Green Community Fund accepting applications for 2026 grant cycle
The Green Community Fund of Akron Community Foundation is now accepting grant proposals from nonprofit organizations that enrich the Green community and improve residents' quality of life. A total of $25,000 will be available during the 2026 grant cycle – a $10,000 increase from the fund's first grant cycle.
In 2025, the Green Community Fund awarded eight grants totaling $15,000. Among the grant recipients was the Rayl Charitable Organization, which received a $1,500 grant to provide financial reimbursement to faculty who purchase food, clothing and supplies for students at Green Local Schools. "This funding will definitely help those students focus better in school," said Tara Dimengo Bryant, vice president of operational oversight for the Rayl Charitable Organization.
Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations may apply online until applications close on Jan. 15. A link to the application is available at akroncf.org/applyGCF.
A committee of Green Community Fund Advisory Board members, donors and community leaders will review the requests and make determinations. Grant decisions will be announced in March.
"This increase in funding wouldn't be possible without the generosity of our donors," said Jaclyn Beckwith, chair of the fund's Grant Committee. "As we continue to see growing needs in our community, we are committed to supporting the nonprofits serving Green for generations to come."
Questions about the application process should be directed to Brian Reitz, director of agency engagement and endowments, at 330-436-5628 or [email protected].
About Green Community Fund
Established during the city's 30th anniversary year in 2022, the Green Community Fund is a permanent endowment dedicated to strengthening the city by supporting meaningful civic and community initiatives. The fund is committed to serving as a catalyst for needed projects in the Green community, funding nonprofit organizations that serve local residents, and championing philanthropy throughout the community. Since its inception, the fund has grown to over $370,000 and awarded $15,000 in grants. For more information, or to contribute to the Green Community Fund, visit greencommunityfund.org.
About Akron Community Foundation
For 70 years, Akron Community Foundation has been our community's champion and generator of enduring philanthropy. In 1955, a $1 million bequest from the estate of Edwin Shaw established the community foundation. It is a philanthropic endowment of $340 million with a growing family of more than 900 funds established by charitable people and organizations from all walks of life. The community foundation and its funds welcome gifts of all kinds, including cash, bequests, stock, real estate, life insurance and retirement assets, just to name a few. To date, the community foundation's funds have awarded $267 million in grants to qualified nonprofit organizations. For more information about Akron Community Foundation or to learn more about creating your own charitable fund, call 330-376-8522 or visit akroncf.org.