GAR Foundation has awarded $837,250 in capital grants to 30 organizations across Greater Akron, supporting projects that expand access to essential services and foster economic and cultural vitality. Most grants supported projects that are near the fundraising “finish line,” with GAR’s funding enabling the project to move forward to implementation.
“These investments ensure that organizations have what they need to achieve their mission-critical objectives,” said Christine Amer Mayer, president of GAR Foundation. “From parks and theaters to housing and health services, these projects strengthen the physical spaces that bring people together and improve quality of life in Greater Akron.”
The organizations receiving capital support include:
- ACCESS, $50,000 for Building Futures, Empowering More Lives
- Akron Art Museum, $125,000 for the Center for Digital Discovery
- Akron Parks Collaborative, $12,500 for Boss Park
- Akron Urban League, $20,000 for HVAC repairs
- Akron Zoo, $10,000 for their veterinary hospital
- ArtsNow, $25,000 for an office expansion project in partnership with Torchbearers
- AxessPointe, $25,000 for their commercial kitchen addition for Mobile Meals
- Better Kenmore, $50,000 for the mixed-use renovation of the historic McCoy Building
- Bounce Innovation Hub, $18,000 for the Generator Expansion Project
- Boy Scouts of America, Great Trail Council, $10,000 for the Skilled Trades Education Center for middle school students
- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, $20,000 for the Leading the Way Locomotive Fleet Capital Campaign
- Family Promise of Summit County, $30,000 for the Survive to Thrive Fourth House
- Harmony House, $25,000 for improvements to transitional housing
- Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center, $25,000 for their safety fence and structural slab repair project
- Humility of Mary Housing, $10,000 to replace roofs at HM Life Opportunity Services Northfield residences
- Jin Huo Community, $10,000 for the commercial kitchen portion of the TogetherWeRise Project
- The Nightlight Cinema, $50,000 for the Second Screen Expansion Project
- Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, $150,000 for the Summit Lake NorthShore Park
- Old Trail School, $5,750 for their OTS Outpost Garage Renovation
- OPEN M, $9,500 for replacing sprinkler heads
- Shelter Care, $10,000 for their crisis respite counseling room
- South Street Ministries, $10,000 for RICH Kids EnRichment site renovations
- Stewart's Caring Place, $7,500 for improving physical accessibility
- Summit Artspace, $25,000 for improvements to artist-centered public facilities
- Summit Christian School, $5,000 for cafeteria and kitchen renovations
- Truly Reaching You, $15,000 for their Campaign to Build Capacity and Break the Cycle
- Urban Vision, $15,000 for the 752 Blaine Ave sports field
- The Vincent House, $9,000 for improvements to The Dance Exchange
- Weathervane Community Playhouse, $10,000 for main entrance accessibility renovations
- The Well CDC, $50,000 for retail space improvements for small business in Middlebury
GAR Foundation offers funding for mission-critical capital projects on a periodic basis, typically every other year. Capital projects are defined as new buildings, renovations, or expansions to existing facilities/buildings.
Primary article photo credit:
Bounce Innovation Hub - The Green Photograph