GAR Foundation

09/02/2026

Arts and culture do more than inspire creativity. They strengthen neighborhoods, activate public spaces, create opportunities for learning, drive economic development, and foster connection across our community.

As Summit Artspace Executive Director Natalie Grieshammer Patrick puts it: "When artists have access to space, resources, and opportunities to develop their work, the benefits extend far beyond the arts." That's why investing in the arts is also an investment in stronger, more connected communities.

Learn more about our recent arts and culture grantees, along with other Akron-area nonprofits, in our August grantmaking announcement ➡️ https://www.garfoundation.org/news/gar-awards-over-2-million-27-akron-area-nonprofits-august

09/02/2026

This investment in Stark State College's CDL Instruction Center is deeply meaningful for GAR Foundation, which connects directly to our co-founder’s legacy in transportation and logistics.

Since 2019, Stark State's CDL training program has licensed more than 1,250 drivers while preparing students for in-demand careers that offer economic opportunity, stability, and a pathway to family-sustaining wages. As the program expands with the CDL Instruction Center, it will continue creating opportunities for more individuals to enter the field and strengthen the pipeline of skilled drivers needed by employers throughout the region.

Read more about how this CDL program is producing job-ready graduates. ⬇️ Thanks to Signal Akron for reporting!

After completing Stark State College's five-week course, Chase Pitre was hired to transport crude oil across Ohio and West Virginia.

08/28/2026

In our latest Resources for Nonprofits newsletter, Danielle M. Locke, CAP, MPA—CEO of Locke Step Partners LLC—shares her field-tested recipe for fundraising in a donor fatigue era, including why thanking, engaging, and inspiring existing supporters may be your most effective growth strategy.

Read more of Danielle's insights ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/daniellelocke

08/27/2026

A new school year is underway across Summit County!

As students step into new classrooms, educators welcome new faces, and school communities come together for another year of learning and growth, we're wishing everyone a wonderful start to the 2026-2027 school year.

We're grateful for the educators who inspire young minds every day and for the programs that help students discover their passions, explore new possibilities, and build bright futures.

Here's to a year full of curiosity, connection, and opportunity across Summit County.

08/26/2026

Strong readers start with strong teachers.

We're proud to support a partnership between the The University of Akron's Center for Structured Literacy and Akron Public Schools that's helping educators strengthen literacy instruction through the Science of Reading.

By investing in teachers, we're helping create brighter futures for thousands of young learners across our community.

Read more about this strategic effort to strengthen literacy outcomes for Akron students ➡️ https://www.garfoundation.org/news/gar-awards-over-2-million-27-akron-area-nonprofits-august

08/20/2026

Grantmaking News 📣

This August, more than $2 million in grants were awarded to Akron-area nonprofit organizations. Among this quarter's grantees, we're highlighting organizations that are strengthening literacy and creating vibrant community spaces:

✅ The University of Akron's Center for Structured Literacy — equipping educators with evidence-based literacy instruction that helps more children become successful readers.
✅ Akron Public Schools — creating Learning Labs that support teachers and school leaders in strengthening literacy instruction.
✅ Curated Storefront, Akron Soul Train, and Summit Artspace — expanding access to arts and culture, supporting artists, and creating vibrant spaces for community connection.

From improving literacy outcomes to fostering creativity and civic vitality, we're dedicated to helping Akron become smarter, stronger, and more vibrant.

Read the full release ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/august2026grantmaking

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Congratulations to our August grantees!

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank
Akron Public Schools
Akron Soul Train
Asian Services In Action - ASIA
Child Guidance & Family Solutions
Curated Storefront
Downtown Akron Partnership
Early Childhood Resource Center
Akron Symphony Orchestra
Harmony House, Inc.
Haven of Rest Ministries Akron,OH
Heart to Heart Leadership
LINKS Community & Family Services
Love Akron
The Nightlight
North Hill Community Development Corporation
Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition
Open Tone Music
Stark State College Foundation
Summit Artspace
TomTod Ideas
United Way of Summit & Medina
The University of Akron's Center for Structured Literacy
Victim Assistance Program of Summit County
Weathervane Playhouse
The Well Community Development Corporation
Western Reserve Historical Society / Hale Farm & Village

08/19/2026

Plan Ahead! 🗓️ GAR's Capital Grants Program

The application window for the 2026-2027 round of Capital Grants will open on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 and close on Friday, October 30, 2026 at 5:00 pm. Decisions will be made and announced in early 2027.

Learn more ➡️ www.garfoundation.org/capital-grants

08/07/2026

Special shoutout to our friends and partners at Narrative Digital Media for recently dropping off this award from AAF-Akron in recognition of our efforts on the Essential Experiences℠ video project!

Mario, David, and the entire Narrative team have helped bring this remarkable community collaboration to life through powerful storytelling. Together, we've highlighted how Greater Akron's arts and cultural institutions are helping Akron Public Schools students discover, explore, and learn through field studies that spark curiosity and joy.

Check out the full award-winning video and the other incredible assets the team at Narrative Digital Media has curated for us ➡️ https://youtu.be/p4EnlOMpEsg?si=kdrIdXMvP1jAWO4k

08/07/2026

We’re proud to celebrate Kat and her commitment to lifelong learning and growth as a leader! We’ve seen firsthand the thoughtfulness, curiosity, and collaboration she brings to her work every day. Learn more about her experience in Heart to Heart Leadership's Purposeful Leadership Program. ⬇️

Meet Kat Wentz, Operations Manager at GAR Foundation and a member of our Purposeful Leadership Program – Spring 2026 Expedition 12 cohort.

Kat oversees operations, property management, and administrative functions, drawing on her leadership experience to drive efficiency and support her organization's strategic goals.

Here's what Kat had to say about her experience in the Purposeful Leadership Program:

What part of your work right now feels most meaningful to you?

One of the most meaningful parts of my work is creating systems and processes that help our team operate more effectively so we can better support our grantees and the community. Whether it's improving internal operations, implementing new technology, or helping our team thoughtfully explore AI, I enjoy finding practical solutions that make people's work easier and allow us to focus more on our mission.

What competencies from the Purposeful Leadership Program are you finding most helpful?

The competency I use most often is leading through collaboration and curiosity. The program reinforced the importance of listening first, asking thoughtful questions, and approaching challenges from multiple perspectives. Those skills have been especially valuable as I've taken on cross-functional projects, supported organizational change, and worked with colleagues across different roles and priorities.

What was your favorite part about the Purposeful Leadership Program?

My favorite part of the program was connecting with leaders from different organizations across our community. Hearing about their experiences and approaches to leadership broadened my perspective and reminded me that many leadership challenges are shared across sectors. The relationships and conversations were just as valuable as the formal curriculum, and I left feeling inspired with new ideas that I could apply in my own work.

07/30/2026

This story from WKYC Channel 3 - Cleveland is a testament to the power of Akron Sneaker Academy 's Sneaker Camp 3.0! The momentum ASA is creating in Akron is inspiring. Give the news story a watch to brighten your day and to see the creativity and passion young people in our community put on display at their recent Community Expo in downtown Akron.

Middle schoolers transformed sneaker culture into an educational experience at Akron's Sneaker Camp 3.0 Expo, a mix of art and industry.