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
