(September 19, 2024- Barberton, Ohio) – The Barberton Community Foundation (BCF) Board of Directors held a regular meeting on September 19, 2024. The meeting included discussions on key initiatives, grant approvals, and the introduction of new board members.
Guest Presentations and New Board Members
The meeting featured guest speaker April Brewer, Director of Prevention and Community Services at Greenleaf Family Center, who spoke about the importance of suicide awareness among teens. The Foundation granted $5,000 to support suicide awareness and education during its July board meeting.
Jason Ondrus, Superintendent of Barberton City School District, was sworn in as an ex-officio member of the Board.
The Board also approved the nomination of Justin Chenault for a three-year term. His appointment is pending approval by Barberton City Council.
Economic Development Grant Approvals
The Board approved two rounds of funding for the Economic Development Assistance Program (EDAP) and Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program (DRP), totaling $195,715. The funding will be distributed by BCF’s granting partner, the Barberton Community Development Corporation (BCDC).
DRP awarded $100,000 to seven local businesses for downtown property improvements, including Pregame Tavern, Al’s Market, Erin’s Studio, Green Diamond Grille, Joy Wagner & Associates, Sydmor’s Jewelry & Loan, and KAVE Coffee Bar.
“Our commitment to building up our business community in downtown is an important focus for the Foundation in years past and in years to come,” said Barberton Community Foundation Executive Director Josh Gordon.
EDAP provided $95,715 to four businesses – Magic City PC, Skoops, Pedal Stompers Production, and Always Anglen Inc. – to support business expansion and job creation in Barberton.
“Workforce development is an increasingly critical part of building Barberton’s business base, and this program enables strong businesses to add full time and part time employees,” Gordon said.
Polymer Pathway Grant Approved
The Board also approved a $125,000 matching grant to the Greater Akron Chamber for the Polymer Sector Partnership. This grant aligns with the region’s designation as a federally recognized tech hub by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). Total funding at $250,000 will be invested in Barberton Schools to create a classroom pilot program, introducing Barberton students to the fast-growing polymer industry in Northeast Ohio.
“This collaboration between the Greater Akron Chamber, Barberton City Schools, and BCF is going to place Barberton at the leading edge of modern workforce development in the fastest growing industry sector in our region,” said Gordon. “It signals that Barberton is the place to go to educate your workers. The world should know: we built it here in Barberton first!”
There are additional exciting updates on this partnership that will be announced soon.
Long-Term Grant Obligations
The Board voted to table a motion to cap long-term grant obligations at $300,000 per year for no more than 25 years. BCF paid off its last long-term grant obligation in 2021, and has been working to rebuild its endowment for future long-term grant obligations.
“The community has the need for high impact, high-cost projects that must be paid for over the course of years, even decades,” Gordon said.
The City of Barberton and the Foundation are in ongoing dialogue about how to structure funding for a City Hall and Justice Center.
Other Business
The Board approved the second-quarter Investment Performance Report from Clearstead Advisors. The Board also approved the Barberton Band Boosters’ request for new band uniforms. Finally, the Board made updates to the Foundation’s policy manual, including expanding its ad hoc committee structure to invite more community members into its work.
“I want the Foundation to be something that’s enjoyed and celebrated by our entire community,” Gordon said. “We are hopeful that inviting more community members into the Game Changer award process and our events is a great way to engage with the community and build momentum into the future.”
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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 www.barbertoncf.org or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/barbertoncommunityfoundation.