Kent, Portage Agencies Earn GAR Grants

Three Kent and Portage County entities have a combined total $95,000 to support non-profit efforts this year thanks to the GAR Foundation.

Locally, the foundation awarded: $20,000, to WKSU-FM 89.7 for its spring 2013 fund drive; $25,000, to United Way of Portage County; and $50,000 to the Kent State University Foundation for its last-chance scholarship program.

For the Portage United Way, the grant is a challenge match, which means it is a $1 for $1 match to any new and or increased gifts from individual donors, corporations, and foundations.

Donations to the United Way between now and June 2014 qualify for the match.

“This is a great opportunity for people to make a difference in their community,” said Steve Kleiber, President & CEO of United Way of Portage County.

GAR Foundation is a private, independent foundation established in 1967 as a charitable trust by Galen J. Roush, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Roadway Express, and his wife Ruth on the principle of strengthening communities in the Northeast Ohio region.

Since its inception, GAR has distributed more than $200 million to support nonprofit organizations.

The local awards were part of $1.6 million in grants awarded to Northeast Ohio area entities.