The Portage Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Community Grant cycle, awarding more than $58,000 to 30 local organizations and initiatives working to improve quality of life across Portage County. Funding will support programs in education, health, human services, food security, economic development, and the arts—advancing the Foundation’s mission of connecting generosity with community needs.
“These grants represent the heart of what the Portage Foundation exists to do,” said Janice Simmons-Mortimer, Executive Director of the Portage Foundation. “Our donors and fundholders are deeply invested in this community, and this funding helps our nonprofit partners expand opportunity, respond to real needs, and create meaningful impact where it matters most.”
Kamelia Fisher, President of the Portage Foundation Board of Trustees, emphasized the breadth of impact made possible through the grant program. “Each grant tells a story of neighbors helping neighbors,” Fisher said. “We are continually inspired by the innovation and dedication of our local nonprofit organizations, and we are proud to support work that strengthens Portage County today and into the future.”
Several grants were awarded to programs supporting children and youth throughout Portage County. These programs included:
• A Kid Again for Portage County families to attend A Kid Again’s Holiday Adventure
• Believe in Dreams for dream fulfillment and alumni programming
• By the Dawn’s Early Light to provide supplies for children in foster care
• CASA of Portage County for back-to-school supplies
• Children’s Advocacy Center to support victims of child abuse
• Effective Leadership Academy to develop and promote leadership skills in students
• Great Trail Council, Scouting America to provide camperships to Portage County students
• Haymaker Farmers’ Market for their Power of Produce Kids Club
• Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio for economic education
• KSS Robotics to support their FIRST Tech Challenge Tournament
• Standing Rock Cultural Arts to assist the New World Children’s Theatre
Food insecurity impacts families and seniors throughout Portage County, and organizations addressing these challenges received grant support, including:
• Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank for a mobile pantry in Portage County
• Ben Curtis Foundation to address food insecurity of students through the Birdie Bag program in area schools
• Yost Community Center for food pantry assistance
Grant awards were also made to health-focused programs serving community members of all ages, including:
• Autism Society of Greater Akron for inclusive events for families living with developmental disabilities
• Coleman Professional Services to support Adult Day Services
• Girls on the Run of Northeast Ohio for registration and other costs of participation for girls in need
• Friends of Hiram Parks to build a sand volleyball court
Human services organizations were supported through grant funding as well, including:
• Axess Family Services for Miller Community House
• Crestwood Community Center for educational and health programming
• Friends of the Garrettsville Library to provide sensory support kits to the Portage County District Library
• M.O.R.E. Café to implement their Improvaneer Method for young adults with different abilities
• Open Arms Adoptions to purchase adoption assessor technology
• Waterloo Community Helping Hands for school supplies and holiday meals
Additional grant funds were awarded to support arts programming, civic engagement, environmental initiatives, animal welfare, and economic development efforts, including:
• A Tail of Two Kitties Rescue for neutering and medical care
• Four Community Hillel House at KSU to provide “Adulting 101” classes
• Hiram Farm Living Community for removal and replacement of a chimney
• League of Women Voters of Northern Portage County to support and increase community participation as a way to elevate democracy
• Portage County Historical Society to fix a damaged historical marker
• Portage Development Board for 2026 Stay and Grow Workshops
The Portage Foundation awards grants annually through a competitive application and review process. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $900,000 in grants to community programs that inspire innovation, promote development, and address critical challenges. The 2025 grant awards reflect the Foundation’s continued commitment to fostering a strong, connected, and resilient Portage County.