GAR Foundation awarded $2,263,000 in grants to Akron nonprofit organizations at its November grant distribution meeting. Reflective of GAR’s commitment to improving Akron’s economic health, 43% of the funding awarded this quarter went to organizations in the economic and workforce development area that are working to support an inclusive economy where everyone can participate and prosper. 

The collaborative of organizations operating under the Elevate Greater Akron strategy collectively identifiEs priority issues for Greater Akron’s economy and advances work that addresses those priorities. “We are proud to support grantees who drive inclusive entrepreneurial growth, support the competitiveness and growth of local firms, and bolster Akron’s vibrancy,” said Christine Mayer, president of GAR Foundation. 

Organizations receiving funding this quarter for economic development work include the Greater Akron Chamber for continued leadership of the Elevate Greater Akron collaborative; the City of Akron and Summit County for their roles in Elevate Greater Akron; Bounce Innovation Hub for its GROW program; MORTAR for its inclusive entrepreneurship cohort program; Western Reserve Community Fund for its efforts to support local business through financing tools; and Downtown Akron Partnership for its support of Akron’s downtown neighborhood.

The following organizations were awarded grants this quarter: 

• Akron Civic Theatre, $100,000 for operating support 
• City of Akron, $65,000 for Elevate Greater Akron work
• ArtsNow, $170,000 for Akron Cultural Plan project grants 
• Asian Services in Action, $20,000 for Afghan humanitarian support 
• Bounce Innovation Hub, $85,000 for Elevate Greater Akron – GROW Program  
• Building for Tomorrow, $170,000 for Parents as Teachers (PAT) and Supporting Parents and Ready Kids (SPARK) home visitation programs
• Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, $75,000 for operating support 
• County of Summit, $36,000 for Elevate Greater Akron work 
• Downtown Akron Partnership, $75,000 for operating support 
• Greater Akron Chamber, $185,000 for continued leadership of Elevate Greater Akron 
• Harmony House, $30,000 for operating support 
• Heart to Heart Leadership, $10,000 for Immigrant & Refugee group facilitation
• International Institute of Akron, $45,000 for operating support 
• International Institute of Akron, $70,000 for Afghan humanitarian support
• International Soap Box Derby, $60,000 for digitization of curriculum materials  
• LINKS Community & Family Services, $35,000 for operating support 
• Love Akron, $70,000 for a Youth Asset Development pilot program
• Magical Theatre Company, $40,000 for operating support 
• MORTAR Cincinnati, $40,000 for MORTAR at Bounce  
• None too fragile, $15,000 for operating support 
• North Akron Community Development Corporation, $30,000 for operating support 
• Project GRAD Akron, $90,000 for College & Career Central 
• Rubber City Theatre, $15,000 for operating support 
• Summit Education Initiative, $200,000 for operating support 
• The Nightlight Cinema, $35,000 for operating support 
• Tri-County Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates Economic & Workforce Development, $85,000 for operating support 
• Truly Reaching You, $50,000 for operating support 
• Tuesday Musical Association, $60,000 for operating support 
• Black Economic and Wellness Coalition of Akron (fiscal sponsor United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland), $150,000 for operating support and $25,000 as a matching grant for other support 
• Verb Ballets, $7,000 for Romeo & Juliet at EJ Thomas Hall 
• Western Reserve Community Fund, $100,000 for operating support 

For more information contact Lisa Denson, [email protected].