Akron Community Foundation funds four carefully chosen and equally vital issues through our quarterly competitive grantmaking program. Community Fund grants do more than simply meet residents' immediate needs; they address the root cause of a problem to create lasting and systemic change for future generations.
Each quarter, our board requests applications to meet the community's most pressing needs in Arts & Culture, Civic Affairs, Health & Human Services, and Education. Then we study, vet and award grants to the nonprofits best equipped to tackle these important issues in Summit County. Funding for these key areas comes from board discretionary and field-of-interest funds, as well as donors who give specifically to the Community Fund.
Grant Cycles
Akron Community Foundation is committed to keeping the arts alive – and accessible – in Summit County. Our Arts & Culture funding supports a broad spectrum of artistic disciplines and cultural activities, including visual, musical and performing arts programs, as well as historical preservation and storytelling initiatives.
Learn more about our Arts & Culture cycle.
Akron Community Foundation believes all residents can find prosperity and success in the region with the right mix of funding and community involvement. Our Civic Affairs funding supports a wide range of initiatives, from job creation and economic development programs to neighborhood safety and beautification efforts.
Learn more about our Civic Affairs cycle.
Akron Community Foundation envisions a Summit County where all residents enjoy a healthy, vibrant life. We help vulnerable residents meet their basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter and safety from abuse. We also support organizations that are making systemic improvements to address complex issues like generational poverty and homelessness.
Learn more about our Health & Human Services cycle.
Akron Community Foundation partners with local schools, education leaders, nonprofit innovators, and community members to identify the best opportunities for investing in our children's future. Focusing on programs that align with Summit Education Initiative's Cradle to Career continuum, we award grants to programs that concentrate on key transition points in a student's education.
Learn more about our Education cycle.