Akron Community Foundation channels its deep commitment to community empowerment through an array of grantmaking programs – from competitive grants covering Arts & Culture, Civic Affairs, Health & Human Services, and Education to proactive and capital funding initiatives tailored to meet pressing local needs. Through a mix of board-directed, donor-advised, scholarship, affiliate and agency funds, the foundation supports both broad regional priorities and targeted efforts – such as historic cemetery preservation, opioid recovery, LGBTQ+ initiatives, and environmental stewardship – ensuring a holistic, equitable and proactive approach to strengthening Summit County.
Types of Grantmaking
Competitive & Board Discretionary Grants
A portion of Akron Community Foundation's annual grantmaking total is distributed through competitive grant cycles to benefit nonprofit organizations throughout Summit County. These grants are awarded through the community foundation's quarterly grantmaking processes, annual or semiannual grant programs, proactive grantmaking, and our affiliate funds' grant cycles.
Donor-Directed Grants
In addition to board-directed and affiliate fund grants, many of the grants distributed by Akron Community Foundation come from the generous individuals, families and organizations who have established donor-advised, designated, agency endowment and scholarship funds. These grants are distributed both locally and across the nation, and they support everything from churches and schools to disease-specific research and environmental efforts.