Barberton, Ohio — Barberton Community Foundation has released its 2025 Annual Report, showcasing a year of strategic investment, community partnerships, and measurable progress across Barberton.
In 2025, the Foundation awarded more than $1.3 million in grants and scholarships, supporting programs that strengthened early learning, expanded career pathways, revitalized downtown, and helped families meet critical needs. The Foundation also grew to $107 million in net assets, ensuring those investments can continue for generations.
"What excites me most about this work is how intentional it is," said Executive Director Josh Gordon. "We fund grants, scholarships, and programs that change outcomes for our kids, our families, and our community over time. A child preparing for kindergarten. A student becoming the first in their family to attend college. A local business bringing new life to downtown. Families finding the help they needed most. This is what investing in Barberton makes possible."
Among the year’s highlights:
In early childhood education, the Foundation invested in new partnerships with Early Childhood Resource Center, helping local children access kindergarten readiness support while strengthening childcare providers across the region.
The Foundation secured outside grant funding from JobsOhio and the U.S. Economic Development Administration to explore the future of advanced manufacturing and workforce training in Barberton.
Through the Barberton Is Back initiative, the Foundation invested $351,000 across six downtown projects, leveraging more than $800,000 in private investment and generating more than $1.15 million in projected economic impact for the community.
When disruptions to SNAP benefits created immediate uncertainty for local families, the Foundation responded with more than $50,000 in food security support, helping ensure Barberton residents continued to have access to meals during a critical time.
The report also highlights 84 scholarships awarded to 51 students, six new charitable funds established, and new strategic partnerships designed to align philanthropy with Barberton’s long-term growth.
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.
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