Fall 2026 — Issue 43

Akron Community Foundation awards $4.4 million in quarterly grants

Akron Community Foundation announced quarterly grants and distributions totaling $4.4 million. Grants approved this quarter include:


Civic Affairs grants totaling $650,000

Akron Community Foundation recently approved $650,000 in civic affairs grants to 61 nonprofits across Summit County. One of four major grant cycles supported by the foundation’s board discretionary Community Fund each year, civic affairs grants help strengthen neighborhoods, develop leaders and create opportunities for residents to connect with and contribute to their community. Among the organizations receiving funding this quarter is the International Soap Box Derby, which received a $15,000 grant to support racing programs and hands-on STEM learning opportunities that help students build skills and confidence as future leaders. Other grants will support affordable homeownership, community gardens, neighborhood parks, local journalism and programs that help individuals successfully reenter the community. Learn more.


Capital grants totaling $355,000

Akron Community Foundation also recently approved $355,000 in capital grants to 34 nonprofits across Summit County. Awarded every other year, capital grants help nonprofits fund building renovations, property improvements and essential equipment purchases that enhance their ability to deliver quality programs and services. Among the projects receiving funding is The Trust for Public Land’s community schoolyard initiative at Jennings CLC, which will transform an underutilized space into a vibrant gathering place featuring a soccer field, walking trail, student artwork and outdoor spaces designed with input from students. Learn more.

 
 

Our annual Year-End Giving Guide is available now

New tax incentives for giving back in 2026

Your year-end giving can make a lasting difference in our community – and a new tax benefit may help you give more. Beginning in 2026, donors who don’t itemize can deduct up to $1,000 in qualifying cash gifts to eligible charities, or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly. Gifts to donor-advised funds do not qualify for this new deduction.


Akron Community Foundation’s 2026 Year-End Giving Guide explores this new opportunity, as well as other tax-smart giving strategies and ways to make philanthropy a family tradition. Explore the guide to make the most of your generosity before Dec. 31.


Looking for more information or guidance? Contact Laura Lederer, vice president and chief development officer, at 330-436-5611 or llederer@akroncf.org.

 
 




Nonprofit Spotlight:

First Glance



For more than 25 years, First Glance has been a trusted presence in Akron’s Kenmore neighborhood, providing a safe and welcoming space for teens, young moms and families facing challenges such as homelessness, instability and isolation. An Akron Community Foundation grantee, First Glance serves approximately 500 individuals each year through 10 programs ranging from after-school enrichment and family support to summer camps and youth activities. "Everything we do is rooted in showing up, listening well and helping young people know they matter," said Executive Director Jessica Swiger.

 

Black Giving Collective Fund reaches $500K goal

At its inaugural annual meeting on Aug. 28, the Black Giving Collective Fund’s board announced that the fund had reached $500,000 in assets – the goal set before launching its first grantmaking cycle. Grant applications are expected to open in the first quarter of 2027. Congratulations and thank you to everyone whose generosity and hard work helped make this milestone possible!

 

ACF welcomes eight new funds

Akron Community Foundation recently welcomed eight new charitable funds to our growing family, including an agency endowment fund established by Tyler's Redemption Place. The fund will support the nonprofit's mission of bringing hope to those affected by the drug and alcohol epidemics through education and awareness, providing support to families, and helping to foster a healthy recovery community.

 
 

In Other News

See other recent updates and informative articles from Akron Community Foundation and our affiliate funds this past quarter:



 
 
 

Upcoming Events


 

Upcoming Grant Deadlines


 
 

Additional Resources

 
 

Visit Our Affiliate Funds

 
 

Contact Us


Akron Community Foundation 

345 W. Cedar St., Akron, OH 44307


Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

Phone: 330-376-8522 

Fax: 330-376-0202

 
 

akroncf.org

 
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