GAR Foundation

Congratulations to GAR's Christine Amer Mayer, for receiving the ArtsNow Visionary Leader Award at the State of the Arts event on Wednesday, October 23! 🎉 Christine’s dedication to Akron and Summit County's arts and culture sector has helped elevate the work of ArtsNow and energize our region's creative community. Her forward-thinking leadership and commitment to fostering collaboration have been instrumental in making Akron’s arts landscape more vibrant and sustainable. We’re thrilled to celebrate this recognition and Christine’s continued impact at GAR Foundation. Here's to many more inspiring contributions ahead! We'd also like to send a special shoutout to Olivia Demas, who received the ArtsNow Distinguished Patron Award. Thank you for your dedication to the arts in Akron! 📸: The Green Photograph

📣 Exciting news: National funders and local leaders recommit to the civic commons. 📣 Today, we are announcing new investments in civic spaces nationwide to address loneliness and nurture trust. Read the press release here: https://lnkd.in/eYDVkzya THE JPB FOUNDATION Knight Foundation The Kresge Foundation Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition City of Akron, Ohio Live6 Alliance - Detroit City of Detroit Invest Detroit Memphis River Parks Partnership Innovate Memphis Overton Park Conservancy Heights CDC City of Memphis Downtown Memphis Commission Memphis Public Library Memphis Library Foundation Fairmount Park Conservancy Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Bartram's Garden CENTENNIAL PARKSIDE CDC STRAWBERRY MANSION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION INC Environmental Initiative Macon-Bibb County Consolidated Government Blue Grass Community Foundation CivicLex Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) Tri-State Trails Downtown Camden NJ Guadalupe River Park Conservancy #civicinfrastructure #publicspace #trust #connection #CivicCommonsUS

By investing in our neighborhoods, we aim to cultivate safe, thriving communities where residents feel a strong sense of identity, belonging, and shared civic pride. Our key partners in this work are the neighborhood-based nonprofit organizations that are thoughtfully addressing the specific needs of the people they serve. Throughout October, we have been profiling the important work of three different community development organizations that are revitalizing their neighborhood and addressing the unique needs of their residents and stakeholders. Our final profile is of North Hill Community Development Corporation, who has made an intentional effort to foster social cohesion, celebrate cultural diversity, and strengthen community pride in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood while meeting their resident’s basic needs of navigating cultural and linguistic barriers. Learn more by watching the video and by visiting their website ➡️ www.northhillcdc.org #CommunityDevelopment #Akron #ForAMoreVibrantAkron

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT 🌟 We are proud to continue to support Weathervane Playhouse, Akron and their incredible mission to enrich the quality of life and engage our community through theater and education! With a vision to be one of the foremost community-based playhouses in the country, Weathervane delivers high-caliber, diverse, and thought-provoking productions that inspire audiences and volunteers alike. From exceptional educational programming to a vibrant volunteer community, Weathervane is truly a treasured space where creativity and connection thrive. Learn more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gGZHeVjq 📸: Dale Dong

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT 🌟 Since 1952, the Akron Symphony Orchestra has enriched the lives of audiences, musicians, and our community through exceptional symphonic music and meaningful educational programming. During the 2024-2025 season, more than 100,000 individuals — including approximately 8,000 young people — will experience the work of Akron Symphony Orchestra through concerts, education programs, radio broadcasts, and outreach initiatives. We are thrilled to continue to provide multiyear support to this staple in the Akron community. To learn more or to find a performance, visit ➡️ www.akronsymphony.org 📸: Dale Dong

Birdseye view of the new Lock 3 in Downtown Akron.

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT 🌟 The Well Community Development Corporation's holistic approach to investing in people and the built environment is helping solve systemic issues to improve quality of life in Akron's Middlebury neighborhood. Their strategic vision fosters shared prosperity for current residents through housing, economic development, and placemaking initiatives. Learn more about The Well CDC ➡️ www.thewellakron.com 📸: Michelle Hill - Rae of Light Photography

The Greater Akron Chamber is proud to support the upcoming The Future of Workforce is Welcoming event on October 29, 2024. This gathering aims to address the vital role of international newcomers in enhancing our local economy. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with experts from the Economic Innovation Group, network with local organizations supporting newcomer integration, and discuss strategies with public officials and community leaders. Breakfast is included! Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of our workforce. Tickets are available now. https://lnkd.in/eBX4jWzg

📣 The remainder of October has some great webinar and workshop opportunities for organizations and individuals looking to grow in a number of different topic areas! See the full list, learn more, and register at ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g6k7i6Rp 10/17 | Bridges Workshop 10/17 | Grant Budgets (Session Two) 10/17 | Crafting Inclusive Stories To Move Your Mission 10/17 | Introduction to fundraising planning 10/22 | Working with AI: How to Get Along with an Artificial Coworker 10/24 | AI for Social Impact - BVU’s Civic Leadership Summit 10/24 | Engage and Convert: The Email and Social Media Power Play 10/28 | What is my Theory of Change? 10/29 | Introduction to proposal writing 10/30 | Develop your nonprofit funding strategy 10/31 | Navigating the World of Grants (Session Three) 10/31 | Introduction to measuring your impact Thank you to all of October's workshop providers! Candid Akron Community Foundation United Way of Summit & Medina Nonprofit Learning Lab Business Volunteers Unlimited Constant Contact The Bridgespan Group

Join us tomorrow from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Bridges Workshop and explore the economic realities of poverty, class, and wealth. Learn how to promote economic mobility and opportunity while earning CEU and CLE credits. Register now: https://okt.to/C4dTQ3