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

December 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Systems Capacity: up to $50,000 (one-time); Systems Change: up to $150,000 (multi-year); up to $1 million total per cycle

Strategic grants for nonprofits addressing systemic issues in housing, mental health, and public safety in Summit County, Ohio.

This is a forecasted opportunity; all dates are projected and subject to change.

--- ## Description Akron Community Foundation's Proactive Grants program provides strategic funding to nonprofit organizations committed to addressing the root causes of critical community challenges in Summit County, Ohio. Unlike responsive grants, this initiative supports projects that use foresight, research, and collaboration to create lasting, systemic change. Current funding priorities include housing, mental health, and public safety, with a continued focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, the aging adult population, and addiction recovery. The program encourages collaborative, innovative approaches that demonstrate potential for significant, long-term community impact. --- ## Due Dates - December 2026 (anticipated/projection for full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Systems Capacity Grants:** Up to $50,000 per project (one-time grants; up to 5 awards per cycle) - **Systems Change Grants:** Up to $150,000 per project (multi-year grants over 2–3 years; up to 5 awards per cycle) - **Total Funding Available:** Up to $1 million per cycle Recent cycles have awarded between $40,000 and $400,000+ in total grants per year, with individual awards ranging from $15,000 to $150,000. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charitable organizations. - Must have a strong history of commitment to the Summit County community. - Projects must focus on impacting Summit County, Ohio. - Demonstrated commitment to equity, transparency, and community engagement is required. - Both individual organizations and collaborative partnerships are eligible. - Past and current grantees may apply. - Projects must align with at least one of the following priorities: housing, mental health, public safety, diversity/equity/inclusion, aging adults, or addiction recovery. **Not eligible:** - Endowments, scholarships, capital campaigns, or major capital improvements - Direct financial support to individuals or for lobbying - Religious organizations (for religious purposes) - Private non-operating foundations - Organizations operating less than one year or lacking local partnerships - School curriculum, disease-specific programs, or programs benefiting only students at parochial, charter, or private schools --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare Application:** - Review the application questions and eligibility. - Gather required documents: organization budget, project budget, staff/board list, financial audit. - Ensure your [Candid profile](https://candid.org/) and demographic data are up to date. - For collaborative projects: include a partnership agreement or MOU. - Fiscal sponsorships require a letter of support. 2. **Submit Application:** - Apply online through the [Akron CF grant portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/akroncf) when the cycle opens (typically one month before deadline). 3. **Review and Interview:** - Applications are reviewed by staff and committee. - Semi-finalists may be invited for interviews and further discussion. 4. **Award Notification:** - Decisions are typically communicated within 6–8 weeks of deadline. - Grant agreements and payment requests are processed through the online portal. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should address at least one of the following themes: trusted connections, youth engagement, affordable housing, or community stewardship. - Strong preference for proposals that demonstrate systems-level impact (capacity-building or systems change). - Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate meaningful collaboration with other organizations or stakeholders. - For more details, see the [2023 Community Needs Assessment](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/ACF_Community-Needs-Assessment_2023-Complete.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Proactive Grants – Akron Community Foundation](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/proactive-grants) - [How to Apply for a Grant](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/overview/applying-for-a-grant/) - [Community Needs Assessment (PDF)](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/ACF_Community-Needs-Assessment_2023-Complete.pdf) - [Director of Community Investment – Cristina González Alcalá, Ph.D.](https://www.akroncf.org/personnel/cristina-gonzalez-alcala/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |---------------------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------| | Cristina González Alcalá, Ph.D. | Director of Community Investment | cgonzalezalcala@akroncf.org | 330-436-5626 | | John Garofalo | Vice President, Community Investment | jgarofalo@akroncf.org | 330-436-5624 | | General Inquiries | — | [Contact Form](https://www.akroncf.org/contact/) | 330-376-8522 |

Proactive Grants

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