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

December 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Impact grants typically start at $10,000; micro grants range from $1,000–$3,000; annual grant pool ~$80,000–$85,000

Supports Greater Akron LGBTQ+ community through grants and scholarships advancing safety, equity, and acceptance.

Open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for programs benefiting the LGBTQ+ community in Greater Akron.

--- ## Description The Gay Community Endowment Fund, established by the Akron Community Foundation, provides annual grants to nonprofit organizations supporting the Greater Akron LGBTQ+ community. The fund's mission is to advance the right for all LGBTQ+ individuals to live safely, openly, and authentically, fostering societal transformation toward equity and acceptance. Grants are awarded to projects that create safer environments, combat LGBTQ+ phobias, and support mental health and suicide prevention, as well as a broad range of community, educational, and arts initiatives benefiting LGBTQ+ individuals. --- ## Due Dates - December 2026: Full application deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Impact grants typically start at $10,000. - Micro grants range from $1,000 to $3,000. - In recent years, total funding awarded annually has ranged from $80,000 to $85,000, distributed among 10–18 grants. - Funds must generally be expended within two years of the award. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. - Projects must benefit the LGBTQ+ community in Greater Akron (Summit County and surrounding areas). - Fiscal sponsors are allowed for organizations without 501(c)(3) status (additional documentation required). - Preference for impact grants addressing: - Safer environments for LGBTQ+ youth - Combating LGBTQ+ phobias - Mental health and suicide prevention - Micro grants may support a wider range of programs, including arts, events, and operational needs. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via the [Akron Community Foundation grant portal](https://www.akroncf.org/ApplyGCEF). - The application opens approximately 30 days prior to the deadline. - Required materials include: - Project description and budget - List of key staff/board members - Anti-discrimination policy - Most recent financial audit (if available) - Fiscal sponsor letter (if applicable) - Site visits or interviews may be requested during review. - Grant decisions are typically announced in March following the application deadline. - For micro grants, see [sample application questions (PDF)](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/Gay-Community-Endowment-Fund-Micro-Grant-Application-Questions.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - The fund has invested over $1 million in the local LGBTQ+ community since 2001. - A separate [GCEF Scholarship Fund](https://www.akroncf.org/students/) supports LGBTQ+ and allied students in Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Wayne counties. - Past grants have supported housing stability, mental health, HIV prevention, youth leadership, community events, and digital archives of LGBTQ+ history. --- ## External Links - [Gay Community Endowment Fund Overview](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/affiliate-funds/gay-community-endowment-fund) - [Recent and Past Grant Recipients](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/affiliate-funds/gay-community-endowment-fund/grant-history/) - [Grant Application Portal](https://www.akroncf.org/ApplyGCEF) - [Micro Grant Application Questions (PDF)](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/Gay-Community-Endowment-Fund-Micro-Grant-Application-Questions.pdf) - [Contact Page](https://www.akroncf.org/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------| | Cristina González Alcalá, Ph.D., Director of Community Investment | cgonzalezalcala@akroncf.org | 330-376-8522 | | Kim Nott, Community Investment Staff (Micro Grants) | knott@akroncf.org | 330-436-5625 | | Debra Hoffman, Affiliate Fund Engagement Manager | [Contact Form](https://www.akroncf.org/personnel/debra-hoffman/) | 330-436-5614 |

Gay Community Endowment Fund

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