United Way of Summit and Medina

About United Way of Summit and Medina

United Way of Summit and Medina’s grantmaking is built around local direct-service priorities, and one clear thread is support for education and youth pathways. In the recent grants list, Summit Education Initiative received $265,539 in 2023, $250,000 in 2024, and $225,000 in 2025, while Project Grad Akron received $147,503 in 2023 and $145,000 in 2024. That pattern points to sustained backing for learning, readiness, and transition supports rather than isolated awards. The foundation also funds basic needs, health, and financial stability work through community partners. Catholic Charities Community Services of Akron received $234,801 in 2023, and Catholic Charities Corporation in Cleveland received $225,000 in 2024 for basic-needs, emergency services, Medina County food assistance, rent and housing assistance, and recovery support. Other sizable grants went to organizations serving children, families, and residents facing crisis or economic pressure. United Way of Summit and Medina describes its work around education, financial stability, healthy lives, and basic needs, with a local scope centered on Summit and Medina counties. The recent grant record shows both donor-designated allocations and competitive community impact funding across those priorities.

What United Way of Summit and Medina Funds

Education and school readiness are a major part of the foundation’s portfolio. Child Guidance and Family Solutions received $150,000 in 2025 for Ready for Success and $150,000 in 2024 for Toddlers & Preschoolers Succeeding (TAPS), showing support across early childhood and school-entry stages. National Inventors Hall of Fame Inc received $145,000 in 2024 for APS Innovation 365: Wraparound, tying education funding to school-based support. The foundation also backs youth development and college-and-career transition work. The Well Community Development Corporation received $140,000 in 2025 for Ready for Success, Youth Success, Financial Empowerment, and Basic Needs, while Project Grad Akron received $145,000 in 2024 for Bridge to Kindergarten & College and Career Central. Health and recovery are another clear theme. Summa Health received $125,000 in 2024 for a substance abuse care coordinator for Barberton and support for MAT in the emergency department, and the County of Summit Alcohol Drug and Mental Health Services Board received $100,000 in 2024 for dual diagnosis peer support.

How United Way of Summit and Medina Gives