Special Grants & Initiatives

Geographic Scope: Summit County and Greater Akron area

Program Description: Strategic, one-time grants addressing specific community needs identified through foundation convenings and research. These grants support proactive community initiatives and coalitions addressing pressing issues.

Example Special Grant:

• Aging Services Initiative (2017): Up to $200,000 grant to Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities to create a coalition addressing the needs of Summit County's growing senior population. Grant funds support:

- Needs assessment coordination
- Centralized service access for aging adults
- Service coordination and intake processes
- Supporting "gap population" of aging adults with fixed incomes

Special Initiative Categories:

• Proactive Grants
• Capital Grants
• Summit Health and Safety Innovation Fund
• The Soul of Philanthropy
• Akron On the Table

Background: These grants reflect the foundation's strategic direction of proactively addressing community needs beyond traditional quarterly grant cycles. Grants are typically 1-3 years in duration.

Contact Information:

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

Application Process

Special grants are generally initiated by the foundation based on identified community needs and research. Organizations may be invited to apply or respond to requests for proposals (RFPs).

Nomination/Invitation-Based: Unlike competitive grants, special initiatives often identify lead organizations through community convenings and strategic planning processes.

Contact the foundation to inquire about current special grant opportunities.