[Akron Community Foundation](https://www.akroncf.org)

July 1, 2026 (Civic Affairs) | October 1, 2026 (Health & Human Services) | December 15, 2026 (Education) | April 1, 2027 (Arts & Culture)

Typical grants range from $2,500 to $25,000; total annual funding is approximately $3 million across all cycles.

Quarterly grants supporting nonprofits in Summit County to address systemic needs in arts, civic affairs, health, and education.

--- ## Description Akron Community Foundation's Community Fund Grants program provides quarterly funding to nonprofit organizations addressing critical community needs in Summit County, Ohio. The program targets four main areas: Arts & Culture, Civic Affairs, Health & Human Services, and Education. Grants are designed to create lasting, systemic change by supporting initiatives that address the root causes of pressing issues, rather than just immediate needs. Funding is sourced from discretionary, field-of-interest, and donor contributions. --- ## Due Dates - July 1, 2026: Civic Affairs cycle application deadline (applications accepted June 1 – July 1 annually) - October 1, 2026: Health & Human Services cycle application deadline (applications accepted Sept. 1 – Oct. 1 annually) - December 15, 2026: Education cycle application deadline (applications accepted Nov. 15 – Dec. 15 annually) - April 1, 2027: Arts & Culture cycle application deadline (applications accepted March 1 – April 1 annually) All grant cycles recur annually; applications open one month prior to each deadline. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant awards: $2,500 to $25,000 per project - Total annual funding: Approximately $3 million is distributed across all Community Fund grant cycles - Grants are generally for a one-year period; grantees have up to two years to request and use awarded funds --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations - Programs must serve residents of Summit County, Ohio - Only one Community Fund grant per organization per year (choose the most relevant cycle for your program) - Programs must align with one of the four focus areas: Arts & Culture, Civic Affairs, Health & Human Services, or Education - Fiscal sponsorship is permitted with required documentation --- ## Application Process - Review [funding guidelines](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/ACF-Funding-Guidelines.pdf) and choose the most relevant grant cycle - Applications are submitted online via the [Akron Community Foundation application portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/akroncf) - Register your organization (EIN required) if not already registered - Prepare responses using the cycle-specific [application questions](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/overview/competitive-grants/) - Submit your application during the open window (one month prior to deadline) - Notification of funding decisions is typically sent 6–8 weeks after the deadline - If awarded, sign agreement and request funds via the portal; complete required [progress reports](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/Progess-Report-Questions.pdf) upon project completion --- ## Additional Information - More information about each cycle: - [Arts & Culture](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/arts-and-culture/) - [Civic Affairs](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/civic-affairs/) - [Health & Human Services](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/health-human-services/) - [Education](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/education/) - Only one Community Fund grant application per organization per year - Programs should demonstrate community impact and address systemic issues --- ## External Links - [Community Fund Grants Program Page](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/community-fund-grants) - [Competitive Grants Overview](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/overview/competitive-grants/) - [Application Portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/akroncf) - [How to Apply for a Grant](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/overview/applying-for-a-grant/) - [Funding Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/ACF-Funding-Guidelines.pdf) - [Application Tips (PDF)](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/Grant-Application-Tips.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |------------------------------|-------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Cristina González Alcalá, Ph.D. | Director of Community Investment | [cgonzalezalcala@akroncf.org](mailto:cgonzalezalcala@akroncf.org) | 330-436-5626 | | Brian Reitz | Vice President, Community Investment| [breitz@akroncf.org](mailto:breitz@akroncf.org) | 330-436-5628 | | General Inquiries | | [Contact Form](https://www.akroncf.org/contact/) | 330-376-8522 |

Community Fund Grants

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