At its quarterly meeting in April, GAR Foundation announced $1,252,500 in funding to Summit County community organizations. GAR awarded a number of large grants to key organizations that support the Foundation’s strategic efforts. 

GAR awarded a grant of $125,000 to ConxusNEO in support of its strategic workforce development efforts. ConxusNEO partners with companies to identify the skills they need; it then uses this information to help the community transform the way people are prepared for great careers.  

“ConxusNEO is doing the complex work of systemic, demand-driven workforce development. We are proud to support their efforts to improve connections between workers who need work and companies that need workers,” said Christine Mayer, President of GAR Foundation.  

ArtsNow received $125,000 in support of its mission to strengthen Summit County by advancing its arts and culture assets and building connections between arts and culture and the broader community. In the three years since its inception, ArtsNow has launched the SummitLive365 website highlighting artists and events, linked artists to area businesses, and convened conversations among artists and arts enthusiasts about how to strengthen the arts ecosystem.  

Other notable grants include an award of $140,000 to support ACCESS, Inc. over two years; $100,000 to the Akron Art Museum for support of its work in the coming year; and $85,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve for support of its out-of-school time programs. GAR once again offered its competitive, limited funding EIG application round, granting funds to thirty-three teachers for innovative projects that will be implemented at the classroom level. 

The organizations receiving support this quarter include: 

• ACCESS, Inc., $140,000, for operations in 2018 and 2019 
• Akron Art Museum, $100,000, for operations 
• ArtsNow, $125,000, for operations 
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve, $85,000, for operations 
• Community Legal Aid, $30,000, for operations 

• ConxusNEO, $125,000, for operations 
• Crossroads Writers Conference, $12,500, for conference support 
• Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy, $20,000, for farmers’ market food access expansion 
• Emmanuel Christian Academy, $35,000, for STEAM Academy  
• Family & Community Services, $60,000, for the Mobile Meals program 

• First Glance Student Center, $20,000, for operations 
• GroundWorks Dance Theatre, $30,000 for operations and a challenge to increase donors to annual campaign* 
• Leadership Akron, $55,000, for operations 
• LINKS Family & Community Services, $25,000, for After School Academy 
• Musical Arts Association, $65,000, for the 2018 Blossom Music Festival 

• Neos Dance Theatre, $10,000, for operations 
• None too fragile, $15,000, for the 2018 Off-Broadway Series 
• Open Tone Music, $25,000, for Open Tone Music Academy 
• Philanthropy Ohio, $5,000, for operations 
• Project Learn of Summit County, $50,000, for operations 

• Rebuilding Together Northeast Ohio, $20,000, for operations 
• Shelter Care, $10,000, for Safe Landing 
• South Street Ministries, $30,000, for operations 
• Stan Hywet, $30,000, for a challenge grant for 2018 Annual Fund* 
• Students with a Goal, $10,000, for operations 

• Summit County Fatherhood Initiative, $10,000, for operations 
• Summit Food Coalition, $25,000, for operations 
• Urban Vision, $25,000, for the Set on Success program 
• Victim Assistance Program, $30,000, for operations 
• Western Reserve Historical Society, $30,000, for Hale Farm operations 

*consists of a challenge grant 

For more information contact Christine Mayer at [email protected] or 330.576.2911. 

GAR Foundation 

GAR Foundation was established in 1967 by Galen Roush, co-founder and chief executive officer of Roadway Express, and his wife Ruth Roush. GAR Foundation’s mission is to help Akron become smarter, stronger, and more vibrant. Visit www.garfoundation.org for more information.