Game Changers Nominations
Game Changer Award Nomination
Barberton Community Foundation’s Game Changer Award is one of the community’s highest honors. This prestigious recognition celebrates exemplary individuals, businesses, and organizations whose leadership, excellence, service, and long-term commitment have created meaningful and lasting impact in Barberton. Game Changer recipients do more than succeed in their own work. They lift others, strengthen institutions, invest in people, and help shape the future of the community through action, integrity, and leadership.
This is a thoughtful and competitive nomination process designed to identify those whose influence has truly changed lives and moved Barberton forward. Please set aside adequate time to complete this application thoroughly. The form cannot be saved once started, and strong nominations often include specific examples, measurable impact, and letters of support.
New in 2026, The Blooming Impact Award will honor an individual aged 18-35 whose initiative, resolve, and momentum are already helping move Barberton forward. The award reflects Barberton Community Foundation’s commitment to elevating people whose influence and contributions are already helping shape the future of the community.
If you choose to move forward, please complete the form below as thoroughly as possible. Multiple nominations may be submitted.
If you have questions, please call the Foundation at 330-745-5995 or email Director of Communications Kim Graves at kgraves@barbertoncf.org.
Nominations close Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Before You Begin
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Does my nominee have to live in Barberton?
No. Nominees should have a meaningful connection to Barberton through their work, service, or residency.
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Can I nominate someone for the work they do professionally?
Yes. If you are nominating someone for work connected to their profession, please help us understand how their leadership, service, or contributions have created meaningful change in Barberton beyond the normal expectations of their role.
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Can I submit letters of support?
Yes. Letters of support are strongly encouraged and may be uploaded in the Supporting Letters/Documents section at the end of this form.
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Should I nominate an individual, business, or organization?
Individuals, businesses, and organizations are evaluated separately. Please nominate thoughtfully. If you nominate an individual, your submission should focus on that person’s leadership, service, and accomplishments. If you nominate a business or organization, your submission should focus on its collective impact and contributions.
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Who is eligible?
Previous Game Changer recipients, current Barberton Community Foundation board members, and Foundation staff are not eligible for nomination.
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When are recipients selected?
Recipients are selected in mid-July and recognized at the Foundation’s Annual Dinner in November.
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2026 Game Changer Nomination Form
Barberton Community Foundation’s Game Changer Award recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations whose leadership, service, and long-term commitment have made a lasting impact and continue to strengthen the Barberton community.
New in 2026, The Blooming Impact Award will honor an emerging leader age 35 or younger whose initiative, resolve, and momentum are already helping move Barberton forward. The award reflects Barberton Community Foundation’s commitment to elevating people whose influence and contributions are already helping shape the future of the community.
For questions about the nomination process, contact Kim Graves, Director of Communications, at 330-745-5995.