Barberton Community Foundation Advances Downtown Investment and Long-Term Community Strategy
Board of Directors approves funding for planning, revitalization, and long-term growth
March 27, 2026
Barberton, Ohio – Barberton Community Foundation Board of Directors approved $333,000 in grant commitments at its March 19, 2026, meeting, advancing coordinated investments in downtown Barberton and long-term community planning.
Funding includes a $75,000 grant to support the development of a Barberton Master Plan in partnership with City of Barberton, as well as a $200,000 five-year investment in Main Street Barberton to strengthen the downtown corridor. Additional funding supports local projects, including a $50,000 matching grant to Magical Theatre Company for its building expansion and an $8,000 grant to White Rabbit Galleries to enhance its ceramic studio.
Together, these investments reflect a strategic approach to revitalization, pairing immediate, visible improvements with long-term planning to guide Barberton’s future growth.
“We’re being more intentional about how and when we invest our grant dollars,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “Our early cycle focuses on Community and Downtown Development so we can support place-based improvements now and invest in long-term outcomes for Barberton residents in the next cycle.”
Board members aligned these grants with the Foundation’s newly restructured two-cycle grantmaking approach. The early-year cycle prioritizes Community Development and Downtown Development, while a second cycle later in the year focuses on long-term outcomes, including Education, Workforce, Leadership, and Basic Needs.
As part of its ongoing review of programs and funding priorities, the Board decided to conclude funding for a program with Neighborhood Conservation Services of Barberton due to limited utilization and redirected those resources toward higher-impact initiatives.
The Board also heard from Summit Education Initiative (SEI), the backbone organization for cradle-to-career efforts in Summit County. SEI brings together schools, early learning providers, higher education, businesses, government, and community partners and uses data and analysis to identify gaps, align strategies, and improve outcomes for students.
Barberton Community Foundation partners with SEI and Barberton City School District to support a more coordinated approach to student success, from early learning through post-secondary pathways. The Foundation’s next grant cycle reflects this work and opens April 1, with applications due May 15, focusing on long-term outcomes for Barberton students and families, including early learning and career pathways.
The Board marked its first meeting under new leadership, with Moriah Cheatham-Williams serving as Board Chair alongside Vice Chair Hugh McMichael. Shorter Griffin, ex-officio Board member and current City Council President, was sworn in, and Brittany Kinstler and Kim Klimas participated in their first official meeting after being sworn in earlier this year.
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About Barberton Community Foundation
Established in 1996, Barberton Community Foundation has awarded over 8,500 grants and scholarships totaling more than $109 million since its inception. The Foundation strives to improve, now and forever, the quality of life for Barberton residents by providing leadership on vital issues, fostering collaboration, and creating a legacy of giving to do good. The Foundation strengthens the community for current and future generations by proactively directing its grant dollars to the community’s greatest needs. To read more about Barberton Community Foundation visit barbertoncf.org or follow us on Facebook.