Criteria for Selection

In evaluating the merits of all applications, the Foundation prefers requests for program funding that align with the Foundation´s primary areas of giving: education; arts & arts education; health & social services; civic enhancement; and nonprofit enhancement.  (Program funding is generally preferred over requests for funding of equipment or facilities, also known as capital requests. GAR Foundation is not currently accepting applications for capital requests- check back later in 2010 for an update.) In addition, it favors Summit County organizations, programs and projects that:

• provide substantial benefits to the community
• respond to an identified community need
• reflect innovative goals or strategies
• employ capable, experienced staff
• communicate and cooperate with other projects, programs and organizations pursuing similar or complementary goals
• demonstrate the likelihood of success in attracting financial support from other sources and in satisfying present and future funding needs

GAR’s primary geographical area of giving is Summit County. The adjacent counties of Stark, Medina, Portage, Cuyahoga and Wayne are in the Foundation’s secondary geographical area of giving, and funding for organizations in these counties is limited. The Foundation will consider operating or program support for organizations outside our primary county only if those organizations (1) have significant regional impact; (2) demonstrate benefit to Summit County residents; and (3) first receive substantial support from their local communities. In addition, the Foundation will consider providing support for major fundraising initiatives within its secondary geographic area of giving (such as major endowment or capital campaigns) provided those initiatives have been supported generously by local donors and appear to surpass the capacity of those donors.

For the specific strategic direction under each of GAR´s five primary areas, please click on each funding area on the Grants Awarded page.