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GAR Foundation Awards Over $2 Million to Akron-area Nonprofits in August

Photo by: Talia Hodge
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GAR Foundation’s distribution committee approved grants totaling more than $2 million in support of over 20 Akron-area nonprofits. One of the central themes of this quarter's grantmaking focuses on the critical work of community development, particularly those revitalizing neighborhoods and addressing the unique needs of their residents and stakeholders.

Downtown Akron Parnership"By investing in our neighborhoods, we aim to cultivate safe, thriving communities where residents feel a strong sense of identity, belonging, and shared civic pride," said Christine Amer Mayer, President of GAR Foundation. "Community development organizations in Akron are key partners in achieving this vision, as they thoughtfully address the specific needs of the people they serve."

Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) received $95,000 in operating support to enhance the quality of life for residents and stakeholders through a range of initiatives. These efforts include litter control, beautification maintenance, and security services, alongside equitable business development, and robust advocacy and marketing campaigns. Additionally, DAP curates placemaking activities and strategic initiatives that stimulate local economic growth. 

“These activities are designed to invite and welcome more visitors from all walks of life to downtown, as well as providing increased foot traffic for downtown businesses, and raising the quality of life for downtown residents,” said Kimberly Beckett, President and CEO of Downtown Akron Partnership.

LINKSIn Akron’s Middlebury neighborhood, LINKS Community & Family Services (LINKS) has a clear goal of making a tangible difference in the quality of life of its residents through a wide-range of services. The $45,000 in operating support from the Foundation will assist them in their holistic approach to addressing residents’ needs all along the life cycle. LINKS provides many programs to Middlebury residents, including in-home support for preschool-aged children and their parents called Help Me Grow, an Afterschool Academy for school-age children, a Youth Ambassador program for teens, a food and household products pantry, neighborhood beautification efforts, and senior programming.

LINKS Executive Director Yolanda Parker said, “We recently increased our capacity in the Help Me Grow program by 20 families, allowing us to now serve a total of 78 families. We offer continued support with pregnancy, baby and child health, breastfeeding, nutrition, immunizations, child growth and development, and a connection to local resources.”

North Hill CDCNorth Hill CDC (NHCDC) has made an intentional effort to foster social cohesion, celebrate cultural diversity, and strengthen community pride in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood while meeting their resident’s basic needs of navigating cultural and linguistic barriers. The $70,000 in operating support from GAR helps NHCDC to build upon this legacy. In addition, they have facilitated a temporary resettlement residence that has housed upwards of 30 new families since 2023.

“Our cornerstone project, The Exchange House, operated in partnership with the International Institute of Akron, serves as a cultural hub where residents can access language assistance, cultural orientation programs, and essential services. This space helps residents navigate their new environment and fosters a sense of belonging,” said Justin Chenault, Executive Director of North Hill CDC.

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.

Additional organizations receiving support this quarter include: