Proactive Grants

Can I apply for other ACF grants if I receive a Proactive Grant? Yes, you will be eligible to apply for other ACF grants. Neither applying nor receiving a Proactive Grant award will disqualify your organization from pursuing other ACF grants. 

What is the purpose of the Proactive Grantmaking initiative? The initiative aims to address critical community needs in Summit County through innovative and sustainable projects that foster community prosperity. It focuses on both immediate and long-term solutions. 

What are the funding priorities? Funding will support projects that make a significant impact in the areas of housing, mental health, and public safety, with an overarching focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, the aging adult population, and addiction recovery. 

How much funding is available? Up to $1 million is available to support projects over the first two to three years of this initiative. Up to five (5) projects will receive a Systems Capacity grant (up to $50,000 to each grantee), and up to five (5) projects will receive a Systems Change grant (up to $150,000 to each grantee). Systems Change grants will be distributed over two to three years, and grantees will be asked to complete a brief application to receive funds for year two or three as applicable.  

If I don't apply for a Proactive grant this year, can I apply in 2025? No. Organizations interested in receiving this Proactive funding cycle should apply this year. Funding will be distributed between 2025 and 2027 based on Project Outcome (Systems Capacity or Systems Change). ACF will keep the community updated on future Proactive Grantmaking funds.

What are the key deadlines? 

• Applications Open: November 1, 2024 
• Application Deadline: December 1, 2024 
• Semi-finalists Notified: January 15, 2025 
• Semi-finalists Interviews: January 29, 2025  
• Finalists and Grant Awards Announced: March 7, 2025 

Who is eligible to apply? Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charitable organizations with a strong history of commitment to the Summit County community. Projects must focus on impacting Summit County and align with the initiative's priorities. 

Are there any restrictions on what will not be funded? Yes, the initiative will not fund endowments, scholarships, capital campaigns, direct financial support to individuals, lobbying, religious organizations for religious purposes, or private non-operating foundations. 

How do I submit my application? Applications must be submitted through ACF's online portal.  

Can I submit multiple applications? No, you may submit one application, either for a Systems Capacity grant or for a Systems Change grant. However, organizations may be identified as partners or collaborators for multiple projects.  

How will my application be evaluated? Members of a grants committee will review all eligible applications. Applications will be evaluated based on their alignment with funding priorities, the potential for significant community transformation, and the strength of partnerships and collaborations. 

I am applying for a Systems Change application. How can I distinguish the total grant amount I would like to request from ACF for the project from the total amount I need in the first year? All Systems Change grant applicants will be asked to provide both amounts in the application. Please include your total amount requested (up to $150,000) under the "System Change Project Request" question, then use the "Amount Requested" question to include the amount you will need for the first year of your project. Please note that all Systems Change requests will be paid over two to three years. Organizations cannot request the full $150,000 to be distributed in the first year of their project.  

My organization does not have a Candid profile, how do I create one? Creating or claiming your Candid profile is free. Please visit this link to learn how.  

I am completing the Organizational Demographics section in Candid. What information are you looking for? Please gather and report demographic data for your senior staff and board members in the areas of race & ethnicity, gender identity, transgender identity, sexual orientation, and disability status. This information should be uploaded through Demographics Via Candid. We recommend reviewing Candid’s article, "How to Collect and Share Demographic Data," for best practices and tips on survey design. While we understand that some individuals may choose not to disclose certain information, we encourage you to ask these questions to ensure a comprehensive understanding of your organization's diversity. 

• All senior staff information should be collected and uploaded by the time you submit your application (Dec. 1, 2024). 
• Board member information should be collected and uploaded by Jan. 29, 2025. 

Will requests for equipment/technology be considered for funding? It depends. Equipment requests will be considered if they are integral to advancing Systems Capacity or Systems Change within your organization or proposal. Requests solely for upgrading equipment to enhance current services for constituents may not move forward in the process. For technology needs to be eligible, they should demonstrate a transformational impact, rather than an enhancement that could be covered through future an organization's own operating support if available. 

How will grant awards be distributed? Systems Capacity grantees will receive the funding in one payment; Systems Change grantees will receive the funding in two to three payments. All grantees will be asked to complete a Grant Agreement and Payment Request forms online before checks can be mailed.  

Community Needs Assessment  

Application Questions  

Appreciative Inquiry Summit Report   

Demographics via Candid  

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Systems Change Capacity article   

Measuring Program Outcomes: A Practical Approach   

A Guide to Developing an Outcome Logic Model and Measurement Plan

John Garofalo, Vice President, Community Investment: 330-436-5624 or jgarofalo@akroncf.org 

Cristina González Alcalá, Ph.D., Director of Community Investment: 330-436-5626 or cgonzalezalcala@akroncf.org 

In 2024, Akron Community Foundation awarded $52,000 in proactive grants to the following organization:

• Downtown Akron Partnership, to develop an equitable framework for bringing new business and residency to the city's core, $52,000

In 2023, Akron Community Foundation awarded $40,000 in proactive grants to the following organizations:

• Akron Police Department, to support a comprehensive health and wellness program to provide sworn officers and other personnel with mental, emotional and physical wellness information and services, $15,000
• Humane Society of Summit County, to pair aging adults with local pets needing adoption, $25,000

In 2022, Akron Community Foundation awarded $137,500 in proactive grants to the following organizations:

• ArtsNow, for implementation of the Cultural Plan, including awarding funds to local nonprofits for their equity, inclusion and access projects and programs, $75,000
• Black Economic and Wellness Coalition of Akron, to support infrastructure development and its housing initiative, $25,000
• Summit Education Initiative, to support the design and launch of a comprehensive out-of-school time (OST) network in Akron, $37,500

In 2021, Akron Community Foundation awarded $75,000 in proactive grants to the following organizations:

• Autism Society of Greater Akron, to support the development of an Autism Friendly Community program for health care partners, $25,000
• International Institute of Akron, to support the Afghan Placement and Assistance Program, $50,000

In 2020, Akron Community Foundation awarded $150,000 in proactive grants to the following organizations:

• Akron Urban League, to increase the organization's capacity to lead social justice efforts through the addition of a director of diversity and strategic initiatives, $100,000 (awarded over three years)
• ConxusNEO, to fully convert its training program to a virtual platform and provide innovative community outreach strategies to connect Black residents in Summit County to career opportunities and job preparation resources, $50,000 (awarded over three years)

In 2019, Akron Community Foundation awarded $225,000 in proactive grants to the following organizations:

• Direction Home Akron Canton, to help make Summit County a more livable and accessible community for people of all ages over the next five years, $100,000 (awarded over three years)
• Greater Akron Chamber, to support the Elevate Greater Akron initiative, which aims to create an inclusive economy in Greater Akron by intentionally advancing income and employment to address long-term equity gaps, $100,000 (awarded over three years)
• Women's Network, to improve on the key findings from its Gender Equity & Women's Leadership Study, a comprehensive local examination of women in leadership roles, which found that compared to the national average, local women – particularly women of color – are underrepresented in leadership, $25,000