The Portage Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 grant cycle, awarding over $83,000 to 29 local organizations and initiatives dedicated to fostering positive change in the community. This year’s funding will support a variety of projects, including education, health, economic development, and the arts, reinforcing the Foundation’s mission to create a thriving Portage County by bridging donors with the needs in the community.
“These grants reflect our deep commitment to empowering organizations that work tirelessly to address the unique needs of our community,” said Janice Simmons-Mortimer, Executive Director of the Portage Foundation. “By supporting their efforts, we are helping to build a stronger, more vibrant future for everyone in Portage County.”
“This grant cycle showcases the incredible potential within our community,” said Kamelia Fisher, President of the Portage Foundation Board of Trustees. “It’s inspiring to see how these funds will empower organizations to create lasting change and improve the lives of so many individuals. Our board remains dedicated to advancing impactful solutions that strengthen Portage County.”
Several grants were given to programs supporting programs for children. These programs included:
- Davey Elementary School PTO for their Inclusive Playground Project
- Do It for James Foundation for sextortion prevention education for families and children
- Haymaker Farmers’ Market for their Power of Produce Kids Club
- KSS Robotics to support their FIRST Tech Challenge Tournament
- Mogadore Historical Society to provide bus transportation for a Somers Elementary School historical field trip
- Portage County Master Gardeners for raised garden beds at Holden Elementary School
- Windham Bombers Youth Football & Cheer to assist with league fees
Food insecurity impacts families and seniors throughout Portage County and organizations addressing those needs received grant awards:
- Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank for home delivery in Portage County
- Aurora Community Relief for nutritional and educational support for residents in northern Portage County
- Ben Curtis Foundation to address food insecurity of students through the Birdie Bag program in area schools
- Yost Community Center for assistance with their food pantry
Grant awards for health programs responding to needs of community members of all ages included:
- A Blessed Path, Inc. to provide free medical transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities
- Autism Society of Greater Akron for inclusive events for families living with developmental disabilities
- Akron Children’s Hospital to prevent injuries of infants and young children through distribution of lockboxes
- AxessPointe Community Health Centers to assist with energy costs at the Phyllis Zumkehr County Clothing Center
- Children’s Advantage for art therapy programs
- Embracing Futures for their children’s oral health program
- Girls on the Run of Northeast Ohio for registration and other costs of participation for girls in need
- NEOMED Free Clinic to provide no-cost care to Portage County residents in need
- Portage County Health District for hygiene bags
- YMCA of Greater Cleveland to secure AED equipment at the Garrettsville YMCA
Human services were also supported through grant funding, including:
- By the Dawn’s Early Light to provide supplies to children living in foster care
- Hope Town, Inc. to support transportation needs for residents going through addiction recovery programs
Additional grant funds were given to support area arts programs, civic organizations, environmental, animal welfare, and economic development. These included:
- Leadership Portage County in support of their county leadership conference
- Portage Development Board to support the Stay and Grow workshops
- Townhall II for a new mural in downtown Kent
- Tree City Cats for feline medical care
- Western Reserve Land Conservancy for trail maintenance equipment
The Portage Foundation awards grants once a year through a competitive application and review process. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded nearly $900,000 in grants to community programs that inspire innovation, promote development, and address critical challenges. This year’s awards exemplify the Foundation’s ongoing dedication to meaningful impact.
ABOUT THE PORTAGE FOUNDATION
The Portage Foundation was established in 1997 from the assets realized through the sale of the Greater Portage Area Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice. The Foundation was created to build a permanent source of income to meet community charitable needs and the philanthropic needs of our donors. The Portage Foundation is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 public charity and acts as a vehicle for giving, a source of grant assistance, a manager of non-profit endowments and as a facilitator around community issues. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees.