2025 Grants

$25,000 to Early Childhood Resource Center for the SPARK kindergarten readiness program.

• SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids) is a no-cost, in-home program that pairs families with trained parent partners to build early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills. Monthly visits include hands-on learning activities and take-home materials. Backed by nearly two decades of data, SPARK has demonstrated measurable gains in kindergarten readiness. 

$20,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio to expand afterschool programming for Barberton youth.

• This funding supports free, high-quality out-of-school-time programming for elementary students, focused on academic success, health and wellness, and character development. Students receive tutoring, meals, and enrichment opportunities in a safe, supportive environment.

$25,000 to Victim Assistance Program to provide advocacy services for Barberton residents impacted by crisis, with additional support from the Stefan-Leightner Endowment Fund.

• Advocates offer safety planning, court accompaniment, and referrals for individuals affected by violence, trauma, or tragedy. Services are provided at no cost and are expected to reach more than 200 Barberton residents.

$15,000 to Child Guidance & Family Solutions to enhance mental and behavioral health services, including training and therapeutic supplies.

• Funding supports advanced trauma and grief training for clinicians, along with therapeutic tools such as sensory and art-based materials. These enhancements strengthen services for the hundreds of Barberton residents served each year.

$12,000 to Embracing Futures to provide orthodontic care for Barberton children.

• This program delivers no-cost orthodontic treatment for children from low-income families. Beyond physical health benefits, treatment helps improve confidence and overall well-being.

$7,500 to Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to support the Barberton Direct Food Distribution Program, with additional support from the Merrillee and Jimmy Anthe Endowment Fund.

• Monthly distributions provide fresh produce and pantry staples to more than 1,000 households annually. The program plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity across the community.

$6,500 to Ben Curtis Family Foundation to sustain the Birdie Bag Program, with additional support from donor funds.

• Birdie Bags provide weekend meals and snacks for students in Pre-K through 8th grade and help stock the high school pantry. The program also supports summer feeding efforts for families in need.

$25,000 to Magical Theatre Company to provide the Barberton P.A.C.T. program.

• P.A.C.T. (Performing Arts Can Teach) brings live theatre experiences to Barberton students across multiple grade levels. For many students, this is their first exposure to professional theatre, sparking creativity and expanding learning beyond the classroom.

$10,000 to ArtsNow to advance the 2026 ArtsForward program, leveraging matching support through the Knight Foundation.

• This grant contributes to a regional regranting initiative that supports arts and culture projects aligned with the Summit County Cultural Plan. Local artists and organizations in Barberton are prioritized for participation and funding.

$36,000 to Early Childhood Resource Center to support the Unified Early Learning System.

• This regional initiative brings together public and private partners to strengthen early learning infrastructure, support childcare providers, and improve access for families. The work focuses on aligning programs, increasing quality, and expanding capacity across the early childhood system. By participating in this effort, Barberton is positioned to ensure more children enter kindergarten ready to learn, setting the stage for long-term academic success.

$5,321 to BHS Golf Team to provide a golf simulator, with support from the Jeep Davis Olympic Hopeful Fund.

• The simulator allows student athletes to practice year-round, improving skill development and access to training regardless of weather conditions.

$5,000 to Ben Curtis Family Foundation to support the Birdie Bag Program, with additional support from donor funds.

• Birdie Bags provide weekend meals and snacks for students, helping address food insecurity and support academic success.
  

$5,000 to Barberton Primary School to implement the SFA Schoolwide Solutions Team model.

• The Success for All (SFA) initiative strengthens school systems that support student success through coordinated academic and behavioral strategies.

$4,879 to Barberton Youth Football Association to purchase training equipment, with additional support from the Jeep Davis Fund.

• Updated equipment enhances player safety and improves the quality of training for youth athletes.
  

$3,408.15 to Barberton High School to enhance teaching and learning with TI-Nspire CX technology.

• This technology supports advanced math and science instruction, helping students build critical problem-solving and analytical skills.

$2,400 to Barberton Preschool to support family literacy nights.

• These events engage families in early learning and provide tools to support reading and development at home.
  

$2,000 to Barberton Preschool to make field trips accessible without transportation barriers.

• Funding ensures young learners can participate in enriching educational experiences outside the classroom.

$1,836 to Barberton Primary School to provide kindergarten t-shirts.

• These shirts help build a sense of belonging and school pride among young students as they begin their educational journey.
  

$1,090 to Barberton Preschool to create the “Reading is Magical” mural.

• The mural promotes literacy and creates an engaging, welcoming environment for young learners.