Inclusive economic development was a prominent theme in the nearly $1.75 million of grants approved by GAR Foundation at its November distribution meeting. Most notably, the Foundation awarded support to three organizations that participate in the Elevate Greater Akron (EGA) collaborative: $100,000 to the Greater Akron Chamber for continuing to lead the EGA agenda and communications; $100,000 to Bounce Innovation Hub for its work on entrepreneurship; and $100,000 to Western Reserve Community Fund for the capital programs it offers to support businesses in Akron.
“The Elevate Greater Akron collaborative will focus on driving inclusive economic growth, building on Akron’s strengths in polymers, and reimagining our downtown. With Akron’s recent designation as a Tech Hub by the U.S. Department of Commerce, we have a critically important opportunity to lead in sustainable materials, and we are enthusiastic about our partners’ collective efforts to seize upon this moment,” said Christine Mayer, President of GAR Foundation.
Additional organizations receiving support this quarter include:
- Akron Civic Theatre, $200,000 for multi-year operating support
- Akron Area YMCA, $85,000 to support mental health in childcare settings
- Alchemy, Inc, $35,000 for operating support
- ArtsNow, $170,000 for ArtsForward grant program and administrative support
- Bounce Innovation Hub, $100,000 for GROW and SPARK Akron programs
- Building for Tomorrow, $170,000 for Parents as Teachers (PAT) and Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK) programs
- Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, $75,000 for operating support
- Greater Akron Chamber, $100,000 for communications, subscriptions, and collaboration tools
- Groundwork Ohio, $40,000 for operating support
- International Institute of Akron, $100,000 for multi-year operating support
- The Nightlight Cinema, $45,000 for operating support
- Summit Education Initiative, $225,000 for operating support and strategic planning
- Torchbearers, $7,500 for operating support
- Tri-County Jobs for Ohio's Graduates, $75,000 for operating support
- Truly Reaching You, $100,000 for multi-year operating support
- Urban Vision, $35,000 for Set on Success (SOS) program
- Western Reserve Community Fund, $100,000 for operating support