Helping Kids Thrive: Millennium Fund for Children accepting grant proposals
The Millennium Fund for Children of Akron Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications from nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of local children. At a time when many youth-serving organizations are facing growing demand and limited resources, the fund provides grants of up to $2,000 to help support innovative programs and critical services that address children's educational, physical, emotional and social well-being.
For more than 25 years, the Millennium Fund for Children has empowered nonprofits across the region to respond to emerging needs and create meaningful opportunities for local children and families. Born from a community-wide effort to support the next generation, the fund has invested in grassroots programs throughout the Akron Beacon Journal/ Beaconjournal.com's coverage area, including Summit, Portage, Medina, Stark and Wayne counties. Guided by the belief that small grants can make a big difference, the fund supports organizations that help children learn, grow and thrive.
In 2025, the Millennium Fund for Children awarded 40 grants totaling $63,000 to nonprofit organizations supporting a wide range of programs, including hands-on STEM learning through Akron Sneaker Academy's "SOLE" Box program; adaptive recreation opportunities for youth with disabilities through Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio and Victory Gallop; food assistance for children facing hunger through OPEN M and Good Samaritan Hunger Center; and mentorship, educational and enrichment programs offered by organizations such as First Glance Student Center and Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio. Grants also helped expand access to arts and cultural experiences; provide resources for children experiencing homelessness, abuse or foster care; and support youth facing challenges related to trauma, illness and developmental disabilities. For a complete list of grants awarded last year, visit akroncf.org/MillenniumGrants.
Grant requests must be submitted online by Sept. 1. A link to the application is available at akroncf.org/ApplyMillennium. Questions about the online application process should be directed to Chris Miller, communications and community investment officer, at 330-436-5627 or [email protected].
Businesses can support local children by becoming a corporate sponsor of the Millennium Fund. Sponsorships are fully tax deductible and include special recognition in the fund's newsletter and press releases. To learn more about becoming a sponsor, contact Deb Hoffman at 330-436-5614 or [email protected]. Sponsorships must be received by Nov. 1 to be included in promotional materials.
About the Millennium Fund for Children
The Millennium Fund for Children is a permanent endowment that was founded in 1999 as a partnership between Akron Community Foundation and the Akron Beacon Journal. It supports arts, civic, education, and health and human services programs for children living in the Akron Beacon Journal/Beaconjournal.com's audience coverage area. Its mission is to make grants where even a small amount can make a difference. Since its establishment, the Millennium Fund has grown to more than $1.5 million and awarded more than $1.1 million in grants. Last year, nearly $60,000 in contributions from generous donors were added to the fund. For more information, or to contribute to the Millennium Fund for Children, visit akroncf.org/Millennium or call 330-376-8522.
About Akron Community Foundation
For 71 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 $280 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.