GAR Foundation

GAR Foundation Helping Akron become smarter, stronger, and more vibrant. GAR is an acronym for our founders, Galen and Ruth Roush and is pronounced je-ay-ar. Louis, MO.

Established in 1967, GAR Foundation was born of the philanthropic desire of the Roush family to support the needs of those in the local community. Galen Roush co-founded Roadway Express during the Great Depression in 1930 with his brother, Carroll. Their first shipment was a load of B.F. Goodrich tires which left Akron, OH headed for St. By 1939, Roadway was the largest long-haul trucking company

in the United States. Through careful stewardship and superior service, Roadway Express grew into a global transportation company servicing over 100 countries by the 1990s. Galen believed superior service was much more than delivering freight on-time, it was about the experience. Because of his servant-minded leadership and the innovation of Roadway’s employees, the company excelled in providing extraordinary experiences for their customers for over 80 years. Galen and his wife Ruth loved their home area of Akron and Summit County and never stopped investing in their community. GAR Foundation was established by Galen and Ruth Roush to be a way in which their legacy of serving others could continue long after they were gone. Today, GAR Foundation awards over $6 million annually to organizations and programs in the following areas:

Early Childhood Education
K-16 Education
Economic & Workforce Development
Basic Needs
Arts & Culture

MISSION
Our mission is to help Akron become smarter, stronger, and more vibrant. VISION
Every child gets a great start in life and benefits from a well-rounded education, preparing them for a meaningful, fulfilling life. Companies and opportunities grow in our talent-rich environment. Pathways to prosperity are equitable, accessible, and easily navigated by everyone. All residents and businesses feel connected to Greater Akron, to their neighbors and fellow citizens. They are energized by its creative assets, its abundant opportunities, and its commitment to shared prosperity. VALUES
At GAR Foundation, we commit to…

Curiosity
We continuously ask questions to learn about community issues and people’s experiences. Equity
We deal fairly and equitably with all parties, while meeting other where they are. Humility
We are aware of our place and role (the positives and negatives of it)

Collaboration
We work shoulder to shoulder with our partners, guided by transparency and accountability. Innovation
We are original and creative in our thinking and approach to the work.

ICYMI! 📣 Last week, we announced $350,000 in Educator Initiative Grants to 47 teams of educators across Summit County.Fr...
06/03/2026

ICYMI! 📣 Last week, we announced $350,000 in Educator Initiative Grants to 47 teams of educators across Summit County.

From hands-on learning to social-emotional support, these projects are designed to strengthen skills, deepen engagement, and respond to what students need most today. 👇

06/03/2026

We’re hiring for a role that will help shape what’s possible for Barberton students and families.

Barberton Community Foundation is seeking a Program Officer for Education to help lead work across early childhood, education, and career pathways.

This role sits at the intersection of relationships, strategy, and community impact. It’s for someone who understands how systems connect, values partnership, and is energized by building long-term change that creates opportunity.

From kindergarten readiness to career pathways, this work supports the continuum that helps young people and families thrive in Barberton.

If that sounds like you, or someone you know, we encourage you to apply or share.

View the full job description and apply: https://bit.ly/3RCwPXq

It’s no secret what Greater Akron has to offer. Now it’s getting national attention. The Wall Street Journal recently hi...
05/28/2026

It’s no secret what Greater Akron has to offer. Now it’s getting national attention. The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted the momentum behind a few of our partners like Bounce Innovation Hub and the Greater Akron Chamber, along with our region’s position as a global leader in polymers through the Polymer Industry Cluster. We’re proud to work alongside the organizations and people helping move our region forward!

Read the article ⬇️

Longtime migration away from parts of Rust Belt has started to reverse. Housing affordability is pull for metro areas like Akron, Ohio.

05/27/2026

We’re proud to support 47 classroom‑based projects across Summit County with a $350,000 investment for the 2026–2027 school year! Overall, each project strengthens essential skills and creates engaging learning experiences that support students in meaningful ways.

Many of this year’s projects focus on student well‑being and hands‑on, screen‑free learning that encourages confidence, curiosity, and connection.

“Educators continue to respond to changing student needs with care, intention, and imagination,” said Christine Amer Mayer, President of GAR Foundation. “Their work reminds us how powerful thoughtfully designed classroom experiences can be.”

Learn more about this year’s EIG recipients and to view the full list of schools bringing these ideas to life. ➡️ https://www.garfoundation.org/news/annual-eig-program-awards-350k-summit-co-educators

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Congratulations to the districts/schools below that had EIG award winning projects! 🎉

Akron Public Schools
Archbishop Hoban High School
Chapel Hill Christian School
Copley-Fairlawn City Schools
Cuyahoga Falls City Schools
Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy
Emmanuel Christian Academy
Hudson City Schools, Ohio
Seton Catholic School
Springfield Local Schools
Summit Academy Schools - Akron
Twinsburg City School District
Woodridge Local School District

Curiosity takes root at the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center! 🌿Second grade scholars from Akron Public Sch...
05/26/2026

Curiosity takes root at the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center! 🌿

Second grade scholars from Akron Public Schools' Barber CLC recently spent the day exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park through the CVEEC’s “Junior Rangers: Ecosystem Explorers!” Essential Experiences℠ program. Working alongside Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and CVNP staff and volunteers, scholars investigated forest and pond ecosystems while asking big questions about the world around them.

Whether they were examining pond ecosystems or digging in the forest, these young learners were thinking like scientists by making observations, asking questions, and finding their own connections to nature.

It’s the kind of hands-on, digital-free learning that feels real, a little messy, and full of wonder.

Learn more ➡️ www.garfoundation.org/ee

05/21/2026

What began as a vision to guarantee every PreK–5th grade Akron Public Schools scholar an enriching, hands-on, inquiry-based learning experience at one of seven Akron-area arts and culture sites has blossomed into a one-of-a-kind opportunity for APS elementary scholars through Essential Experiences℠.

Learn more ➡️ www.garfoundation.org/ee

05/21/2026
Grantmaking News 📣Nearly $2 million in grants were recently awarded to 24 Akron-area nonprofit organizations, supporting...
05/18/2026

Grantmaking News 📣

Nearly $2 million in grants were recently awarded to 24 Akron-area nonprofit organizations, supporting work that meets immediate needs while strengthening our community for the future. Of our grants awarded in May, we’re proud to highlight three organizations making a real impact in our community:

✅ Summit County Continuum of Care—centering lived experience to shape solutions to homelessness.
✅ Signal Akron—helping residents better understand the issues shaping our city.
✅ The National Center for Choreography - Akron—connecting artists and community through creativity and innovation.

From housing stability to trusted local news to arts and culture, these investments reflect what it takes to help Akron become smarter, stronger, and more vibrant.

Read the full release ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/5dhyvrhx

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Congratulations to our May grantees!

ACCESS, Inc.
Akron Art Museum
ArtsNow
ArtSparks
Axess Family Services / Mobile Meals
Better Kenmore CDC
Center for Applied Theatre and Active Culture (CATAC)
Community Legal Aid Services
Downtown Akron Development Corporation
Nazareth Housing Development Corporation
The National Center for Choreography - Akron (NCCAkron)
Ohio Shakespeare Festival
Project Learn of Summit County
Progressive Alliance Community Development Corporation
Red Oak Behavioral Health
Signal Akron
South Street Ministries
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Summit County Continuum of Care
Students With A Goal (SWAG)
Urban Vision
Vantage Aging / Meals on Wheels
The Vincent House Akron (Citizens Akron Church)
West Hill Neighborhood Organization
Youth Success Summit

Photo caption: Choreographer Ashwini Ramaswamy (Minneapolis, MN) in studio at NCCAkron. Photo by Dale Yee D**g

After more than a decade of shared vision and neighborhood collaboration, Summit Lake’s NorthShore Park is officially op...
05/18/2026

After more than a decade of shared vision and neighborhood collaboration, Summit Lake’s NorthShore Park is officially open. Saturday’s ribbon cutting marks more than a milestone. It reflects what’s possible when residents, partners, and community leaders work together to reimagine public space. We are proud to partner in this effort to connect more people to welcoming, high-quality outdoor spaces in their own neighborhood.

Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition
Akron Civic Commons

Address

277 E Mill Street
Akron, OH
44308

Telephone

+13303755252

Website

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