Competitive Grants

Geographic Scope: Summit County, Ohio and Greater Akron area

Focus Areas:

• Arts & Culture
• Civic Affairs
• Health & Human Services
• Education and early learning
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Social justice initiatives

Background: Akron Community Foundation awards quarterly competitive grants to qualified nonprofit organizations. The foundation has approved billions in grants over its 70+ year history, with approximately $4.8 million awarded in a single quarter (March 2021). The foundation's endowment is nearly $265 million with over 700 funds.

Contact Information:

• Phone: 330-376-8522
• Address: 345 West Cedar Street, Akron, OH 44307
• Website: akroncf.org

Grant Examples (from Q1 2021 cycle):
Education and early learning grants ranged from $2,500 to $96,000, including funding for:

• Literacy programs
• STEM education
• After-school and mentoring programs
• Early childhood education
• College preparatory programs
• Youth enrichment initiatives

Application Process

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for quarterly grant cycles. Specific application instructions and deadlines are available on the foundation's website under "Apply for a Grant."

Required Materials:
Detailed requirements are available through the foundation's online application portal.

Co-Investment Program:
Donor-advised fund holders may participate in a co-investment program, reviewing board competitive grant applications and supporting initiatives aligned with their charitable interests.