Paul Jarrett said the $160,000 grant the Akron Symphony Orchestra recently received from the GAR Foundation will provide much-needed financial flexibility.
“It helps support our musicians, our staff, and programs like Gospel Meets Symphony, as well as newer things like our family concerts,” said Jarrett, the orchestra’s executive director.
“We’re very grateful not only for GAR Foundation’s support of the Akron Symphony, but for the long-term commitment they’ve made to the arts and cultural community throughout Greater Akron.”
His organization is one of 27 in the Akron area to recently receive a grand total of $2 million from the GAR Foundation. Grants ranged from $25,000 to $200,000.
During this award cycle, the foundation focused on supporting organizations that aim to strengthen literacy and create vibrant community spaces, from University of Akron’s Center for Structured Literacy ($100,000) and Akron Public Schools ($40,000) to Curated Storefront ($25,000), Akron Soul Train ($25,000) and Summit Artspace ($50,000).
“When we invest in teachers, we invest in every student they will reach throughout their careers,” said Christine Amer Mayer, the president of the GAR Foundation.
The largest grant was awarded to the Stark State College Foundation ($200,000) to go toward construction of a CDL instruction center, which is scheduled to begin this fall.
The full list of organizations awarded by the GAR Foundation includes:
- Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank — $180,000 for multiyear operating support
- Akron Public Schools — $40,000 for APS Learning Labs
- Akron Soul Train — $25,000 for operating support
- Asian Services in Action (ASIA) — $60,000 for operating support
- Child Guidance & Family Solutions — $110,000 for TAPS in Akron
- Curated Storefront — $25,000 for operating support
- Downtown Akron Partnership — $95,000 for operating support
- Early Childhood Resource Center — $150,000 for SPARK in Akron
- Greater Akron Musical Association — $160,000 for multiyear operating support
- Harmony House — $35,000 for operating support
- Haven of Rest — $50,000 for multiyear operating support
- Heart to Heart Leadership — $25,000 for operating support
- LINKS Community & Family Services — $50,000 for operating support
- Love Akron — $65,000 for the Locker Room Experience
- The Nightlight Cinema — $60,000 for operating support
- North Hill CDC — $50,000 for operating support
- Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition — $35,000 for operating support
- Open Tone Music — $60,000 for multiyear operating support
- Stark State College Foundation — $200,000 for the CDL Instruction Center
- Summit Artspace — $50,000 for operating support
- TomTod Ideas — $30,000 for operating support
- United Way of Summit & Medina — $375,000 for Bold Goals 1 and 2
- University of Akron — $100,000 for operating support to the Center for Structured Literacy
- Victim Assistance Program — $60,000 for multiyear operating support
- Weathervane Playhouse — $100,000 for multiyear operating support
- The Well CDC — $75,000 for operating support
- Western Reserve Historical Society — $35,000 for operating support of Hale Farm & Village
