Akron Community Foundation announced nearly $4.5 million in quarterly grants and distributions, benefiting hundreds of nonprofits in our community and beyond. Grants approved this quarter include:

Civic Affairs grants totaling nearly $600,000

Grants included in this round of funding will support programs that advance the economic growth and civic engagement of area residents, including urban beautification, rehabilitation, home repairs and more. A grant to Akron 200 Inc., the newly formed organization planning Akron's bicentennial celebration in 2025, will support yearlong programming, including concerts, theater performances, a bike-a-thon and more. Learn more.

Capital grants totaling $330,000

Every other year, the foundation offers capital grants to nonprofits that need funding to renovate or repair buildings or property, or to purchase equipment essential to the organization's ability to deliver quality programming. Among the organizations receiving a grant this year is Summit Artspace, which will receive $22,500 to help renovate artist gallery spaces, along with improvements in HVAC, lighting, electrical systems and safety access. Learn more.

$1 million available for proactive grantmaking

Akron Community Foundation announced the availability of $1 million in funds over the next two years for our latest proactive grantmaking priorities. Applications will open Nov. 1, 2024, for project ideas that will make a significant impact in Summit County in the areas of Housing, Mental Health and Public Safety. These funding priorities were identified based on feedback that was received from the community through focus groups and an appreciative inquiry summit held in June. Learn more.

During her State of the County speech on Oct. 2, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro announced that a resolution has been presented to council to approve the transfer of $45 million from its opioid litigation settlement funds. This approval would result in the creation of a supporting organization at Akron Community Foundation, the first of its kind in the community foundation's history.

The end of the year is one of the busiest times for giving, but gifts of cash are not always your best option. Ensure your giving is advantageous for you and the causes you care about by checking out our Year-End Giving Guide and bringing it along on your next meeting with your advisors.

Thank you to the more than 450 attendees who joined us for our Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award event. If you weren't able to join us, make sure to check out our upcoming issue of Foundations Magazine to learn more about Father Norm Douglas and his decades of inspiring work.

Akron Community Foundation recently welcomed nine new charitable funds to our growing family, including a designated fund established to support The Soul of Philanthropy, a national touring artistic exhibit showcasing stories of Black philanthropy, which will be on display at the Akron Art Museum from Nov. 15, 2025, through Feb. 14, 2026.