AKRON (June 15, 2010) The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation today announced a $3 million, 3-year commitment to help build a new University Park YMCA branch in Akron.
The grant will increase the foundation’s support for the neighborhood’s economic development and help create a new place for residents to come together. Community engagement is one of the foundation’s core strategic goals.
“YMCAs tend to be known for gyms and pools, but we aim far beyond that – to strengthen the foundation of our community,” said Doug Kohl, president and CEO of the Akron Area YMCA. “This gift greatly enhances the YMCA’s ability to provide sustainable programs in a fragile and emerging neighborhood in the heart of the city.”
The new branch, an innovative partnership with Summa Heath System, will allow the facility to double its membership to 10,000. It will include a gym, elevated running track and aquatic center, plus programming that will instill leadership skills in teens, teach third graders to swim and promote healthy living in the community.
“This grant puts the YMCA project well within reach of its financial goals in a very tight economy,” said Rob Briggs, chairman of Knight Foundation’s board, and CEO of the Akron-based GAR Foundation. “It’s great for an underserved neighborhood, and a terrific example of what can be accomplished when the community comes together.”
In Akron, Knight Foundation has invested in projects that help transform the regional economy. To that end, in recent years the foundation has given $20 million in seed funding for the Austen BioInnovation Institute and has supported the University Park Alliance. In addition to providing much needed programming, the new YMCA branch will help make the University Park neighborhood more attractive for businesses.
“We believe in Akron, in its leadership and in the collaboration between institutions and individuals that form the University Park Alliance that we have supported for years. This funding is a continuation of that commitment,” said Alberto Ibargüen, Knight Foundation’s president and CEO.
In the 60 years since Knight Foundation was formed, Knight Foundation has committed over $129 million to Akron – more than a quarter of that, or $32 million, since 2008 alone. With this additional $3 million to the YMCA, that total swells to over $132 million and counting – and represents Knight’s largest commitment to any single community.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation advances journalism in the digital age and invests in the vitality of communities where the Knight brothers owned newspapers. Knight Foundation focuses on projects that promote informed and engaged communities and lead to transformational change. For more, visit www.knightfoundation.org.
About the Akron Area YMCA
The Akron Area YMCA provides opportunities for families to strengthen their spirit, mind and body through hundreds of programs, services and volunteer opportunities. Akron Area YMCA serves the community with seven full-time Early Care and Education Centers and more than 30 before and after school sites, six membership branches, and the Phoenix alternative learning school in Medina and East Akron. They also provide Northeast Ohio with premiere camping year-round at Camp Y-Noah and operate Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. YMCAs are for people of all faiths, races, ages, incomes and abilities. YMCAs are the nation’s largest community service organization and charity of choice. Partners With Youth Annual Giving Campaign makes scholarship and financial assistance available. YMCAs build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. For more information please call (330) 376-1335 or visit www.akronymca.org.
Contact:
– Marc Fest, Vice President of Communications, Knight Foundation, 305-908-2677; [email protected]
– Doug Kohl, president and CEO, Akron Area YMCA, 330-376-1335
AKRON (June 15, 2010) The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation today announced a $3 million, 3-year commitment to help build a new University Park YMCA branch in Akron.
The grant will increase the foundation’s support for the neighborhood’s economic development and help create a new place for residents to come together. Community engagement is one of the foundation’s core strategic goals.
“YMCAs tend to be known for gyms and pools, but we aim far beyond that – to strengthen the foundation of our community,” said Doug Kohl, president and CEO of the Akron Area YMCA. “This gift greatly enhances the YMCA’s ability to provide sustainable programs in a fragile and emerging neighborhood in the heart of the city.”
The new branch, an innovative partnership with Summa Heath System, will allow the facility to double its membership to 10,000. It will include a gym, elevated running track and aquatic center, plus programming that will instill leadership skills in teens, teach third graders to swim and promote healthy living in the community.
“This grant puts the YMCA project well within reach of its financial goals in a very tight economy,” said Rob Briggs, chairman of Knight Foundation’s board, and CEO of the Akron-based GAR Foundation. “It’s great for an underserved neighborhood, and a terrific example of what can be accomplished when the community comes together.”
In Akron, Knight Foundation has invested in projects that help transform the regional economy. To that end, in recent years the foundation has given $20 million in seed funding for the Austen BioInnovation Institute and has supported the University Park Alliance. In addition to providing much needed programming, the new YMCA branch will help make the University Park neighborhood more attractive for businesses.
“We believe in Akron, in its leadership and in the collaboration between institutions and individuals that form the University Park Alliance that we have supported for years. This funding is a continuation of that commitment,” said Alberto Ibargüen, Knight Foundation’s president and CEO.
In the 60 years since Knight Foundation was formed, Knight Foundation has committed over $129 million to Akron – more than a quarter of that, or $32 million, since 2008 alone. With this additional $3 million to the YMCA, that total swells to over $132 million and counting – and represents Knight’s largest commitment to any single community.
About the John S. and James L. Knight FoundationThe John S. and James L. Knight Foundation advances journalism in the digital age and invests in the vitality of communities where the Knight brothers owned newspapers. Knight Foundation focuses on projects that promote informed and engaged communities and lead to transformational change. For more, visit www.knightfoundation.org.
About the Akron Area YMCA The Akron Area YMCA provides opportunities for families to strengthen their spirit, mind and body through hundreds of programs, services and volunteer opportunities. Akron Area YMCA serves the community with seven full-time Early Care and Education Centers and more than 30 before and after school sites, six membership branches, and the Phoenix alternative learning school in Medina and East Akron.
They also provide Northeast Ohio with premiere camping year-round at Camp Y-Noah and operate Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. YMCAs are for people of all faiths, races, ages, incomes and abilities. YMCAs are the nation’s largest community service organization and charity of choice. Partners With Youth Annual Giving Campaign makes scholarship and financial assistance available. YMCAs build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. For more information please call (330) 376-1335 or visit www.akronymca.org.
Contact:
– Marc Fest, Vice President of Communications, Knight Foundation, 305-908-2677; [email protected]
– Doug Kohl, president and CEO, Akron Area YMCA, 330-376-1335