Criteria for Selection

In evaluating the merits of all applications, the Foundation prefers requests for program funding rather than requests for funding of equipment or facilities. 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 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) 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.