GAR Foundation recently awarded more than $1.6 million to Akron organizations in the areas of education, economic and workforce development, basic needs, arts and culture, and nonprofit sector advancement.

Several grants this quarter focused on programs that support student success both inside and outside of the classroom, including the largest grant – $450,000 to the United Way of Summit County – which will support that organization’s Bold Goals 1 and 2, focused on education and the Akron Public Schools. Other notable grants in early childhood and K-16 education include  $80,000 to Child Guidance and Family Solutions for the Toddlers and Preschools Succeeding program and $45,000 to Alchemy, Inc. for the in-school mentoring through myth program.  

 “Our goal is to ensure that each student is academically, emotionally, and physically prepared to learn,” said Kirstin Toth, senior vice president of GAR Foundation. “We continue to value these organizations as critical partners in our efforts to advance high-quality teaching and learning in Akron.”

In the area of economic and workforce development, Bounce Innovation Hub received $50,000 for the non-tech Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program. Funding will support the EIR’s efforts to advise, support, and engage minority and female-owned small businesses in Akron through a cohort-based entrepreneurship program.

“Bounce’s program will support the efforts of entrepreneurs who are more reflective of Akron’s population, said Christine Mayer, president of GAR Foundation.

GAR also offered a competitive round this quarter for capital funding, granting twenty organizations grants for mission-critical capital projects.

The organizations receiving programming and capital support this quarter include:

• Akron Children’s Museum, $10,000, for the Power of Play Capital Campaign*
• Akron Soul Train, $25,000, for operations
• Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, $20,000, for the Growing for Good Campaign*
• Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, $75,000, for operations
• Alchemy Inc, $45,000, for operations
• Archbishop Hoban High School, $10,000, for CREATE Studio*
• Art Resources Transformations, $15,000, for operations. Fiscal sponsor: Summit Artspace
• AxessPointe, $20,000, for the Barberton Health Clinic Expansion*
• Battered Women’s Shelter, $145,000, for operations in 2019 and 2020
• Blu Jazz Masterclass Foundation, $ 10,000, for operations
• Bounce Innovation Hub, $50,000, for the non-tech Entrepreneur in Residence program
• Broken Chains Jail & Prison Ministry, $7,500, for the Lydia’s Home Recovery Program Greenhouse*
• Child Guidance & Family Solutions, $ 80,000, for the TAPS program
• Countryside, $25,000, for the Countryside Public Market Phase 2 Development*
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, $20,000,  for expanding accessibility for people with limited mobility*
• Early Childhood Resource Center, $50,000, for the building purchase and renovation project*
• Family & Community Services, $7,500, for the Valor Home Expansion*
• Family Promise, $30,000, for operations in 2019 and 2020
• Friends of Historic Glendale Cemetery, $15,000, for road repairs*
• Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, $20,000, for the Revamp the Camp project*
• Great Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America, $15,000, for the Aquatics center shower house*
• Greater Akron Musical Association, $70,000, for operations
• Heart to Heart Communications, $20,000, for operations
• International Institute of Akron, $45,000, for operations
• Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance, $10,000, for the Kenmore Coffee Shop Project*
• Our Lady of the Elms, $10,000, for the Lighting conversion to LED*
• Peninsula Library & Historical Society, $10,000, for renovations to expand accessibility*
• Rubber City Theatre, $10,000, for the Rubber City Theatre Venue Capital Campaign*
• Salvation Army of Summit County, $134,000, for the Learning Zone
• Stewart’s Caring Place, $15,000, for the Our Family, Caring for Your Future*
• Tri-County JOG, $5,000, for the JOG Home Ave Remodel*
• Truly Reaching You, $10,000, for the TRY Employment Skills Training Hub*
• United Way of Summit County, $450,000, for Bold Goals 1 & 2
• Victim Assistance Program, $10,000, for relocation expenses*
• Victim Assistance Program, $60,000, for operations in 2019 and 2020
• Weathervane Community Playhouse, $45,000, for operations
• YEPAW, $ 20,000, for operations

*capital grant

For more information contact Dina Younis [email protected], 330.572.2809

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.

Photo c/o Bounce Hub