Capital Grants

In 2026, Akron Community Foundation awarded capital grants totaling $355,000 to 34 nonprofit organizations:

• Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, to support safety and security enhancements, like additional fencing and a security gate, $5,000
• Akron Parks Collaborative, for a collaborative project with the City of Akron to build an inclusive, accessible marquee playground at Hardesty Park in the Wallhaven neighborhood, $10,000
• Akron Zoo, to support the construction of the zoo's new Giraffe Journey exhibit, $25,000
• Better Kenmore CDC, to support redevelopment of a mixed-use building (business and residential) in the historic business district on Kenmore Boulevard, $12,500
• Bounce Innovation Hub, for the renovation of its eighth-floor chemistry laboratories to better support advanced materials and polymer startups, $10,000
• Caravan of Love (formerly Forever R Children), to support fabrication of a mobile laundry vehicle serving Akron and Summit County, $5,000
• Cascade Locks Park Association, for preservation, safety, and operational upgrades across the Mustill Store Museum, including exterior painting and fence refinishing, repair of historic stone walls and chimneys, and structural repairs, $10,000
• CitiReach (formerly Akron Dream Center), to support facility renovations, including safety improvements, at the nonprofit's headquarters in Southeast Akron, $4,000
• Crown Point Ecology Center, to support construction of a year-round passive solar growing dome greenhouse, expanding food access and farm-based education for Summit County residents, $10,000
• Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, for classroom infrastructure improvements, $5,000
• Cuyahoga Valley Preservation and Scenic Railway Association, to support Powering Possibility, a forward-looking project that bridges historic preservation with clean energy innovation, $20,000
• Dr. Bob's Home, to support the building of an outdoor pavilion for events and other gatherings, $7,500
• Family Promise of Summit County Inc., for the Copley Road family shelter campus renovation project, $10,000
• Harmony House, to support the renovation of a building for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, $15,000
• Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center, to replace the Summit County emergency shelter's kitchen HVAC units, $12,500
• Hope Meadows Foundation, to support exterior green and sustainable initiatives as part of a capital expansion project, like stormwater management, reducing municipal water use, installing rainwater collection systems, increasing the tree canopy, and planting beds to reduce heat absorption, $10,000
• IBH Addiction Recovery, to support the Building Foundations to Hope. Heal. Recover Capital Campaign, funding the construction of two new residential treatment houses and a centralized kitchen and dining facility, $25,000
• Magical Theatre Company, for renovation of a new building, $20,000
• North Hill Community Development Corporation, for development of a mixed-use building (business and residential) at 771 North Main St., $12,500
• Ohio Shakespeare Festival, for sound system improvements at the Greystone Hall performance space, $5,000
• OPEN M (Opportunity Parish Ecumenical Neighborhood Ministry), for secure systems and network infrastructure upgrades, $10,000
• People Feeding People, to support the development of a distribution and food processing center, $10,000
• Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, to support renovations and facility upgrades at Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio's Akron Health Center, $5,000
• Safety Forces Support Center, to support new office space renovations, $5,000
• The Salvation Army Summit County Area Services, to support the physical health and well-being of community members in need by restoring the gym floor, $15,000
• Second Chance Village, to help with the purchase and start-up of a mission transportation vehicle, $2,500
• Shelter Care Inc., for outdoor fencing and safety, $5,000
• South Street Ministries, for the Front Porch final renovations, including HVAC, a dishwasher, and a grill/oven, $10,000
• Truly Reaching You, for a passenger vehicle supporting reentry, recovery, and workforce development services, $7,500
• Trust for Public Land, to help develop a community schoolyard at Jennings CLC, $20,000
• Urban Vision, to help develop an outdoor play area for sports, exploring and other activities, $10,000
• The Well CDC, to support security, safety and accessibility upgrades to secure clients, staff and property, $7,500
• Western Reserve Historical Society, for the restoration of the Goldsmith House, $10,000
• Western Reserve Playhouse, for replacing and updating the outdated and inefficient main entry doors, $3,500

In 2024, Akron Community Foundation awarded capital grants totaling $330,000 to 32 nonprofit organizations:

• ACCESS Inc., to support the final phase of roof repair at ACCESS Shelter, $25,000
• Akron AIDS Collaborative, to support renovations at the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ Resource Center, including electrical and plumbing improvements, to allow for an operational laundry room and shower facility, and a food warming center, $20,000
• Akron Art Museum, to support the creation of the Center for Digital Discovery at the museum, which includes digital gallery space, dedicated classroom and educational space, and immersive artist-created spaces for all ages, $15,000
• Akron Civic Theatre, to replace a lighting control console in the main auditorium, $15,000
• Ballet Excel Ohio, to replace the traveling dance floor for free community youth ballet performances, $5,000
• Boy Scouts of America, Great Trail Council, to support the purchase of ceiling and exhaust fans to aid in the preservation of Camp Manatoc's historic dining hall, $5,000
• Building for Tomorrow, to support a science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) lab for children at the Reach Opportunity Center in the Summit Lake neighborhood, $10,000
• Caring for Kids, to support renovations to counseling and waiting rooms, among other improvements, for the foster care and adoption mental health facility at a new location, $7,500
• Carve Your Own Path, for improvements for its trauma-informed wellness programming, such as chairs to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations, an accessible printer, and an AV cart for multimedia presentations, $3,000
• CASA Board Volunteer Association, to purchase new laptops for the CASA/GAL team, $10,000
• CHC Addiction Services, to support renovations to the Touchstone facility, $12,000
• Child Guidance & Family Solutions, to support safety enhancements at the central office, including security cameras, emergency lights and signage, $10,000
• Citizens Akron Church, to support The Vincent House dance studio, including flooring, mirrors and lighting, $9,000
• First Congregational Church of Hudson, to build ADA-compliant bathrooms and renovate community use spaces at 915 N. Main St. in North Hill, $10,000
• First Tee - Greater Akron, to improve the driving range space used for golf-based youth development programming, $10,000
• Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve, to support stabilization and restoration of Garfield Hall, including floors, windows, electrical work and roof, among other items, $5,000
• Greenleaf Family Center, to enhance security and safety for mental health providers and clients, including electronic locks, card readers and a video doorbell $7,500
• H.M. Life Opportunity Services, for renovation of the agency's Treeside drive property, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation and drywall, to provide permanent supportive housing for families who are homeless, $10,000
• Humane Society of Summit County, to support the construction of a new, purposefully designed shelter/adoption center to serve Summit County's rescued animals and pet owners, $15,000
• Jewish Community Center of Akron, to renovate the community pool's outdoor bathhouse to make it ADA compliant and to add a gender-neutral/family bathroom and changing room, $10,000
• North Coast Community Homes, to upgrade its Summit County homes with keyless entry systems, $5,000
• North Hill Community House, for food pantry and facility improvements, including electrical and plumbing upgrades and insulation, $10,000
• Red Oak Behavioral Health, for the transformation of its outpatient center, including masonry work, new entrances, electrical and roofing, $25,000
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio, for enhancements at the Ronald McDonald House of Akron, including renovations to the kitchen and laundry area, $5,000
• Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, to support the Heritage & Hospitality Project, which includes a new outdoor concession stand for visitors, $10,000
• Stewart's Caring Place, to improve physical accessibility at the cancer wellness center, including automatic doors and a concrete ramp for the entrance, $7,500
• Summit Artspace, for improvements to artist-centered public facilities, including renovation of gallery space, HVAC, ceilings, lighting, electrical systems, and door replacement/safety access, $22,500
• Summit Choral Society Inc., to support the implementation of a digital learning platform for youth education, using electronic tablets and digital sheet music, $7,000
• Tri-County Jobs for Ohio's Graduates, to support restroom renovations for ADA compliance and efficiency, $10,000
• Urban Ounce of Prevention Behavioral Health Services Inc., to support access to services for members in the community with mobility issues through the installation of a stairway chair lift, $5,000
• Victory Gallop Inc., to replace two natural gas heaters for the horse barns, $4,000
• Weathervane Community Playhouse, to update the main entrance and increase accessibility for all patrons and participants, $5,000

In 2022, Akron Community Foundation awarded capital grants totaling $300,000 to 41 nonprofit organizations:

• Akron Blind Center, for safety and wellness improvements to the building and property, including driveway leveling, roof repair and the installation of audible emergency evacuation equipment, $5,000
• Akron Children's Museum, to support phase two of the Capital Expansion Campaign, $10,000
• Akron Marathon, for safety, security, and technology updates, $5,000
• Akron Parks Collaborative, to support the creation and installation of the Firestone Park splash pad, $5,000
• Akron Urban League, to support the creation of learning and meeting spaces, $5,000
• Asian Services In Action, to support culturally and linguistically appropriate dental health services among Akron's immigrant and refugee population, $7,500
• AxessPointe Community Health Centers, to support the creation of a new health center in West Akron, $7,500
• Battered Women's Shelter, for enhanced safety and security of its building, $5,000
• The Blick Center, for an accessible redesign of the building's entryway, $5,000
• Broken Chains Jail & Prison Ministry, to support a three-year capital equipment improvements program, $10,000
• Center for Applied Theatre and Active Culture (CATAC), for investment in equipment upgrades that improve community outreach, experience and accessibility, $5,000
• CORE Furniture Bank, to support the purchase of a medium duty box truck, $5,000
• Crown Point Ecology Center, for the purchase of a tractor, essential for growing field food crops and maintaining a prairie habitat, $5,000
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, to support improved ADA accessibility for passengers with mobility limitations, $5,000
• Family Promise of Summit County, to renovate one of Survive to Thrive's first homes, $7,500
• Freedom House for Women, for New Journey Recovery Housing basement waterproofing, $7,500
• Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, for the construction of state-of-the-art STEM Center of Excellence at Camp Ledgewood, which will provide hands-on learning for students during day and overnight programs, $7,500
• Grace House Akron, to support the completion of construction on Grace House, $10,000
• Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, for a garage addition that will ensure ample space for vehicles and equipment, $7,500
• Harmony House, for construction of an emergency youth shelter, $7,500
• Keep Akron Beautiful, to replace a dump truck that will support the removal of litter in Akron, $5,000
• Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance, to create an office and small business resource space for Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance at 1028 Kenmore Boulevard, $10,000
• Let's Grow Akron Inc., for a walk-in cooler and outdoor kitchen area that will allow the storage of produce before transporting to local food pantries, farmer's markets and community meals, $7,500
• The Nightlight Cinema, to support the expansion of the cinema in downtown Akron, $10,000
• none too fragile, to improve the safety and handicap accessibility of the theatre, $7,500
• North Hill Community Development Corporation, to support upgrades to People's Park, including concrete repairs, lighting upgrades and deck renovations, $5,000
• Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, to support the Akron Civic Commons 2.0 Summit Lake Park Project, which will provide accessible, equitable and welcoming parks, trails and open spaces along the towpath, $7,500
• OPEN M, to support critical safety enhancements at the organization's office and warehouse facility, $10,000
• The Peninsula Foundation, to support an ADA accessible addition to G.A.R. Hall, including a pre-event space and two accessible restrooms, $10,000
• Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, to purchase more inclusive, extended weight exam tables and chairs, and other essential medical equipment at the Akron health center, $10,000
• Regina Health Center, to support the creation of a safe outdoor gathering space for senior residents to enjoy family visits, spiritual and educational programming and enrichment programs, $7,500
• The Salvation Army of Summit County, to replace buses for the Learning Zone preschool, enabling the organization to provide safe transportation of students, $10,000
• Shelter Care Inc., for creation of a multipurpose room that will be used for family and group counseling sessions, psycho-educational group activities, team meetings and trainings, $10,000
• South Street Ministries, for the renovation of Restoration House, which will offer emergency and transitional reentry housing for women, $10,000
• SWAG, for the purchase of a replacement van, which provides transportation to students during the academic year and summer programming, $5,000
• Truly Reaching You, for phase 2 and 3 renovations to South Street warehouse, an employment training/workforce education hub, $15,000
• Twinsburg Historical Society, to maintain the integrity of the museum and adjacent parking lot, $2,500
• Urban Vision, to support installation of new and updated HVAC systems throughout the facility, $7,500
• Victim Assistance Program, to upgrade outdated technology for victim advocates, $7,500
• The Well CDC, for walk-in cold storage at the Akron Food Works kitchen that will serve current members, attract new members and provide additional options for product distribution, $5,000
• YEPAW, to restore drumline, photography and computer equipment, $5,000

In 2018, Akron Community Foundation awarded capital grants totaling $250,000 to 27 nonprofit organizations:

• Akron Civic Theatre, to support the capital campaign to renovate the theater and create an additional performance venue, $25,000
• Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, for a permanent office facility and warehouse, $7,600
• Akron SCORE, to purchase new conference room equipment and computers, $3,600
• Asian Services in Action, to renovate a new community room that will host language and citizenship classes and other large group gatherings, $20,000
• The Blick Center, to improve accessibility to the building by widening and automating the doors in the main entryway and restroom, $5,000
• Bounce Innovation Hub, to support first-floor renovations for The Generator, a public innovation hub that will feature coworking space, a makerspace and the University of Akron's eSports lab, $15,000
• Broken Chains Jail & Prison Ministry, to purchase kitchen equipment for the Urbean Cafe, a workforce development program for formerly incarcerated residents, $5,000
• CASA Board Volunteer Association, to create a respite space for child advocate volunteers, $5,500
• Crown Point Ecology Center, to support greenhouse renovations and the creation of a new honey extraction facility for local beekeepers, $5,000
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, to convert a train car into an "Edu-Trainment Car" that will host interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and educational programs for area children, $10,000
• East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, to construct a new storage facility, $10,000
• Easter Seals of Northeast Ohio, to purchase an adaptive vehicle to transport clients to the Adult Day Center and to create a sensory room for adults with disabilities, $5,000
• Family Promise of Summit County, to secure a new transitional housing building for families facing homelessness, $10,000
• Freedom House for Women, for external building improvements to the New Journey Recovery Housing for women, $6,200
• Good Neighbors, for internal building improvements, including new refrigeration equipment and energy-efficient lights for the food pantry, $4,600
• Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, for improvements to the Romig Road campus, including loading dock repairs and parking lot resurfacing, $10,000
• H.M. Life Opportunity Services, for roof replacements at two supportive housing locations, $10,000
• Legacy III, to renovate the agency's new administrative building, including electrical and plumbing upgrades and roof repairs, $10,000
• OPEN M, for food pantry improvements, including energy-efficient lighting and new doors and flooring for the walk-in freezer and cooler, $5,000
• Portage Path Behavioral Health, for repairs to the Akron outpatient clinic, including masonry work, weather sealing and painting, $5,000
• Stark State College, for the construction of a commercial driver's license training facility, $20,000
• Summit County Historical Society, to improve accessibility at the John Brown House for people with disabilities, $10,000
• Summit Metro Parks Foundation, to convert a historic barn into a welcome center at the new Valley View park, $10,000
• Truly Reaching You, to renovate the agency's new employment training facility on East South Street, $12,500
• VANTAGE Aging, for capital improvements to the behavioral health center on Romig Road, $10,000
• Victim Assistance Program, for construction and relocation costs to combine the agency's service providers and administrative staff under one roof, $7,500
• Weathervane Community Playhouse, to replace wireless microphones for theatrical productions, $2,500