as Membership Coordinator and developed key skills in event planning, database systems, and public engagement. She holds a master’s degree in arts administration and public policy, along with bachelor’s degrees in anthropology and theatre from The Ohio State University — a combination that reflects her interest in the intersection of culture, policy, and public service.

Originally from Mansfield, Ohio, Laura now calls Columbus home. Outside of work, she finds joy in gardening — especially growing her family’s heirloom tomatoes — as well as volunteering with Columbus Metro Parks and hiking local trails with her dog, Poppy. She’s also an avid traveler, with past adventures that include exploring glaciers in Iceland and wandering through botanical gardens in Ecuador.

What continues to drive Laura in this work is the belief that meaningful change is possible when organizations and communities come together with purpose. At OneOhio, she’s proud to be part of a team that’s not just awarding grants, but creating hope and helping communities heal.