Proactive Grants

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