GAR Foundation awarded nearly $2 million in grants to Akron nonprofit organizations at its August distribution meeting.
The Foundation focused support this quarter on a variety of important initiatives, notably the work of United Way of Summit & Medina (UWSM). The Foundation awarded UWSM a grant of $450,000 towards their first two 2028 Education Bold Goals: “Ready for Success” and “Youth Success.” These Bold Goals are focused on third-grade reading and high school graduation.
The Foundation also awarded Love Akron $90,000 for its Locker Room Experience, an effort to support and empower Akron Public School (APS) students with love, trust, and fellowship. The program offers a “club” in each APS high school, led by two trusted leaders/mentors. During the Locker Room Experience, 20 students who are seeking meaningful growth and leadership opportunities comprise each club and build out its activities and agenda.
“We believe the work of supporting students where they are in their journey will reap benefits for their academics as well as their social-emotional well-being. Organizations like Love Akron are making a real difference in their lives,” said Christine Mayer, president of GAR Foundation.
Additional grants include the following:
Akron Soul Train, $25,000 for operations
Akron Urban League, $125,000 for operations
Battered Women's Shelter, $170,000 for operations*
Child Guidance & Family Solutions, $200,000 for Toddlers and Preschoolers Succeeding (TAPS)*
Curated Storefront, $25,000 for operations
Downtown Akron Partnership, $95,000 for operations
Early Childhood Resource Center, $150,000 for Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids
Family Promise, $40,000 for operations*
Harmony House, $30,000 for operations
Heart to Heart Leadership, $20,000 for operations
LINKS Community & Family Services, $45,000 for operations
Love Akron, up to $90,000 for the Locker Room Experience
North Hill Community Development Corporation, $70,000 for operations
Progressive Alliance Community Development Corporation, $45,000 for operations
Students with a Goal (SWAG), $30,000 for operations
Summit Artspace, $40,000 for operations
United Way of Summit & Medina, $450,000 for Bold Goals 1 and 2
Victim Assistance Program, $60,000 for operations*
The Well Community Development Corporation, $45,000 for operations
*Denotes multi-year support