Barberton, Ohio — Barberton Community Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Game Changer Awards, one of the community’s most prestigious honors recognizing individuals, businesses, or organizations whose leadership, service, and long-term commitment continue to shape Barberton for the better.
The Game Changer Award celebrates those who lead with integrity, demonstrate excellence, and create lasting impact through meaningful service, mentorship, and community investment. Recipients represent the very best of Barberton and include leaders who not only achieve success in their professions, but actively help others grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
“Some of the most important leaders in a community are not the loudest people in the room. They are the ones who keep showing up. They mentor young people, strengthen organizations, build businesses, solve problems, and invest in others because they believe in something bigger than themselves. That kind of leadership shapes the future of a city,” said Josh Gordon, executive director for Barberton Community Foundation. “The Game Changer Award exists to make sure those individuals, businesses, and organizations are seen, celebrated, and held up as examples of what is possible in Barberton.”
Barberton Community Foundation also announced that beginning in 2026, the Foundation will introduce a new recognition honoring an emerging leader age 30 or younger whose passion, service, and leadership are already helping move Barberton forward. Additional details about that award will be announced soon.
New in 2026, The Blooming Impact Award will honor an individual aged 18-35 whose initiative, resolve, and momentum are already helping move Barberton forward. The award reflects Barberton Community Foundation’s commitment to elevating people whose influence and contributions are already helping shape the future of the community.
Nominations are open through June 30, with recipients recognized at Barberton Community Foundation’s Annual Dinner this November. To submit a nomination or learn more, visit https://barbertoncf.org/game-changers-nominations. For questions, contact Kim Graves, director of communications, at kgraves@barbertoncf.org or 330-745-5995.
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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.