08/06/2026
We are incredibly grateful to Barberton Community Foundation for its generous investment in arts education, and the children who are the future of our community.
This funding supports two exciting initiatives: a collaboration with the Barberton Historical Society for an original production based on the canal-era journals of Pearl “Skinny” Nye, and PACT (Performing Arts Can Teach), which will provide every Barberton City Schools student with access to professional live theatre each year from kindergarten through graduation.
Thank you for your continued dedication to enriching the lives of young people through the arts. Your support will create meaningful learning experiences and lasting memories for students and families throughout our community.
Barberton Community Foundation has awarded $450,665 across 22 grants supporting organizations and partnerships that serve Barberton residents.
These investments help children enter kindergarten ready to learn, connect students and adults with career opportunities, strengthen families and support individuals facing difficult circumstances, and bring education, history, and the arts into downtown Barberton.
Funding from this second 2026 grant cycle includes:
• $142,500 for early learning, kindergarten readiness, family support, and inclusive classrooms
• $123,000 for basic needs, including food access, behavioral health, housing stability, victim services, and support during serious illness
• $105,165 for workforce development and career pathways, helping students and residents build skills, confidence, and connections to opportunity
• $60,000 for downtown vitality, connecting local history, education, and professional theatre experiences
Including Magical Theatre Company's five-year commitment, the Foundation’s current grants and future commitments from this cycle total $590,665.
“Each grant is connected to larger goals for our community’s success,” said Executive Director Josh Gordon. “That alignment and focus is how these grant dollars maintain Barberton’s momentum.”
We are grateful to the organizations, educators, service providers, and community partners working every day to help Barberton residents learn, grow, find stability, and pursue opportunity.
Read more about the grants and the work they will support: https://barbertoncf.org/press-publications/barberton-community-foundation-awards-450665-for-early-learning-career-pathways-downtown-vitality-and-basic-needs
Summit Education Initiative
Child Guidance & Family Solutions
Early Childhood Resource Center
Building for Tomorrow | Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
Barberton City School District
Red Oak Behavioral Health
Victim Assistance Program of Summit County
Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center
Greenleaf Family Center
Salvation Army Akron & Summit County, Ohio
Axess Family Services
Ben Curtis Family Foundation
Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank
Embracing Futures Inc.
Stewart's Caring Place: Cancer Wellness Center
Effective Leadership Academy
Limitless Ambition
International Soap Box Derby
Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio
Tri-County Jobs for Ohio's Graduates
Barberton Historical Society
