The GAR Foundation on Friday announced a $1 million grant to the Fund for Our Economic Future, which works to advance economic growth and access to opportunities in Akron and Northeast Ohio.
The award, to be paid out over three years, was part of $2.06 million in grants announced for 28 community organizations.
The fund, which counts more than 50 philanthropic organizations as members, “has proven its expertise in understanding the dynamics of our local and regional economy, and supporting effective interventions that can improve Akron’s economic future,” said Kirstin Toth, senior vice president of GAR Foundation.
Other groups receiving GAR grants (awards are for general operations unless otherwise noted):
• Access Inc., $70,000.
• Akron Area Arts Alliance, $20,000 for Summit ArtSpace.
• Akron Area YMCA, $20,000 for the Neighborhood Leadership Institute of Summit County.
• Akron Art Museum, $100,000.
• Akron Public Schools, $14,000 for one-time support for science curricula.
• Akron SCORE, $30,000.
• Archbishop Hoban High School, $21,000 for summer orientation camp and professional development and coaching.
• AxessPointe Community Health Center Inc., $80,000 for operations and one-time support for strategic planning.
• Boys Hope Girls Hope of Northeast Ohio, $25,000, for the Hope Prep program for Summit County students.
• Cleveland International Film Festival, $20,000, for the 40th Cleveland International Film Festival in Akron.
• Community Legal Aid Services Inc., $25,000.
• Countryside Conservancy, $20,000 for neighborhood mini-markets providing healthy, local food in Summit County.
• East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, $20,000 for the Emergency Home Repair program.
• International Institute of Akron, $40,000.
• International Soap Box Derby, $40,000.
• Kent State University Foundation, $50,000 for the Last Opportunity Scholarship program for Summit County students.
• Links Community and Family Services, $20,000 for after-school programming.
• Neighborhood Network of University Park (United Way of Summit County as fiscal sponsor), $10,000.
• None Too Fragile Inc., $15,000 for expansion of the 2016 Off-Broadway series.
• Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education, $30,000 for internships in Summit County.
• Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, $75,000 for the iTowpath Trail Connectivity Project.
• Open M, $45,000.
• Project Learn of Summit County, $50,000.
• Rotary Camp for Children With Special Needs, $10,000 for camperships.
• SCOPE Academy, $145,000.
• South Street Ministries, $35,000.
• Summit County Fatherhood Initiative (United Way of Summit County as fiscal sponsor), $30,000.
The GAR Foundation was established in 1967 by Galen and Ruth Roush, co-founder and chief executive officer of Roadway Express.
The foundation invests in Greater Akron to promote quality of life, education, and economic opportunities for its people, in a culturally vibrant community. Visit www.garfoundation.org for more information.