Grant History - Akron Community Foundation

Since 2000, Akron Community Foundation has invested more than $10.2 million* in civic affairs programs all over Greater Akron to enrich our collective quality of life.

Nonprofits interested in applying for a Civic Affairs cycle grant can review deadlines and other important information on our Competitive Grants page.

*Supplemented by donor-advised fund co-investment funding

2022 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2022, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $581,250 to 48 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Marathon, to support 20-year enhancements, like course modifications, marketing, digital enhancements, and livestreaming the event, $12,500
Akron Parks Collaborative, to support Friends of Parks groups and their work in planning programming and beautification for neighborhood parks, $6,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, to help cover registration fees for children and adults with special needs who attend overnight, day and respite camps, $11,000
Akron Urban Agriculture, to support Akron Urban Farms, creating green urban spaces that feature community gardens, along with offering training volunteers and urban gardeners, $2,500
Akron Urban League, for operating support in areas of workforce development, entrepreneurship, and education in Summit County, $30,000
Alexander Guyton (FA: Summit Artspace), to support production, post-production and exhibition costs for a documentary about The University of Akron mascot "Zippy," $2,500
Big Love Network, to support Akron City Repair, creative placemaking projects that help residents better connect with their neighborhoods, $7,500
Bounce Innovation Hub, to support capacity-building and workshops to engage creatives, the public, and entrepreneurs, $11,000
Business Volunteers Unlimited, to support capacity-building services in Summit County that include consulting, Inclusion Diversity Equity & Access (IDEA) initiatives, and leadership training services, $7,500
Candid, to support local nonprofits and community organizations with free access to fundraising, nonprofit management, and capacity-building materials and services, $5,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association, to recruit, screen, train, and support community volunteers who serve as advocates for abused and neglected children involved in juvenile court, $17,000
City of Akron, Ohio, to support the Mayor's Citizens Institute civic engagement program, $5,000
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, for operating support and for the acquisition of the former Brandywine Golf Course, $46,000
ConxusNEO, to support a connected talent ecosystem to build a thriving workforce, $20,000
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, to provide affordable programming for residents, educational field trips, and maintenance of vintage rail equipment, $30,000
Downtown Akron Partnership, for operating support for downtown Akron planning, business attraction, residential occupancy, public space enhancement, and economic development initiatives, $18,000
Dr. Bob’s Home, for the upkeep of Alcoholics Anonymous founder Dr. Bob’s home, along with surrounding properties, $5,000
The Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI), to support Akron-area small-business owners through financing, workshops, events and training, $7,500
Fighting To Understand, to train local facilitators in the Dinner and a Fight Dialogue 5-chair process, which encourages constructive disagreement to help residents better understand complicated topics, $2,500
First Congregational Church of Hudson, to support the First Serve summer intern program, $7,000
First Tee of Greater Akron, to expand capacity by adding a new college internship program, $7,500
Friends of Metro Parks, to help connect people to nature through membership and outreach programs, advocacy, and fundraisers, $5,000
Fund for Our Economic Future of Northeast Ohio, for inclusive economic development, including creating a forum for regional philanthropic and civic leaders, $34,000
GASP: Guardians Advocating Child Safety and Protection, for child safety activities, including creating child ID fingerprint kits, educational safety programs, and attending local events, $5,500
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, to support neighborhood revitalization initiatives, like Neighborhood Network, which creates affordable new home construction and sells salvaged materials through ReStore retail outlets, $15,000
Heart to Heart Leadership, to support up to ten leaders from diverse backgrounds to participate in the Purposeful Leadership Program for Spring 2023 and Fall 2023 expeditions, $8,500
Humane Society of Summit County, for animal intake care, vaccination, testing and microchipping of Summit County’s rescued cats and dogs, $16,000
Ideastream Public Media, to support community interest public media coverage and engagement in Summit County, $7,750
International Soap Box Derby, for operating support to continue Soap Box Derby races and educational programs, like STEM Team Competition and summer camps, $26,000
International Welcome Center, to support operations and programs assisting refugees and immigrants, including legal services, household items, life skills and transportation, $2,500
Jump On Board for Success, to support a job skills training and mentoring program for low-income girls and women ages 13-35, $5,500
Karen Community of Akron Inc., to support the Karen National Martyrs’ Day Celebration Event, $7,500
Keep Akron Beautiful, to support litter removal, illegal dumping removal, and community cleanups in Akron, $15,000
Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance, to support the ongoing revitalization of the Kenmore community and Akron’s largest neighborhood business district, Kenmore Boulevard, $16,000
Leadership Akron, to support the Signature Class 40 Opening Retreat and the Junior Class 36 Philanthropy Day, $14,000
North Akron Community Development Corporation, for operations, including support of entrepreneurial growth through culinary, maker and arts pipelines, along with creating sustainable public spaces, $16,000
Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, to support the Akron Civic Commons, Summit Lake Environmental Stewardship program, $15,000
The Porchlight Project, to provide DNA testing for Ohio cold cases, $2,500
Rebuilding Together Northeast Ohio, for operating support, including helping Summit County homeowners with home repairs and modifications, $16,000
Safety Forces Support Center, for mental health counseling and peer support services for first responders in Summit County, $10,000
SCORE, to provide counseling and workshops for small businesses and startups in Greater Akron, $10,000
South Street Ministries, to support reentry and community engagement, $17,500
Summit Metro Parks Foundation, to support the Community Archaeology Summer Program, which helps college students gain skills for future archeological careers, $12,500
Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners, for support of watershed attainment, including residential outreach, education and events, $2,500
True Vision Community Development Corporation, to support Pathways to Vision, which provides support and resources to help individuals and households achieve self-sustainability, $5,000
Truly Reaching You, to support successful reentry for men through employment skills training, $10,000
Well Community Development Corporation, to support a Resident Services Department for Middlebury residents, $15,000
Western Reserve Community Fund Inc., for operations, including supporting small businesses and nonprofit organizations with financing and technical support, $10,000

2021 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2021, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $571,000 to 47 nonprofit organizations:

Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio, to provide Everyone Plays activity kits to Summit County children with disabilities, $6,000
Akron Marathon, to support race experiences that engage and motivate runners in the community, $10,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, to provide camp scholarships for children and adults with disabilities to attend overnight, day and respite camps, $11,000
Akron SCORE, to provide one-on-one mentoring and workshops to small businesses and startups in the Greater Akron area, $10,000
Akron Urban League, to help meet an increasing demand for the organization’s programs and services supporting workforce development, entrepreneurship and education for African Americans, $30,000
Big Love Network, for the Akron City Repair Project, which empowers residents to create public spaces that foster civic engagement and a shared neighborhood identity, $7,500
Business Training Capital Resource, to support the GodRich Food & Farmers Conservation & Revitalization Project, transforming Akron Public Schools’ former Goodrich middle school into an urban farm and food-service career training site, $2,500
Business Volunteers Unlimited, to support consulting services designed to strengthen Summit County nonprofits, including board development and leadership training, $5,000
Candid Midwest, to help Summit County nonprofits secure funding and increase their sustainability through virtual educational programs, resources and services, $5,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association, to recruit and train community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the Summit County Juvenile Court system, $17,000
Cascade Locks Park Association, to support the operation and maintenance of historical assets, including the Mustill home and store, $5,000
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, for support of the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center reopening, and to acquire the former Brandywine Golf Course through the Peninsula Land Project, which will secure 200 acres of land for the national park, $45,000
ConxusNEO, to partner with local companies, educators and workforce programs to identify skills gaps, fill current positions, adapt to virtual training software, and build a talent pipeline, $20,000
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, to provide unique rail experiences for guests and to support the preservation and maintenance of historical railcars, $30,000
Downtown Akron Partnership, to support downtown business development, beautification, volunteer outreach and public space improvements, $16,000
Dr. Bob's Home, to support the upkeep of Alcoholics Anonymous founder Dr. Bob's home, $5,000
The Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI), to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses through business development and access to financial assistance, $6,000
Elevate Akron, to support workplace wellness programming throughout Greater Akron, $2,500
First Tee of Greater Akron, to expand the coach roster, which will build capacity to serve 200 additional youth, $7,500
Forum 360, for the 30-minute radio/television program, aired on PBS, WONE, WAKR and more, that informs and educates people about the local community, $5,000
Friends of Elizabeth Park, to address food insecurity, neighborhood health disparities, and environmental racism through a community empowerment garden for Cascade Valley residents, $7,500
Friends of Metro Parks, to connect historically underserved residents to nature and protect the parks for future generations, $5,500
Friends of WKSU, to support investigative reporting and community engagement in Akron, $7,500
Fund for Our Economic Future, to help transform the Northeast Ohio economy by advancing job creation and preparation initiatives that drive equitable economic growth, $34,000
GASP: Guardians Advocating Child Safety and Protection, to support child safety activities, including child identification kits, community outreach programs and educational materials, $5,000
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, to support neighborhood revitalization initiatives, including exterior home repair programs and interest-free mortgages, $13,500
Heart to Heart Leadership, to provide leadership training scholarships for minority leaders in the business and nonprofit sectors, $8,500
Humane Society of Summit County, for animal intake care, vaccination, and microchipping of Summit County's rescued cats and dogs, $18,000
International Soap Box Derby, to support the All-American Soap Box Derby, STEM education programs, and community engagement events, $26,000
Jump on Board for Success (JOBS), to increase outreach to low-income teens and young adults in Kenmore at risk for generational poverty, substance abuse, homelessness and unplanned pregnancies, and to provide them with career development and parental education and training programs, $2,500
Keep Akron Beautiful, to support the removal of litter and unauthorized graffiti in Akron, $10,000
Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance, to create a co-working space for small businesses and remote workers in the Kenmore Boulevard Historic District, $14,000
Leadership Akron, to support the Signature Class 39 Opening Retreat and Junior Leadership Akron Philanthropy Day, $14,000
North Akron Community Development Corporation, to activate and revitalize public spaces, provide leadership and entrepreneurship opportunities for those in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood, $10,000
Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, to support the revitalization of Summit Lake by engaging neighborhood residents in recreational and volunteer activities, $15,000
Rebuilding Together Northeast Ohio, to provide home repairs and safety modifications that allow low-income, elderly, disabled and veteran homeowners to remain in their homes, $16,000
Safety Forces Support Center, to provide mental health services, crisis intervention and professional training for first responders in Summit County, $11,000
South Street Ministries, to provide re-entry resources to formerly incarcerated residents, $16,000
Summit County Sheriff's Office, to support participation in the national Faith & Blue initiative, which generates dialogue and reinforces the connection between law enforcement and the community, $7,500
Summit Food Coalition, to improve healthy food access for Summit County and to spur economic development through education and advocacy, $25,000
Summit Metro Parks Foundation, to support community participation in the Summit Metro Parks, including a tree planting event in Goodyear Heights Metro Park, $12,500
Tinker's Creek Watershed Partners, to protect and restore water quality and habitats of the Tinker’s Creek watershed through community partnerships, $2,500
True Vision Community Development Corporation, to support local individuals and families through food security, housing stability, financial wellness, and workforce readiness, $5,000
Truly Reaching You, to support an employment training program for men who are re-entering the community after incarceration, $7,500
The Well Community Development Corporation, to support the resident services department, offering direct response to the needs of the organization’s housing tenants and other residents, $15,000
Western Reserve Community Fund, Inc., to support small businesses, affordable housing and nonprofit organizations with financial and technical support, furthering community development and job creation in Northeast Ohio, $10,000
Western Reserve Land Conservancy, to restore habitats, connect residents to nature, and ensure our region’s communities are healthy and desirable places to live, $6,000

2020 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2020, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $548,134 to 48 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Marathon, to support virtual race experiences that engage and motivate runners in the community, $10,000
Akron Parks Collaborative, to support the development of a strategic plan, $5,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, to provide camp scholarships for children and adults with disabilities so they can attend overnight, day and respite camps, $10,000
Akron SCORE, to provide one-on-one mentoring and workshops to small businesses and startups in the Greater Akron area, $9,000
Akron Urban League, to help meet an increasing demand for the organization’s programs and services supporting workforce development, entrepreneurship and education for African Americans, $26,000
Asian Services in Action Inc., to support a public speaking and civic debate program for immigrant and refugee youth attending North High School and Jennings Community Learning Center, $10,000
Big Love Network, for the Akron City Repair Project, which empowers residents to create public spaces that foster civic engagement and a shared neighborhood identity, $5,250
BRITE Energy Innovators, to support eight Akron-area clean energy technology startup companies, $1,000
Business Volunteers Unlimited, to support consulting services designed to strengthen Summit County nonprofits, including board development and leadership training, $5,000
Candid Midwest, to help Summit County nonprofits secure funding and increase their sustainability through virtual educational programs, resources and services, $5,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association, to recruit and train community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the Summit County Juvenile Court system, $17,000
Cascade Locks Park Association, to support the operation and maintenance of historical assets, including the Mustill home and store, $5,000
City of Akron, to support the Mayor’s Citizens Institute, a 10-week civic engagement program covering social issues, safety services, arts and culture, and other aspects of city governance, $5,250
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, to support environmental education programming and enhance public use of the park, $35,300
ConxusNEO, to partner with local companies, educators and workforce programs to identify skills gaps, fill current positions, adapt to virtual training software, and build a talent pipeline, $20,000
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, to provide unique rail experiences for guests and to support the preservation and maintenance of historical railcars, $26,000
Development Fund of the Western Reserve, to support the Minority Contractor Capital Access Program, which provides funding and technical assistance to businesses owned by people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, veterans and people with disabilities, $10,000
The Devil Strip, to help the cooperatively owned news organization fund a full-time reporter to provide deeper, solutions-based civic journalism in the areas of public health, economic development, and equity and inclusion, $7,500
Downtown Akron Partnership, to support downtown business development, beautification, volunteer outreach and public space improvements, $16,250
Dr. Bob's Home, to support the upkeep of Alcoholics Anonymous founder Dr. Bob's home, $5,000
First Tee of Greater Akron, to support a youth development program for kids ages 4 to 18 that teaches life skills alongside the game of golf, $7,000
Friends of Elizabeth Park, to address food insecurity, neighborhood health disparities, and environmental racism through a community empowerment garden for Cascade Valley residents, $5,250
Friends of Metro Parks, to connect underserved residents to nature and protect the parks for future generations, $5,000
Friends of WKSU, to support investigative reporting and community engagement in Akron, $7,500
Fund for Our Economic Future, to help transform the Northeast Ohio economy by advancing job creation and preparation initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, $33,334
GASP: Guardians Advocating Child Safety and Protection, to support child safety activities, including child identification kits, community outreach programs and educational materials, $5,000
The GroundTruth Project, to support a Report for America reporter in the Akron Beacon Journal newsroom focused exclusively on expanding local coverage of immigrant and minority communities, $7,500
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, to support neighborhood revitalization initiatives, including exterior home repair programs and interest-free mortgages, $13,500
Heart to Heart Leadership, to provide leadership training scholarships for minority leaders in the business and nonprofit sectors, $5,000
Humane Society of Summit County, for animal intake care, vaccination, and microchipping of Summit County's rescued cats and dogs, $10,000
International Soap Box Derby, to support the All-American Soap Box Derby, STEM education programs, and community engagement events, $25,000
Karen Community of Akron, to support cultural programming and youth leadership activities for Karen refugees who have resettled in Akron, $5,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, to support the removal of litter and graffiti in Akron, $10,000
Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance, to support the revitalization of the Kenmore Boulevard Historic District, $10,000
Leadership Akron, to support the Signature Class 38 Opening Retreat and Junior Leadership Akron Philanthropy Day, $14,000
Legacies of Success Community Development Corporation, to support homeownership in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood by rehabilitating distressed properties for low-income families, $6,000
North Akron Community Development Corporation, to provide leadership and entrepreneurship opportunities for women and immigrants in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood, $5,000
Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, to support the revitalization of Summit Lake by engaging neighborhood residents in recreational and volunteer activities, $10,000
One of A Kind Pet Rescue, to create a dental clinic offering low-cost dental services for pets, $12,000
Rebuilding Together Northeast Ohio, to provide home repairs and safety modifications that allow low-income, elderly, disabled and veteran homeowners to remain in their homes, $15,000
Safety Forces Support Center, to support mental health services, crisis intervention and professional training for first responders in Summit County, $10,000
South Street Ministries, to support community engagement programs in the Summit Lake neighborhood, as well as re-entry resources for formerly incarcerated residents, $17,500
Summit County Public Health, to recruit and train volunteer guardians for indigent adult wards of the Summit County Probate Court, $10,000
Summit Food Coalition, to address inequities in the food system by increasing access to nutritious foods, supporting economic opportunities for food-based businesses, and advocating for lasting policy change, $25,000
Summit Metro Parks Foundation, to support community participation in the Summit Metro Parks centennial celebration, $12,500
Truly Reaching You, to support an employment training program for men who are re-entering the community after an extended period of incarceration, $7,500
The Well Community Development Corporation, to support a workforce development pilot program for single mothers in the Middlebury neighborhood, $10,000
Women’s Network Inc., to support leadership training for minority women working at small companies and nonprofits, $11,000

2019 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2019, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $532,283 to 39 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Parks Collaborative, to support the Friends of Parks program, which encourages resident stewardship of neighborhood parks while building community and creating vibrancy in shared public spaces, $7,500
Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, to provide camp scholarships for children and adults with disabilities so they can attend overnight, day and respite camps, $6,000
Akron SCORE, to provide one-on-one mentoring and workshops to small businesses and startups in the Greater Akron area, $7,500
Akron Urban League, to help sustain programs and services in workforce development, entrepreneurship and education, $25,000
Akron Zoo, to provide the ZooMobile Program to fifth-grade students in Akron Public Schools, $6,500
Asian Services in Action Inc., to pilot a debate program for immigrant youth attending North High School, $10,000
Big Love Network, for the Akron City Repair Project, which empowers residents to create public spaces that foster civic engagement and a shared neighborhood identity, $7,700
Business Volunteers Unlimited, to support consulting services designed to strengthen Summit County nonprofits, including board development and succession planning training, $5,000
Candid Midwest, to help Summit County nonprofits secure funding and increase their sustainability through educational programs and services, $2,500
CASA Board Volunteer Association, to recruit and train community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the Summit County Juvenile Court system, $15,000
Cascade Locks Park Association, to support the operation and maintenance of historical assets, including the Mustill home and store, $6,500
City of Akron, to support the Beyond the Table grant award program, a neighborhood-based initiative designed to encourage new and creative neighborhood efforts that align with Akron Community Foundation’s On the Table Greater Akron priorities, $60,000
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, to support environmental education programs for Akron Public Schools students and the completion of the Boston Mill Visitor Center, $45,000
ConxusNEO, to partner with local companies to identify skills gaps, fill current positions and build a talent pipeline, $20,000
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, to provide unique rail experiences and educational field trips for local residents, and to maintain vintage railroad equipment, $21,000
Development Fund of the Western Reserve, to support the Akron Community Revitalization Fund, which improves economically distressed neighborhoods in the City of Akron by offering tax credits and flexible loan terms for revitalization projects within these communities, $10,000
Downtown Akron Partnership, to support downtown business development, beautification, volunteer outreach and public space improvements, $16,000
Dr. Bob's Home, to support the upkeep of Alcoholics Anonymous founder Dr. Bob's home, $5,250
First Tee of Akron, to support the expansion of this golf-based youth development program to two new locations in Cuyahoga Falls and Green, $6,000
Friends of Metro Parks, to connect underserved residents to nature and protect the parks for future generations, $5,000
Friends of WKSU, to support investigative reporting and community engagement in Akron, $5,000
Fund for Our Economic Future, to help transform the Northeast Ohio economy by advancing job creation and preparation initiatives, $33,333
GASP: Guardians Advocating Child Safety and Protection, to support child safety activities, including child identification kits, community outreach programs and educational materials, $5,000
Greater Akron Chamber, to create an inventory of Summit County business leaders and connect them with civic initiatives that drive social and economic impact, $10,000
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, to support neighborhood revitalization initiatives, including exterior home repair programs and interest-free mortgages, $10,000
Heart to Heart Leadership, to support the Leading with Authenticity program for leaders in the Greater Akron nonprofit sector, $2,500
Humane Society of Summit County, for animal intake care, vaccination, and microchipping of Summit County's rescued cats and dogs, $15,000
International Soap Box Derby, to support the All-American Soap Box Derby, STEM education programs, and community engagement events, $25,000
Karen Community of Akron, to support cultural events and programming for Karen refugees who have resettled in Akron, $5,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, to create vibrant public spaces in Akron through urban beautification programs, $10,000
Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance, to renovate and repurpose vacant space on Kenmore Boulevard for Kickstand Coffee Co., which will employ and empower local residents while providing rental income to increase the nonprofit’s sustainability, $12,500
Leadership Akron, to support the Signature Class 37 Opening Retreat and Junior Leadership Akron Philanthropy Day, $14,000
Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, to support the Akron Civic Commons, Summit Lake Environmental Stewardship Program, which engages neighborhood residents in recreational and volunteer activities to revitalize Summit Lake, $12,500
Safety Forces Support Center, to support mental health services, crisis intervention, and professional training for first responders, $10,000
South Street Ministries, to provide community engagement programs in the Summit Lake neighborhood, as well as re-entry resources for formerly incarcerated residents, $17,500
Summit Food Coalition, to support community access to nutritious and local foods, and to spur the development of a Local Food Action Plan for Summit County, $25,000
Summit Metro Parks Foundation, to support program development at the new Summit Lake Nature Center, $10,000
Truly Reaching You, to support an employment training program for men who are re-entering the community after an extended period of incarceration, $7,500
The Well Community Development Corporation, to increase home ownership in the Middlebury neighborhood by rehabilitating 60 homes in 60 months, $15,000

2018 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2018, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $579,833 to 40 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Development Corporation, to support the implementation of a joint economic development strategic plan based on recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Task Force, $25,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, to provide camp scholarships for children and adults with disabilities so they can attend overnight, day and respite camps, $8,500
Akron SCORE, to support mentoring programs and workshops for small-business owners and entrepreneurs, $10,000
Akron Zoo, to support animal education programs in local classrooms, including up-close encounters with live animals, $7,500
Big Love Network, for the Akron City Repair Project, which empowers local residents to create public spaces that foster civic engagement and a shared neighborhood identity, $7,500
BVU: The Center for Nonprofit Excellence, to support consulting services designed to strengthen Summit County nonprofits, including training on board development and succession planning, $5,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association, to train community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the Summit County Juvenile Court system, $21,500
City of Akron, for the 2019 Neighborhood Partnership Program, which helps citizens revitalize and reinvent their communities, $55,000
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, for operating support, completion of the new Central Visitor Center, and a diversity and inclusion initiative, $50,000
ConxusNEO, to address the workforce skills gap by mobilizing stakeholders and connecting job-seekers with area businesses to build the capacity of the local talent system, $20,000
Crown Point Ecology Center, for the First Fruits Initiative, which provides organic food for hunger relief programs in Summit County, as well as camp scholarships and farming internships, $5,000
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, for operating support, including affordable programming for residents, educational field trips and maintenance of vintage railroad equipment, $31,000
Development Fund of the Western Reserve, to support a community loan fund that improves distressed neighborhoods in the City of Akron by offering tax credits and flexible loan terms for revitalization projects within these communities, $10,000
Downtown Akron Partnership, for operating support, including downtown Akron planning efforts, public space enhancements and economic development initiatives, $16,500
Dr. Bob's Home, to support the upkeep of Alcoholics Anonymous founder Dr. Bob's home and to preserve archives within the house, $5,000
East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, to support community-building activities, including mini farmers markets, the East Akron Jubilee, a Labor Day parade, neighborhood meetings and revitalization projects, $15,000
First Tee of Akron, for an educational, golf-based youth development program for kids ages 4 to 18 that teaches life skills alongside the game of golf, $7,500
The Foundation Center Cleveland, to help Summit County nonprofits secure funding and increase their sustainability through educational programs and services, $2,500
Friends of WKSU, to support the Akron Initiative, a story series about Akron’s transformation that connects citizens to a broader narrative about the city, $7,500
Fund for Our Economic Future, for operating support to help transform the Northeast Ohio economy by fostering a broad entrepreneurial culture and advancing job creation and preparation, $33,333
Furnace Street Mission, for counseling, trauma training and support services for Summit County safety forces personnel and their families, $10,000
GASP: Guardians Advocating Child Safety and Protection, to support child safety activities, including child identification kits, community outreach programs and educational materials, $6,000
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, to support neighborhood revitalization initiatives, including exterior home repair programs, interest-free mortgages, and recycling deconstructed home materials, $10,000
Humane Society of Summit County, for animal intake testing, vaccinations and microchipping for Summit County’s rescued cats and dogs, $17,500
International Soap Box Derby, for operating support to continue Soap Box Derby races and educational STEM-based programs like the Gravity Racing Challenge, $25,000
Jewish Community Board of Akron, to support programming costs for Forum 360, a community radio and television show, $5,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, to support urban beautification through public landscapes, litter prevention and removal, the Adopt-A-Site program and award recognitions, $10,000
Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance, to develop a retail strategy for Kenmore’s Boulevard District to attract investors and new businesses, $12,500
Leadership Akron, for the Signature Class 36 Opening Retreat and Junior Leadership Akron Philanthropy Day, $15,000
Let's Grow Akron, to increase access to affordable, healthy food through neighborhood farmers markets, community gardens, urban agricultural workshops, and cooking and food preservation classes, $15,000
North Akron Community Development Corporation, for the Wise Neighbor program, which trains residents to recognize the needs of their neighbors and connect them to local services and resources, $5,000
PechaKucha Akron, to support a quarterly speaking series that highlights diverse community perspectives on important civic issues, $3,000
Project Ujima, to enhance civic engagement by teaching and facilitating dialogue circles among residents, $5,000
Rebuilding Together Northeast Ohio, for safety modifications and home repairs to help low-income, elderly, disabled and veteran homeowners remain in their homes, $15,000
South Street Ministries, for operating support to provide community engagement activities in the Summit Lake and South Akron neighborhoods, as well as re-entry resources for formerly incarcerated residents, $15,000
Summit Food Coalition, to bring community members and stakeholders together to improve healthy food access for Summit County residents, and to spur economic development by providing resources for emerging farm and food businesses, $25,000
Truly Reaching You Ministries, to support employment training programs for men who are re-entering the community after an extended period of incarceration, $7,500
United Way of Summit County, to support the Akron Financial Empowerment Center, which offers financial counseling and tax preparation services to low-income residents at no cost, $15,000
The Well Community Development Corporation, for Akron Food Works, a shared-use kitchen and incubator for local food entrepreneurs, $10,000
Women's Network Inc., for operating support to provide professional development programs for women and to conduct research on women’s leadership roles in Summit County, $10,000

2017 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2017, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $509,500 to 36 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Community Service Center and Urban League, to support education, employment and entrepreneurship programs, including job placement and work readiness training, $20,000
Akron Development Corporation, to support a citywide economic development strategic plan, $25,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, to provide financial assistance for children and adults with disabilities so they can attend overnight, day and respite camps, $12,500
Akron SCORE, to support counseling and workshops for small-business owners, $7,500
Akron-Summit County Public Library, to purchase furniture and technology for a new "tween space" for youth ages 9 to 12 at the Main Library, $5,000
Akron Zoo, to support animal education programs in local classrooms, including up-close encounters with live animals, $5,000
Big Love Network, for the Akron City Repair Project, which empowers local residents to create public spaces that foster civic engagement and a shared neighborhood identity, $5,000
BVU: The Center for Nonprofit Excellence, to support consulting services designed to strengthen Summit County nonprofits, including training on board development and succession planning, $5,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association, to support volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in court, $15,000
Cascade Locks Park Association, to support the preservation of Akron’s canal heritage and industrial history at Cascade Locks Park and the Mustill Store Museum, $10,000
City of Akron, for the 2018 Neighborhood Partnership Program, which helps citizens revitalize and reinvent their communities, $85,000
Cleveland International Film Festival, to support film screenings in downtown Akron at the Main Library, Akron Art Museum and the Nightlight Cinema during the annual film festival, $5,500
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, for general operating support and the capital campaign for a new Central Visitor Center, which will serve both Akron and Cleveland, $40,000
ConxusNEO, to help meet the demand for skilled workers within targeted industry sectors by aligning workforce education programs throughout the county, $20,000
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, to support the operations and maintenance of vintage railroad equipment, and to restore the restroom sinks in five passenger cars, $20,000
Development Fund of the Western Reserve, to support a community loan fund that improves distressed neighborhoods in the City of Akron by offering tax credits and flexible loan terms to businesses in these communities, $10,000
Downtown Akron Partnership, to support downtown planning efforts, including business attraction and economic development initiatives, $15,000
Dr. Bob's Home, to support the upkeep of Alcoholics Anonymous founder Dr. Bob's home and to preserve archives within the house, $5,000
First Tee of Akron, for an educational, golf-based youth development program for kids ages 6 to 18 that teaches life skills alongside the game of golf, $5,000
The Foundation Center Cleveland, to help Summit County nonprofits secure funding and increase their sustainability through educational programs and services, $2,500
Fund for Our Economic Future, for operating support to help transform the Northeast Ohio economy by fostering a broad entrepreneurial culture and advancing job creation and preparation, $33,000
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, to support neighborhood revitalization initiatives, including exterior home repair programs, zero interest mortgages, and the deconstruction of abandoned homes, $10,000
Humane Society of Summit County, for animal intake care, vaccination, testing and microchipping of Summit County’s rescued cats and dogs, $15,000
International Institute of Akron, to support the Welcoming Akron/Summit County initiative, which will create a one-stop international welcome center to help immigrants and refugees integrate into the community, $15,000
International Soap Box Derby, for operating support to continue Soap Box Derby races and educational STEM-based programs like the Gravity Racing Challenge, $15,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, to support the urban beautification program, which adds vibrancy to the city of Akron through professionally designed flowerscapes in public spaces, $10,000
Leadership Akron, for the annual orientation retreat for Class 35, in which members participate in team-building exercises and meet community leaders, $12,500
League of Women Voters of the Akron Area Education Fund, to train government officials, women leaders, and college students to facilitate dialogues about important issues in their community and create collaborative action plans, $5,000
NeoStem Ecosystem, to support Rolling Together, an Akron Public Schools program in which students use STEM skills to build and race driverless Soap Box Derby cars for college credit, $7,500
PechaKucha Akron, to support a quarterly speaking series that highlights diverse community perspectives on important civic issues, $2,500
Rebuilding Together Northeast Ohio, for safety modifications and home repairs to help low-income, elderly, disabled and veteran homeowners remain in their homes, $15,000
Summit Food Coalition, to improve healthful food access for Summit County residents and provide resources for emerging farm and food businesses, $25,000
Summit Metro Parks Foundation, to support the Cultural Resources Program, which helps residents explore park history and archaeology through curated oral histories, historic exhibits and other community engagement initiatives, $5,000
Truly Reaching You Ministries, to support employment training programs for men who are re-entering the community after extended periods of incarceration, $7,500
The Well Community Development Corporation, to transform Akron’s Middlebury neighborhood through community-building programs and events, $10,000
Women's Network Inc., to support professional development programs for women, and to raise awareness about the gender gap in senior leadership positions in Summit County, $3,500

2016 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2016, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $492,000 to 34 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Community Service Center and Urban League, to support education, employment and entrepreneurship programs, including job placement and readiness training, $15,000

Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, to provide financial assistance for children and adults with disabilities to attend overnight, day and respite camps, $10,000
Akron SCORE, to support counseling and workshops for small-business owners, $7,500
Akron-Summit County Public Library, to digitize Akron's African-American newspaper, The Reporter, making issues from 1969 to 2016 available and searchable on the Ohio Memory collaborative digital library, $10,000
Akron Zoo, to support education programs for local youth, $5,000
BVU: The Center for Nonprofit Excellence, to support subsidized capacity-building consulting services for four to eight nonprofits in Summit County, $5,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association, to support volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in court, $12,500
City of Akron, for the 2017 Neighborhood Partnership Program, $85,000
Cleveland International Film Festival, to support film screenings in downtown Akron at the Main Library, Akron Art Museum and the Nightlight Cinema during the annual film festival, $5,000
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, for general operating support and a capital campaign for the central Visitor Center, which is situated to serve Cleveland and Akron, $40,000
ConxusNEO (formerly Summit Workforce Solutions), to support year two of TalentNEO, a skills-based hiring initiative that aims to increase career opportunities for job seekers and grow the pool of qualified candidates for local companies, $10,000
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, to operate and maintain vintage railroad equipment, and for the Head End Power System project, which will improve safety and reliability and help prevent the loss of electrical service, $20,000
Development Fund of the Western Reserve, to support a community loan fund targeting severely distressed neighborhoods in the City of Akron, offering tax credits and favorable loan terms to businesses in these communities, $10,000
Downtown Akron Partnership, for operating support to continue serving as a catalyst for business, residential and social development, along with the development of a plan to help align downtown opportunities, $19,000
Dr. Bob's Home, to support the upkeep of Alcoholics Anonymous founder Dr. Bob's home and the preservation of archives within the home, $2,500
East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, for the Emergency Home Repair Program, which helps low-income homeowners with one-time repairs that maintain a home's stability and safety, like hot water tank replacements, door and toilet repairs, and railings and grab bars, $15,000
First Tee of Akron, for an educational, golf-based youth development program for ages 6 through 18 at Akron's Mud Run Golf Course, with programs that teach life skills alongside the game of golf, $5,000
The Foundation Center Cleveland, to encourage philanthropy and connect nonprofits to the funding resources they need to be effective, $2,500
Fund for Our Economic Future, for the second year of operating support to help transform the Northeast Ohio economy through strategies like job creation, job preparation and access, and fostering a broad entrepreneurial culture, $33,000
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, to support neighborhood revitalization initiatives, including the A Brush With Kindness exterior home repair program, zero percent interest mortgages, and the deconstruction of blighted homes, $10,000
Hattie Larlham Foundation, to support activities that encourage employers to hire people with developmental disabilities by addressing barriers to employment, $20,000
International Soap Box Derby, for operating support to continue Soap Box Derby races and educational programs like the Gravity Racing Challenge and STEM summer camps, $15,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, for the urban beautification program, which adds professionally designed flowerscapes to public flower beds, medians and downtown planters, $10,000
Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance, to help revive the commercial, retail and entertainment activities on Kenmore Boulevard through the installation of a marquee at the Rialto Theatre, $15,000
Leadership Akron, for the annual orientation retreat for Class 34, in which class members participate in team-building exercises and meet top community leaders, $12,500
Neighborhood Network of University Park, to support the 2017 Neighborhood Reborn projects, which work with residents to transform dilapidated neighborhoods in University Park and Middlebury through artistic board-ups, vacant lot cleanups and owner-occupied home improvements, $7,500
Oriana House, to support the Summit County Reentry Network, which collaborates with 60 nonprofits and faith-based organizations to help reduce recidivism by focusing on career development, education and long-term employment support for ex-offenders, $15,000
Pawsibilities, Humane Society of Greater Akron, for the purchase of an animal transport van outfitted with climate control, fixed cages and storage to provide rescued animals with safe and reliable transportation to and from vet visits, adoption centers and abusive hoarding situations, $15,000
Project Ujima, to support moderator training for community discussions where Buchtel cluster residents and stakeholders can address shared concerns and develop action plans, $5,000
Rebuilding Together Northeast Ohio, for safety modifications and home repairs to help low-income, elderly, disabled and veteran homeowners remain in their homes, $15,000
Summit Food Coalition, to bring community members and stakeholders together to improve healthful food access for Summit County residents, and to spur economic development though education and advocacy, $25,000
The Well Community Development Corporation, to revitalize the former First Presbyterian Church building on East Market Street as a hub for housing, economic and place-making initiatives in the Middlebury neighborhood, $10,000
West Hill Neighborhood Organization, for a pick-your-own community orchard on a vacant lot in the West Hill Victorian Village neighborhood in partnership with Hattie Larlham, which will use the orchard for staff training and education, $2,500
Women's Network Inc., to support women's leadership and professional development programs, including training in the areas of emotional intelligence, leadership, career development and entrepreneurship, $2,500

2015 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2015, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $500,000 to 32 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Community Service Center & Urban League, for operating support to sustain the agency’s programs and services to minorities in Summit County, $12,500
Akron Digital Media Center, to give local citizens access to free journalism workshops, equipment, and computer labs for sharing local news and information, $25,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs Inc., to help children and adults with disabilities attend summer camps and respite weekend camps, $17,500
Akron SCORE, to support counseling and workshops for small-business owners, $7,500
Akron Zoological Park, for the ZooMobile, a science-based education program for first- and fifth-graders in Akron Public Schools, $6,000
BVU: The Center for Nonprofit Excellence, to provide subsidized capacity-building consultation services for nonprofits in Summit County, $5,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association, to train and support community volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in court, $13,500
City of Akron, for the 2015 Neighborhood Partnership program, which helps residents revitalize and celebrate their community through beautification efforts, festivals, safety programs and more, $85,000
Cleveland International Film Festival, to bring the 2015 Film Festival to Akron with screenings at the Akron Art Museum, Akron-Summit County Public Library, and the Nightlight Cinema, $5,000
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, for general operating support, and for the capital campaign to build a full-service, centrally located visitor center in the park, $41,500
Crown Point Ecology Center, for general operating support, including sustainable land use initiatives, hunger abatement, and youth and adult education programs, $10,000
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, for general operating support, and for fleet appearance enhancements for aging locomotives and passenger cars, $15,000
Downtown Akron Partnership, for general operating support to beautify, recruit and retain business, and to support activities and events in downtown Akron, $10,000
Dr. Bob’s Home, for renovation and restoration projects at the National Historic Landmark home of Dr. Robert Smith, the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, $7,500
East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, to protect the home, health and safety of low-income homeowners and homeowners with disabilities through one-time emergency home repairs, $15,000
The Foundation Center Cleveland, to encourage philanthropy and connect nonprofits to the resources they need to be effective, $2,500
Friends of Historic Glendale Cemetery, to restore the bell tower, which was built in 1883 to complement the Civil War Memorial Chapel in Glendale Cemetery and is on the National Register of Historic Places, $25,000
Fund for our Economic Future, to continue Phase 4 of strengthening Northeast Ohio’s economic competitiveness, $34,000
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, for neighborhood revitalization initiatives, including home construction and deconstruction, homeowner education, and home repair for low-income families, $10,000
Humane Society of Greater Akron, to upgrade and repair kennels for abused, abandoned and neglected animals, $10,000
International Soap Box Derby, for the STEM Education Program, which uses hands-on activities like the Gravity Racing Challenge to engage young people in science, technology, engineering and math, $30,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, for the 2015-16 urban beautification program, which adds professionally designed flowerscapes to public flower beds, medians and downtown planters, $10,000
Leadership Akron, for the annual orientation retreat for Class 33, which introduces class members to top community leaders, $12,500
Neighborhood Network of University Park, for the monthly Coffee with C.O.P.S. program, which fosters community-driven problem solving through conversations between residents and law enforcement officers, and for the Artistic Board Up program, which turns vacant properties into artistic neighborhood assets, $7,500
Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, to support the iTowpath Trail and Community Connectivity Project, which improves navigation and provides safe connections to area attractions and neighborhoods, $10,000
Oriana House, to support the Summit County Reentry Network, which reduces recidivism and assists with family reunification, $20,000
Partnership for the Minority Business Accelerator, to provide intensive mentoring and training to minority business owners, $10,000
Project Ujima, to facilitate community meetings where Buchtel cluster residents and stakeholders can address shared concerns and develop action plans, $5,000
Rebuilding Together Greater Cuyahoga Valley, for safety modifications and home repairs for low-income, elderly and veteran homeowners, as well as those with disabilities, $15,000
Summit Workforce Solutions, for year one of TalentNEO, a pilot skills-based hiring program that aims to increase career opportunities for job seekers and grow the pool of qualified candidates for local companies, $10,000
Western Reserve Land Conservancy, to create and install a public art project along Haley’s Run Trail in celebration of its five-year anniversary, $5,000
Women’s Network, for professional development programs to train women in leadership and career development, emotional intelligence, and entrepreneurship, $7,500

2014 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2014, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $460,000 to 25 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Community Service Center & Urban League, for operating support to sustain the agency’s programs and services to minorities in Summit County, $25,000
Akron Digital Media Center, to give local citizens access to free journalism workshops, equipment and computer labs for sharing local news and information, $25,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs Inc., to help children and adults with disabilities attend overnight and day camps during the summer and respite weekend camps year-round, $20,000
Akron SCORE, to support counseling and workshops for small-business owners, $7,500
BVU: The Center for Nonprofit Excellence, to subsidize succession planning and other consultation services for nonprofits in Summit County, $10,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association, to train and support community volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in court, $10,000
City of Akron, for the 2015 Neighborhood Partnership program, which helps residents revitalize and celebrate their community through beautification efforts, festivals, safety programs and more, $85,000
Cleveland International Film Festival, to bring the 2015 Film Festival to Akron with screenings at the Akron Art Museum, Akron-Summit County Public Library and the Nightlight, $5,000
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, for general operating support, including operating the education center and implementing programming for visitors and volunteers, $30,000
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, for general operating support and for the capital campaign to retrofit a locomotive with eco-friendly technology, $15,000
Downtown Akron Partnership, for general operating support to beautify, recruit and retain business, and to support activities and events in downtown Akron, $10,000
East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, to protect the home, health and safety of low-income homeowners and homeowners with disabilities through one-time emergency home repairs and for the East Akron Neighborhood Revitalization plan, which will provide guidance on land-use including new construction and rehabilitation of homes in the geographic service area, $30,000
The Foundation Center Cleveland, to encourage philanthropy and connect nonprofits to the resources they need to be effective, $2,500
Fund for Our Economic Future, for Phase 4 of strengthening Northeast Ohio’s economic competitiveness, $33,000
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, for neighborhood revitalization initiatives, including home construction and deconstruction, homeowner education, and home repair for low-income families, $10,000
Humane Society of Greater Akron, to rescue and heal abused, abandoned, and neglected companion animals and severely sick and injured strays and place them in permanent homes, $7,500
International Soapbox Derby, to support the All-American Soap Box Derby and the Gravity Racing Challenge, which uses hands-on activities to engage young people in science, technology, engineering and math, $20,000
Jewish Community Center of Akron, for the Make A Splash Campaign to raise $1.75 million for structural improvements to the pool, roof and other pool facilities, $20,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, for the 2014-15 urban beautification program, which adds professionally designed flowerscapes to public flower beds, medians and downtown planters, $10,000
Leadership Akron, for the annual orientation retreat for Class 32, which introduces class members to top community leaders, $12,500
Oriana House, to support the Summit County Reentry Network, which reduces recidivism and assists with family reunification, $20,000
Partnership for the Minority Business Accelerator, to provide intensive mentoring and training to minority business owners, $20,000
Project Ujima, to facilitate community meetings where Buchtel cluster residents and stakeholders can address shared concerns and develop action plans, $12,000
Rebuilding Together Greater Cuyahoga Valley, for safety modifications and home repairs for low-income, elderly, and veteran homeowners, as well as those with disabilities, $15,000
Ronald McDonald House of Akron, for the building campaign to expand the house from 20 rooms to 60, $5,000

2013 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2013, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling nearly $450,000 to 27 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Digital Media Center Designated Fund of Akron Community Foundation, to train citizen journalists to share news and information from and about their neighborhoods, $30,000
Gay Community Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation, to support the 2014 Gay Games, a sports and culture festival that emphasizes inclusion, which is expected to draw more than 33,000 visitors to Northeast Ohio and generate approximately $57 million in economic impact, $35,000
Akron Community Service Center & Urban League, for operating support to sustain the agency’s programs and services to minorities in Summit County, $20,000
Akron Community Service Center & Urban League Partnership for the Minority Business Accelerator, to provide intensive mentoring and training to minority business owners, $20,000
Akron Inner City Soccer Club, for free after-school soccer programs throughout the year and seasonal youth soccer camps, $5,000
Akron Regional Development Board Educational Fund, for the HYPE Summit, a conference designed by and for young professionals to attract and engage a new generation of leaders in Greater Akron, $2,500
Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs Inc., to construct a new, handicap-accessible recreation and resource center, including a medical facility for campers, $20,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association Inc., to recruit and train volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in juvenile court, $10,000
City of Akron, for the 2014 Neighborhood Partnership Program, which helps residents revitalize and celebrate their community through beautification efforts, festivals, safety programs and more, $80,000
Cleveland International Film Festival, to bring the 2014 Film Festival to Akron for a third time with screenings at the Akron Art Museum and the Akron-Summit County Public Library, $5,000
Cleveland Restoration Society Inc., for the Akron Heritage Home Program, which provides low-interest loans to help low- and moderate-income homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades to their older homes, $7,500
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, for general operating support to implement strategic programming for adults, families and volunteers, $20,000
Crown Point Ecology Center, for the Watershed Improvement Project, which helps sustain and grow Crown Point’s programs by improving access to water, reducing soil erosion and expanding growing capacity to include year-round food production, $10,000
Cuyahoga Valley Preservation and Scenic Railway Association, for alternative transportation, as well as educational and recreational rail trips through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Ohio & Erie Canalway, $10,000
Downtown Akron Partnership, to beautify, recruit and retain business, and support activities and events in downtown Akron, $10,000
East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, to protect the home, health and safety of low-income homeowners and homeowners with disabilities through one-time emergency home repairs, $15,000
The Foundation Center Cleveland, to encourage philanthropy and connect nonprofits to the resources they need to be effective, $2,500
Friends of Metro Parks, to provide overnight camping experiences to urban children within the Summit County Metro Parks, $10,000
Fund For Our Economic Future, to continue Phase 4 of strengthening Northeast Ohio’s economic competitiveness, $33,000
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, for neighborhood revitalization initiatives, including home construction, homeowner education and home repair for low-income families, $10,000
International Soap Box Derby, to support the All-American Soap Box Derby and the Gravity Racing Challenge, which uses hands-on activities to engage young people in science, technology, engineering and math, $15,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, for the 2013-2014 urban beautification program, which adds vibrancy to the city of Akron through professionally designed flowerscapes in public flower beds, medians and downtown planters, $10,000
Leadership Akron, for the 30th annual orientation retreat, which introduces class members to top community leaders, $12,500
Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, to create the Summit County Trails Virtual Visitors Center, a comprehensive online resource about hiking and bicycling trails in Summit County, $10,000
PAWSibilities, Humane Society of Greater Akron, to provide medical treatment, rehabilitative services, and daily care for abused or abandoned companion animals and injured strays throughout Summit County, $7,500
Oriana House Inc., to reduce recidivism by hiring a full-time re-entry liaison who will connect inmates to community resources before they are released into Summit County, $20,000
Western Reserve Land Conservancy, for a city-wide survey and comprehensive inventory of residential structures to help city officials identify where demolition will have the greatest ability to reduce crime and restore property values, $15,000

2012 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2012, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $549,000 to 30 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Community Foundation, to support the Akron Digital Media Center, $50,000
Akron Community Service Center & Urban League, for general operating support, $20,000
Akron Inner City Soccer Club, for free youth soccer camps, $10,000
Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, to provide First Aid and CPR training to marathon volunteers, $5,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Special Children Inc., for operating support and to construct a recreation and resource center, $20,000
Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron, for a simulation training room for first responders and the production of promotional videos, $50,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association Inc., to recruit and train volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in juvenile court, $10,000
City of Akron, for the 2013 Neighborhood Partnership Program, $70,000
Cleveland Restoration Society Inc., for the Heritage Home Program, which provides low- and moderate-income homeowners in Summit County with technical assistance and low-interest loans to maintain their older homes, $10,000
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, for general operating support, $20,000
Crown Point Ecology Center, for general operating support, $10,000
Cuyahoga Valley Preservation and Scenic Railway Association, to improve the restrooms on passenger train cars, $10,000
East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, to provide emergency home repairs to low-income seniors, the working poor and homeowners with disabilities, $20,000
The Foundation Center Cleveland, for general operating support, $2,500
Friends of Historic Glendale Cemetery, to improve the accessibility and safety of cemetery walkways, $5,000
Friends of Metro Parks, for the Outside Is In program, an overnight camping experience for urban children, $10,000
Fund For Our Economic Future, for Phase 4, year one, $34,000
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, for leadership training in AMHA housing sites that helps girls develop a strong sense of self, create healthy relationships and become resourceful problem solvers, $15,000
Good Shepherd Athletic Club, for general operating support, $10,000
Humane Society of Greater Akron, to investigate animal cruelty and provide care for sick and injured stray animals throughout Summit County, $7,500
Keep Akron Beautiful, for the 2012-2013 Flowerscape program, $10,000
Leadership Akron, for the annual orientation retreat and leadership programs, $12,500
Mustard Seed Development Center, for financial literacy counseling and seminars that help low-income families learn how to increase their assets, secure stable housing and save for retirement, $10,000
Nazareth Housing Development Corporation, to rehabilitate abandoned properties for low-income homebuyers and stabilize neighborhoods in Lakemore and Springfield townships, $7,500
Oriana House Inc., for the Summit County Reentry Network for former offenders, $15,000
Partnership for the Minority Business Accelerator, to mentor minority business owners, $20,000
Rebuilding Together Summit County Inc., for general operating support and capacity building, $30,000
Service Corps of Retired Executives Association dba Akron SCORE, for workshops and one-on-one mentoring for small-business owners, $10,000
Summit County Fatherhood Initiative, to connect men with the resources they need to be responsible, involved fathers to their children, $30,000
Summit Food Policy Coalition, to improve healthy food access in Summit County and address food insecurity through educational programs, public events and city gardening programs, $15,000

2011 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2011, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $442,500 to 31 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Community Service Center & Urban League, for general operating support, $20,000
Akron Inner City Soccer Club, for free youth soccer camps, $10,000
Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, to recruit participants, enhance the course and improve signage for the 10-year anniversary race in 2012, $15,000
Akron Regional Development Board Educational Fund, to build a website for the Young Professionals Network, $10,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Special Children Inc., for general operating support, $20,000
Akron Zoological Park, for the Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge exhibit, which will include red wolves, grizzly bears, coyotes and black bears, some of which have never been featured at the zoo, $10,000
Boy Scouts of America, Great Trail Council, for the Camp Manatoc Fitness & Aquatic Center, $15,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association Inc., to recruit and train volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in juvenile court, $12,500
Cascade Locks Park Association, for general operating support, $10,000
Charisma Community Connection, to help non-custodial fathers overcome the barriers preventing them from being involved in their children’s lives, including issues with child support and custody mediation, $12,500
City of Akron, for the 2012 Neighborhood Partnership Program, $65,000
Cleveland Restoration Society Inc., for the Heritage Home Program, which provides low- and moderate-income homeowners in Summit County with technical assistance and low-interest loans to maintain their older homes, $10,000
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, for general operating support, $25,000
Crown Point Ecology Center, for general operating support, $10,000
Cuyahoga Valley Preservation and Scenic Railway Association, to replace worn-down air brake hoses and hand brakes to ensure the trains stop safely, $5,000
The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, to teach students at three Akron high schools about the negative effects of stereotypes and discrimination, $5,000
Downtown Akron Partnership Inc., for local artists and performers for First Night Akron, $10,000
East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, for the Emergency Home Repair Program for low-income seniors, the working poor and homeowners with disabilities, $20,000
The Foundation Center Cleveland, for general operating support, $2,500
Friends of Metro Parks, for the Outside Is In program, an overnight camping experience for urban children, $10,000
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, to teach girls in AMHA housing sites about financial literacy, math and science careers, healthy relationships and youth leadership, $20,000
Good Shepherd Athletic Club, for general operating support, $10,000
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County Inc., for the capital campaign, $10,000
Humane Society of Greater Akron, to support an exercise area for abused and neglected animals, $7,500
Keep Akron Beautiful, for the 2011-2012 Flowerscape program, $10,000
Leadership Akron, for the annual orientation retreat and Torchbearers College, $12,500
Oriana House Inc., for a countywide re-entry coordinator for former offenders, $15,000
Partnership for the Minority Business Accelerator, to mentor minority business owners, $20,000
Rebuilding Together Summit County Inc., for safety modifications and home repairs for low-income seniors and homeowners with disabilities, $20,000
Summit County Children Services Board, for the Child & Family Leadership Exchange Program, which educates nonprofit leaders about social service programs in Summit County, including the court system, $5,000
Western Reserve Land Conservancy, to develop a land bank in Summit County, $15,000

2010 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2010, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $400,000 to 30 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Community Service Center & Urban League, for the Transitions Program, which helps non-violent former offenders find employment, $20,000
Akron Inner City Soccer Club, for free youth soccer camps, $10,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Special Children Inc., for operating support, $20,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association Inc., to recruit and train volunteer child advocates, $10,000
Cascade Locks Park Association, for construction of the Schumacher Cascade Mills historic site, $10,000
City of Akron, for the 2011 Neighborhood Partnership Program, $65,000
Cleveland Restoration Society Inc., for the Heritage Home Program, which provides low- and moderate-income homeowners with technical assistance and low-interest loans to maintain their older homes, $10,000
Crown Point Ecology Center, for signs to improve visitor navigation, $10,000
Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy, for a farmers market management apprenticeship program, $8,000
Cuyahoga Valley Preservation and Scenic Railway Association, for strategic planning, $3,500
Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio Inc., for diversity training in Akron high schools, $2,500
Downtown Akron Partnership Inc., for the 15th annual First Night Akron celebration, $10,000
East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, for the Emergency Home Repair Program for low-income seniors, the working poor, and homeowners with disabilities, $20,000
E CITY, for an entrepreneurship program for inner-city youth, $15,000
Foundation Center Cleveland, for operating support, $2,500
Friends of Metro Parks, for the Outside Is In camping program for Akron sixth graders, $10,000
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, for the Financial Literacy & Urban Entrepreneurship Program, $15,000
Good Shepherd Athletic Club, for training equipment and operating support, $10,000
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County Inc., to consolidate operations, $10,000
Home Repair Network of Summit County, for Phase II of the development of a database that streamlines the repair efforts of local nonprofits, $5,000
Humane Society of Greater Akron, for an on-site surgical suite, $18,500
Keep Akron Beautiful, for Flowerscapes, $10,000
Leadership Akron, for Torchbearers College and the annual Orientation Retreat, $12,500
Let’s Grow Akron Inc., for operating support, $10,000
Oriana House Inc., for a countywide re-entry coordinator for former offenders, $13,500
Partnership for the Minority Business Accelerator, to mentor minority business owners, $20,000
Rebuilding Together Summit County Inc., for emergency home repairs for low-income seniors and homeowners with disabilities, $20,000
Summit County Prosecutor’s Office, for evidence-based training for domestic violence responders, $4,000
Trust for Public Land, for the Blossom Music Center conservation project, $10,000
Western Reserve Land Conservancy, to develop an urban greenway system in southeast Akron, $15,000

2009 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2009, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $452,500 to 28 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Community Service Center & Urban League, for the workforce development program, $15,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Special Children Inc., to help children and adults with disabilities attend camp, $20,000
Boy Scouts of America, Great Trail Council, for Urban Scouting, which seeks to engage Akron’s low-income youths in scouting, $5,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association Inc., to recruit and train volunteer child advocates, $10,000
Center for Nonprofit Excellence, for workshops and technical consulting to help nonprofit organizations become sustainable, $10,000
Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron, to expand the Safe Kids Summit County car seat program, $15,000
City of Akron, for the Neighborhood Partnership Program, $65,000
Cleveland Restoration Society Inc., for the Heritage Home Program, which provides low- and moderate-income homeowners in West Akron with technical assistance and low-interest loans to maintain their older homes, $10,000
Cuyahoga Valley Preservation and Scenic Railway Association, for operating support, $10,000
Downtown Akron Partnership, for the annual First Night Akron celebration, $10,000
East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, for the Emergency Home Repair Program, $20,000
The Foundation Center Cleveland, for education, training and research to connect local nonprofits with grant-makers, $2,500
Fund For Our Economic Future, for Phase III, which seeks to accelerate job creation and promote long-term regional economic growth, $50,000
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, for a financial literacy and urban entrepreneurship program in Summit County, $20,000
Good Shepherd Athletic Club, for equipment and operating support, $15,000
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County Inc., to consolidate operations, $20,000
Humane Society of Greater Akron, to provide medical care, food and shelter to animals displaced by foreclosures, evictions, abuse and neglect, $10,000
Inner-City Soccer Team, for free youth soccer camps, $10,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, for Flowerscapes, $10,000
Leadership Akron, for the annual Orientation Retreat, $10,000
Let’s Grow Akron, for operating support, $15,000
Mustard Seed Development Center, to provide financial counseling and literacy training to individuals not eligible for government assistance, $25,000
OneCommunity, for the Early Adopter Pilot Project, to educate Akron residents about the benefits of broadband and help them participate in a networked neighborhood, $15,000
Rebuilding Together Summit County Inc., for operating support, $20,000
Summit County Children Services Board, for the Child & Family Leadership Exchange Program, $5,000
University of Akron Foundation, for the Innovation Fund Alliance, $10,000
Vernon L. Odom Fund of Akron Community Foundation, for the Akron Living Legacy project, $10,000
Voices for Ohio’s Children, to support planning for a countywide early childhood learning initiative, $15,000

2008 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2008, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $416,020 to 23 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Community Service Center & Urban League, for strategic planning, $10,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Special Children Inc., to subsidize camping for children and adults, $20,000
Center for Nonprofit Excellence, to train nonprofit board members and executive staff, $10,000
City of Akron, for the Neighborhood Partnership Program, $75,000
Cuyahoga Valley Preservation and Scenic Railway Association, to renovate the Linoma, a vintage luxury dome passenger car, $10,000
Downtown Akron Partnership Inc., for First Night Akron, $10,000
East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, to make emergency home repairs for low-income senior, disabled and working-poor homeowners, $20,000
Good Shepherd Athletic Club, for at-risk youth boxing programs, $16,415
Humane Society of Greater Akron, for commercial-grade laundry equipment, $14,105
Info Line Incorporated, to help small nonprofit organizations better use technology, $15,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, for Flowerscapes, $10,000
Let's Grow Akron Inc., for the community gardening program, $15,000
Mustard Seed Development Center, for financial counseling and literacy workshops, $30,000
The Ohio Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park, to build a granite wall memorializing American military personnel who died in combat in Southeast Asia, $5,000
OneCommunity, for the Akron Community Wireless Project, $25,000
Rebuilding Together Summit County Inc., to make emergency home repairs for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, $20,000
Say Yes To Tennis, for Parents in the Game, a program designed to engage grade-school children and their families, $15,000
Sisters of Saint Dominic (Crown Point Ecology Center), for the Summer Farm and Science School, $10,500
Summit County Sheriff's Office, to extend the Juvenile Diversion Program to New Franklin and Northfield Center Township, $10,000
Summit Workforce Solutions, to expand the Job Center, $20,000
Tri-County Jobs for Ohio's Graduates, to expand career and leadership programs for high school students, $10,000
Trust for Public Land, for project management to conserve 620 acres at Blossom Music Center, $25,000
WKSU-FM, to soundproof the station’s new studio in downtown Akron, $20,000

2007 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2007, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $522,464 to 27 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Global Business Accelerator, for video conferencing technology, $24,428
Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, for on-site educational programming and parenting support, $20,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Special Children Inc., to develop a multi-sensory room, $15,000
Akron Zoological Park, for micro-exhibits in the Komodo Kingdom Education Center, $16,000
Boy Scouts of America, Great Trail Council, for improvements to the Camp Manatoc dining hall, $50,000
Cascade Locks Park Association, for Water Wheel artwork at the Schumacher Cascade Mills historic site, $45,000
City of Akron, for the Neighborhood Partnership Program, $60,000
Community Hall Foundation Inc.-Akron Civic Theatre, for in-house programming, $25,000
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association, for a new Junior Ranger Day Camp, $15,000
Downtown Akron Partnership Inc., for First Night Akron, $7,500
East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, to provide home repairs for low-income senior, working-poor and disabled homeowners, $10,000
Good Shepherd Athletic Club, to support at-risk teens in North Hill, $5,700
The Gus Johnson Community Services Center Inc., for the Back-to-School Lock-In, $1,000
Home Repair Network of Summit County, for a database that streamlines the repair efforts of multiple nonprofit organizations, $15,000
International Institute of Akron Inc., to provide financial literacy and entrepreneurship training for immigrants and refugees, $10,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, for the Flowerscapes program, $10,000
Keep Akron Beautiful Judith Bear Isroff Memorial Park Project Fund of Akron Community, for park construction, $50,000
Let's Grow Akron Inc., to support community gardening, $7,500
Mustard Seed Development Center, to expand financial literacy and housing evaluation services, $25,000
Planned Parenthood of Summit, Portage and Medina Counties, to consolidate five affiliates into a regional Akron headquarters, $20,000
Rebuilding Together Summit County Inc., for home repairs for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, $10,000
Say Yes To Tennis, for equipment and court time, $10,000
Service Corps of Retired Executives Association - Akron Chapter, to support training, workshops and community relations activities, $3,600
Sisters of Saint Dominic (Crown Point Ecology Center), for the Summer Farm and Science School, $15,000
Summit County Prosecutor's Office, for the Introduction to Criminal Justice Project, $11,736
Summit County Workforce Policy Board, for program expansion, $15,000
WKSU-FM, to upgrade to digital technology, $25,000

2006 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2006, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $406,630 to 23 nonprofit organizations:

Cascade Locks Park Association, for planning and development of the Schumacher Cascade Mills historic site, $15,000
Center for Restorative Justice of North Central Ohio Inc., to assist with training and coordinating volunteer mediators for Victim Impact Panels, $5,000
City of Akron, for the Neighborhood Partnership Program, $50,000
City of New Franklin, to support development of four baseball fields in George Sisler Memorial Park, $5,000
Community Care Network, to support capacity building in local faith-based and community organizations, $10,000
Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy, for expansion of the Beacon Journal Farmers Market in downtown Akron, $5,000
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association, for "Get Up, Get Out, & Go!," a health and wellness community partnership targeting urban youth, $18,500
Downtown Akron Partnership, for the 11th annual First Night Akron celebration, $7,500
First Tee of Akron Inc., to introduce and promote the game of golf to Akron Public Schools elementary students, $5,000
Fund For Our Economic Future, to support Phase II of the Strategic and Operating Plan, $125,000
Good Shepherd Athletic Club, for a boxing program for at-risk teens, $10,000
Greater Akron Chamber, to support the Advance Greater Akron workforce strategy, $10,000
Humane Society of Greater Akron, to support humane officer training, $8,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, for Flowerscapes, $10,000
Let’s Grow Akron Inc., to support community and individual gardens, $10,000
Portage Lakes Advisory Council, for a playground in Portage Lakes State Park, $8,380
Rebuilding Together Summit County, for the Emergency Home Repair Program, $25,000
Say Yes to Tennis, to support at-risk youth participating in the Player Development Program, $10,000
Service Corps of Retired Executives Association, to support client services and office operations, $5,000
Sisters of Saint Dominic (Crown Point Ecology Center), for the Earth Camp program, $10,000
Summit County Prosecutor’s Office, for the Introduction to Criminal Justice Project’s middle school mock trial program, $9,250
Summit Education Initiative, for the Learning 24/7 Program, a math enrichment program for middle school students, $20,000
WAPS-FM, to improve signal coverage and convert to digital broadcasting, $25,000

2005 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2005, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $346,833 to 22 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Area Pride Collective, for Out in Akron, $5,500
Akron Community Health Resources, for the dental clinic, which provides oral health care services for the medically indigent and uninsured in Summit County, $40,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Special Children Inc., for equipment and facility upgrades, $8,510
Center for Restorative Justice of North Central Ohio, for a Restorative Justice Program for Summit County juveniles, $4,300
Children's Concert Society of Akron, Ohio, for the In-School Concert Series, $6,000
City of Akron, for the Neighborhood Partnership Program, $75,000
Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy, for the farmers market in downtown Akron, $5,000
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association, for the design and implementation of the Junior Ranger program, $15,000
Downtown Akron Partnership Inc., for local artist and performance fees for Akron's 10th annual First Night celebration, $7,500
Good Shepherd Athletic Club, for program support, $10,000
Healthy Connections Network, to support the Access to Care program, which serves uninsured Summit County adults, $20,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, for the Flowerscape program, $10,000
Let's Grow Akron Inc., for the community gardening program, $10,000
North Coast Community Homes Inc., for the renovation of an apartment building on Cedar Street in Akron, $20,000
Northeast Ohio Technology Coalition, for the "OneNEO" high-speed broadband information technology network for the greater Akron area, $25,000
Say Yes to Tennis, for indoor court time, $12,000
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) Association - Akron Chapter, for training and workshop support, $5,000
Sisters of Saint Dominic (Crown Point Ecology Center), for the Earth Camp program, $15,000
Summit County Prosecutor's Office, for the Introduction to Criminal Justice Project's middle school mock trial pilot program in Summit County, $10,523
Summit Portage Leader Institute, to provide leadership training for Summit County high school girls, $7,500
Trust for Public Land, to protect the 236-acre Pond Brook property as a public resource and keystone to a protected wildlife and recreation corridor in Summit County, $15,000
University Park Development Corporation, for marketing and fund development capacity, $20,000

2004 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2004, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $296,781 to 16 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Community Service Center & Urban League, for the $5 million Capital Campaign, $75,000
Akron Rotary Camp for Special Children Inc., for additional bunk beds, $8,200
Akron Zoological Park, for the Environmental Education Center, $10,000
City of Akron, for the Neighborhood Partnership Program, $50,000
Coleman Professional Services Inc., for the SAGE program, which trains and employs persons with disabilities, $5,000
Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association, for the design and implementation of a field-based science camp, $15,000
Downtown Akron Partnership Inc., for local artists and performers for the annual First Night celebration, $10,000
Let's Grow Akron Inc., for gardening support, $15,000
Medina Summit Land Conservancy, for "Landscape of the Future," an initiative to develop land acquisition priorities, $7,500
Ohio & Erie Canal Corridor Coalition Inc., for restoration of the 1836 Richard Howe House to serve as a Towpath Trail visitors' information center, $30,000
Rebuilding Together Summit County Inc., for emergency repairs for homeowners in crisis situations, $15,000
Sisters of Saint Dominic of Akron, Ohio (Crown Point Ecology Center), for the Earth Camp program, $15,000
Summit Athletic Running Club, for a new timing clock to be used for all club races, $6,081
Summit County Prosecutor's Office, for the Introduction to Criminal Justice Project, $15,000
Summit Portage Leader Institute, to provide leadership training for Summit County high school girls, $10,000
Tinkers Creek Land Conservancy, for a comprehensive watershed land conservation protection plan, $10,000

2003 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2003, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $274,683 to 16 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Rotary Camp for Special Children Inc., for improvements to the camp health lodge, $7,400
Akron Society of Artists Inc., for a move to Summit ARTSPACE, and for equipment and preservation of artwork, $10,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association Inc., to provide holiday gifts to neglected/abused children in foster care, $10,000
Central Summit County Choral Society, for the Summit Children's Choir Program, $10,000
City of Akron, for the Neighborhood Partnership Program, $100,000
Downtown Akron Partnership Inc., for artist fees for First Night Akron, $15,000
The First Tee of Akron Inc., for program support, $15,000
Good Shepherd Athletic Club, for operating and equipment expenses, $13,583
Humane Society of Greater Akron, for humane officers' professional and state-mandated training, $7,000
Inner-City Soccer Team, for soccer program support for disadvantaged youth, $5,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, for Flowerscape personnel, sprinkling systems and flowers, $12,000
Let's Grow Akron Inc., to support the gardening program, $20,000
Metro Parks Serving Summit County, for roof restoration of the Harter Family Farmstead barn in Silver Creek Metro Park, $10,000
Sisters of Saint Dominic of Akron, Ohio (Crown Point Ecology Center), for the Earth Camp program for urban youth, $14,700
Summit County Prosecutor's Office, for the "Introduction to Criminal Justice" project for elementary and middle school students, $15,000
Summit Portage Leader Institute, for leadership training for Summit County high school girls, $10,000

2002 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2002, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $284,000 to 16 nonprofit organizations:

America's River Communities Inc., for "Return of the Cuyahoga," a film for national broadcasting and an Internet educational program for schools, $10,000
Boy Scouts of America, Great Trail Council, for a new septic system at Camp Manatoc, $25,000
Boys and Girls Clubs of Summit County, for the Power Hour educational program, $15,000
City of Akron, for the Neighborhood Partnership Program, $50,000
Community Hall Foundation - Akron Civic Theatre, for the capital campaign, $50,000
Downtown Akron Partnership Inc., for local artists and performers for First Night Akron, $15,000
The Foundation Center – Cleveland, for operating support, $2,500
Friends of Hardesty Park Inc., for a walking/jogging trail at Hardesty Park, $20,000
Green Heritage Foundation, for Heritage Hill Playground to be built by volunteers, $5,000
Keep Akron Beautiful, for Flowerscape support, $11,500
LEAVE A LEGACY, Summit, Portage, Medina, to educate and inspire the community regarding charitable bequests, $5,000
Medina Summit Land Conservancy, for land acquisition and stream restoration to create a park and nature preserve in Akron, $18,000
Rebuilding Together Summit County Inc., for building supplies, materials, labor and a promotional brochure on home repairs, $15,000
Sisters of Saint Dominic of Akron, Ohio (Crown Point Ecology Center), to expand the Veggie Ventures Program to urban youth in Akron, $14,000
Summit County Sheriff's Office, to hire a part-time compliance officer to expand the Juvenile Diversion program, $10,000
Village of Clinton, for demolition of old buildings adjacent to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, $18,000

2001 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2001, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $227,116 to 16 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Rotary Camp for Crippled Children Inc., for camp improvements, $17,000
Akron Zoological Park, to enhance the Zoomobile program, $19,770
Boys and Girls Clubs of Summit County, for the POWER Hour homework assistance and tutoring program, $15,000
The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Foundation, for a community needs assessment in Akron neighborhoods, $20,000
Center for Nonprofit Excellence, for administrative support, $25,000
Christmas In April Summit County Inc. (Rebuilding Together), for repair and renovation assistance and safety improvements for homeowners in need, $10,000
Coleman Professional Services Inc., to support SAGE Computer Services, $6,000
Cuyahoga River Community Planning Organization, for the Cuyahoga River restoration program in Summit County, $6,000
Downtown Akron Partnership Inc., for artists fees for First Night Akron, $15,000
Good Shepherd Athletic Club, for program support, $12,296
Keep Akron Beautiful, for the Flowerscape program, $11,275
Let's Grow Akron Inc., for gardening programs, $12,000
Ohio Organization for Recycling and Reuse, for the Business Hazardous Waste Recycling Center, $25,000
Sisters of Saint Dominic of Akron, Ohio (Crown Point Ecology Center), for the development of a master site plan to complete the strategic planning process, $10,000
Summit Education Initiative, for a community education event to stimulate citizen interest in the leadership of area school boards, $12,775
Trust for Public Land, for protection of the Park Gateway Property, part of the Ohio & Erie Canal Corridor Program, $10,000

2000 Civic Affairs Grants

In 2000, Akron Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $377,250 to 14 nonprofit organizations:

Akron Zoological Park, to purchase a four-wheel drive truck, $21,000
Boy Scouts of America, Great Trail Council, to install a dining hall sprinkler system, $25,000
Boys and Girls Clubs of Summit County, for the POWER Hour homework help and tutoring program, $10,000
CASA Board Volunteer Association Inc., to support the community awareness campaign to increase the volunteer child advocate staff, $20,000
Clinton Canal Association, for interpretive waysides for the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Clinton, $15,000
Downtown Akron Partnership Inc., to underwrite artists' fees for First Night Akron, $15,000
The Foundation Center - Cleveland, to provide operating support, including core library services and electronic research tools, $1,750
Keep Akron Beautiful, to support the Flowerscape and Adopt-A-Site programs, $10,000
Let's Grow Akron Inc., for program support, $10,000
National Society of Fund Raising Executives, to promote National Philanthropy Day with a community awards lunch and educational activities, $1,000
Sisters of Saint Dominic of Akron, Ohio (Crown Point Ecology Center), for the Foodbank Farm educational programs, $15,000
Summit Academy Community School of Alternative Learners, for a Summer Camp and After-School Music Program for ADD/ADHD youth, $20,000
Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice Development Foundation Inc., to support the Community Dialogue Task Force's educational program on care of the dying, $10,000
Western Reserve Girl Scout Council, to provide workshops on self-defense and voting, $3,500

Civic Affairs Grant History

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