Press & Publications

Barberton Community Foundation Launches New Website to Better Connect Community, Strategy, and Impact | Barberton Community Foundation

Barberton Community Foundation — Fri, 08 May 2026 19:15:19 GMT

A refreshed digital experience helps Barberton better understand the Foundation’s role, strategic priorities, and opportunities to move our community forward together.

Josh Gordon’s Opinion Piece Featured in Akron Beacon Journal | Barberton Community Foundation

Barberton Community Foundation — Fri, 08 May 2026 17:11:29 GMT

Barberton Community Foundation Launches Major Downtown Investment Through Barberton Is Back Grant Program | Barberton Community Foundation

Barberton Community Foundation — Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Barberton Community Foundation Celebrates Record Scholarship Investment in Barberton High School Students | Barberton Community Foundation

Barberton Community Foundation — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:57:01 GMT

Barberton Community Foundation Advances Downtown Investment and Long-Term Community Strategy

Kate Deangelis — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:23:07 GMT

Board of Directors approves funding for planning, revitalization, and long-term growth

Barberton Community Foundation Names Kim Graves Director of Communications

Kate Deangelis — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Graves brings 20 years of experience in communications, brand strategy, and marketing leadership.

Strengthening Early Learning in Barberton: Partnering with the Early Childhood Resource Center

Barberton Community Foundation — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Helping children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn begins long before the first day of school. Through two recent investments, the Barberton Community Foundation is partnering with the Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC) to strengthen early learning opportunities for Barberton families and childcare providers.

Barberton Community Foundation Selects Goldman Sachs as Investment Advisor - Barberton Community Foundation

Kate Deangelis — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:05:59 GMT

Comprehensive Evaluation Process Reflects Foundation’s Commitment to Growth, Excellence, and Prudent Stewardship

December 15, 2025, BARBERTON, OH – Barberton Community Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of Goldman Sachs as its investment advisor. This decision reflects months of careful evaluation and continued commitment to strong stewardship of the endowments that support Barberton residents.

Barberton Community Foundation Opens Applications for $125,000 Downtown Building Rehabilitation Grant - Barberton Community Foundation

Kate Deangelis — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:01:59 GMT

2025 Awarded Seven Projects Totaling Over $350,000 in 2025

Barberton Community Foundation, in collaboration with the City of Barberton, Barberton Community Development Corporation, and Main Street Barberton, announces that applications for the 2026 Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program will open December 15, 2025. One grant of up to $125,000 will be awarded to an existing or new building owner who matches the funding dollar-for-dollar.

This announcement follows a highly successful 2025 grant cycle, which awarded seven projects totaling over $350,000 in downtown revitalization funding. Among the 2025 recipients, a new restaurant – Clem’s Viral Bites – stands out as an exciting addition to the downtown landscape with the help of the program’s funding. Jeremy Clemetson, owner of East of Chicago Pizza and Anna Bean Coffee Co., received funding to renovate 477 W. Tuscarawas Ave. This innovative restaurant concept will feature a unique “secret” TikTok menu, core offerings, and rotating guest chefs, representing over half a million dollars in total investment.

Other funded projects include building rehabilitations on Tuscarawas Avenue, and Second Street enabling new retail concepts, dining experiences, and entertainment venues that are transforming underutilized downtown properties into thriving businesses. Several of these projects are already open or in active construction phases.

“The momentum we’re seeing in downtown Barberton is exciting,” said Josh Gordon, Executive Director of Barberton Community Foundation. “These grant recipients are making significant investments in our community, and we’re excited to continue supporting building owners who want to be part of Barberton’s revitalization.”

“We are thankful for our partners, with Main Street Barberton helping to qualify candidates for the program and Barberton Community Development Corporation for administrating the grant program.”

2026 Downtown Building Rehabilitation Program Details

Application Opens: December 15, 2025

Application Deadline: February 1, 2026

Completion Deadline: December 31, 2026

Award Amount: Up to $125,000 (with matching funds required)

Eligible Applicants: Existing or new building owners only

Eligible Uses: Structural repairs, façade restoration, energy efficiency upgrades, safety enhancements, and more

Priority will be given to projects that restore historically significant properties, align with Barberton’s Master Plan, and leverage additional funding sources such as state or federal tax credits.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must schedule a pre-application meeting with Main Street Barberton to discuss eligibility and project scope. For more details, contact Melanie Black Amato at 330-510-1335 or melanie@mainstreetbarberton.com.

Applications will be available on Barberton Community Foundation’s website beginning December 15. Visit www.barbertoncf.org or follow us on social media.

Meet the Artists behind Barberton Community Foundation's Student Art Gallery 2025 - Barberton Community Foundation

Barberton Community Foundation — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:22:41 GMT

Student Art Gallery

Barberton Community Foundation presents our third annual Student Art Gallery.