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Akron Community Foundation

Annual Giving
$16.7M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.0M
Decision Time
3mo

Akron Community Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $16.7 million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Quarterly review cycles
  • Grant Range: $2,000 - $25,000
  • Geographic Focus: Summit County, Ohio

Contact Details

  • Website: www.akroncf.org
  • Phone: 330-376-8522
  • Address: 345 West Cedar Street, Akron, OH 44307
  • Email: Not publicly listed (contact through website or phone)

Overview

The Akron Community Foundation is a major community foundation serving Summit County, Ohio, with over $340 million in charitable assets and more than 900 charitable funds. Established as a community-focused philanthropic organization, the foundation has distributed over $267 million in total grants throughout its history. In fiscal year 2025, the foundation awarded $16.7 million through 2,317 grants to 783 nonprofits. The foundation operates with a commitment to community empowerment, supporting a diverse range of causes through competitive grants, donor-directed funds, and proactive initiatives that address critical regional needs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Arts & Culture Grants: Variable amounts (Application: March 1 - April 1)
  • Civic Affairs Grants: Variable amounts (Application: June 1 - July 1)
  • Health & Human Services Grants: Variable amounts (Application: Sept. 1 - Oct. 1)
  • Education Grants: Variable amounts (Application: Nov. 15 - Dec. 15)
  • Capital Grants: $2,500 - $25,000 (Application: May 1 - June 1)
  • Millennium Fund for Children: Up to $2,000 (Rolling basis)
  • Summit County Opioid Healing Fund: Up to $25,000 (Specific deadlines)
  • Green Community Fund: Variable amounts (Application: Dec. 15 - Jan. 15)

Priority Areas

  • Arts & Culture programming and accessibility
  • Civic Affairs and community development
  • Health & Human Services, including mental health
  • Education initiatives across all levels
  • Housing and homelessness solutions
  • Public safety improvements
  • Environmental stewardship
  • Support for marginalized populations
  • Food security initiatives
  • LGBTQ+ support programs
  • Cemetery preservation

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions not publicly documented, but grants are restricted to 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Summit County residents.

Governance and Leadership

President and CEO: John F. Garofalo

The foundation maintains a board of directors drawn from the local community. Board members include civic leaders and philanthropists, such as Cheryl Venarge, who previously served on the board and is recognized for her philanthropic work in the community. The foundation emphasizes local leadership and deep community connections in its governance structure.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  • Online application through GoApply platform
  • First-time applicants must contact foundation staff before applying
  • Applications accepted during specific windows for each grant category
  • Quarterly grantmaking processes for different focus areas
  • Annual and semiannual grant programs available

Decision Timeline

  • Quarterly review cycles aligned with grant categories
  • Specific timelines vary by grant type but generally follow quarterly board meetings
  • Notification methods not specified but likely via email/portal

Success Rates

Not publicly available. In FY2025, the foundation awarded 2,317 grants to 783 nonprofits from its various funding sources.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly documented. Organizations are encouraged to contact foundation staff for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding patterns and priorities:

  • Demonstrate clear Summit County impact: Focus on how your program specifically benefits Summit County residents
  • Align with quarterly focus areas: Apply during the appropriate funding window for your sector
  • Contact staff before first application: The foundation requires first-time applicants to reach out for guidance
  • Show collaborative approach: The foundation values programs that work across sectors and populations
  • Address emerging community needs: Recent focus on opioid recovery, food security, and marginalized populations shows responsiveness to current issues
  • Provide measurable outcomes: With significant annual giving, the foundation likely values clear metrics and impact measurement

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Quarterly application windows are strict: Plan ahead to meet the specific deadlines for your focus area
  • First-time applicants must make contact: Don't submit cold - reach out to staff first for guidance
  • Local focus is essential: All programs must directly benefit Summit County residents
  • Multiple funding opportunities exist: Beyond competitive grants, explore special initiatives and affiliate funds
  • Capital needs are considered: Separate capital grant program available for infrastructure and equipment
  • Foundation takes a proactive approach: May identify and approach organizations for specific community needs
  • Scale varies widely: From $2,000 children's grants to larger health and human services awards

References

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