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Vernon L. Odom Fund logo

People of every race, ethnicity and background deserve the opportunity to achieve their goals. That was the philosophy of Vernon Odom, one of Akron's most recognized civil rights leaders.

As president of the Akron Urban League for nearly 30 years, Odom spent much of his career improving the lives of people of color through education, advocacy and mentoring.

Today, his legacy lives on through the Vernon L. Odom Fund of Akron Community Foundation. The fund accepts grant applications for programs that promote diversity and enrich the quality of life within local communities of color.

Since its founding in 1993, the fund has awarded nearly $235,000 in grants to programs that empower everyone from Bhutanese refugees to Black youth.

Learn about the history of the fund

Our Recent Grants

By the Numbers

More Than
$240,000
in charitable assets
Nearly
$235,000
in grants given
Since
1993
founding year

Committee

Committee members serve without pay to help the fund enrich the quality of life within local communities of color.

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