GAR Foundation’s distribution committee approved more than $1.8 million in grants, supporting over 20 Akron-area nonprofits. One of this quarter’s key investments addresses a critical challenge faced by some University of Akron students: balancing life as a student and parenthood.
GAR awarded $100,000 to the University of Akron Foundation to bolster the university’s new Childcare Assistance Program, which subsidizes childcare through the Akron Area YMCA. This initiative helps student-parents overcome a significant barrier to higher education, enabling them to pursue a college degree while managing work and family responsibilities. By addressing this challenge, the program hopes to not only improve retention and graduation rates but also empower student-parents to enhance their earning potential and build a more sustainable future.
“The Childcare Assistance Program is removing a significant obstacle, allowing parents to focus on achieving their educational goals while building a stronger foundation for their families’ future,” said GAR Foundation president Christine Amer Mayer. “This initiative not only promotes student success but also creates a more equitable pathway to graduation and contributes to economic and workforce stability in our region.”
In addition, GAR distributed a $200,000 multi-year grant to the University of Akron Foundation for room and board scholarships, helping students close small financial gaps that could otherwise derail their education. This investment ensures students can continue their studies while living in university housing, where they can access wraparound support through ZipAssist, the university’s comprehensive student resource center. Reducing financial stress and providing access to critical resources have been shown to significantly improve student persistence.
In response to receiving one of these small grants, a student wrote, “I was in a difficult situation. Paying for college can be stressful and I have felt some of that stress recently. No one is helping me pay for college. I have to work and, for the most part, provide for myself. That is why I greatly appreciate the grant money.”
GAR continues to support Akron-area nonprofits aimed at enhancing education; economic, workforce, and community development; arts and culture; and basic needs in the region. The Foundation is committed to helping Akron become smarter, stronger, and more vibrant.
Organizations receiving support this quarter include:
- Akron Public Schools, $87,000 for the youth bed initiative through Project Rise
- Alchemy, Inc., $45,000 for operating support and strategic planning
- Bounce Innovation Hub, $100,000 for operating support
- Building for Tomorrow, $190,000 for Early Childhood Initiative
- Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, $75,000 for operating support
- Groundwork Ohio, $40,000 for operating support
- International Welcome Center, $15,000 for operating support
- Leadership Akron, $25,000 for operating support and challenge grant
- Magical Theatre Company, $80,000 for multiyear operating support
- Nightlight Cinema, $55,000 for operating support
- North Hill Community Development Corporation, $21,000 for fiscal sponsorship of IN-Akron
- Progressive Alliance Community Development Corporation, $30,000 challenge grant for operations
- Project GRAD Akron, $180,000 for multiyear operating support
- South Street Ministries, $10,000 for the youth bed initiative
- Summit County Continuum of Care, $20,000 for operating support
- Summit Education Initiative, $200,000 for operating support
- Torchbearers, $7,500 for operating support
- Tri-County Jobs for Ohio's Graduates, $75,000 for operating support
- Tuesday Musical Association, $120,000 for multiyear operating support
- University of Akron Foundation, $200,000 for multiyear room and board scholarships
- University of Akron Foundation, $100,000 for the Childcare Assistance Program
- Victim Assistance Program, $53,000 for gun violence victim support
- Western Reserve Community Fund, $100,000 for operating support