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

June 2026 (Special Grants & Initiatives application deadline, projected)

Varies by initiative; hundreds of thousands invested annually in proactive and capital grants; specific award sizes not published.

Targeted funding for nonprofits addressing critical community issues in Summit County through proactive, capital, and collaborative grant programs.

--- ## Description Akron Community Foundation’s Special Grants & Initiatives program provides area nonprofits with specialized funding opportunities aimed at addressing key community challenges. The program encompasses proactive grants for urgent issues such as housing, mental health, public safety, diversity, inclusion, aging, and addiction, as well as capital grants for facility improvements and essential equipment. Additional initiatives, including the Summit Health and Safety Innovation Fund and On the Table Greater Akron, foster collaborative solutions and community engagement to address pressing needs in Summit County. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026 (Special Grants & Initiatives application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Funding varies by initiative and availability. The foundation has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in proactive and capital grants. - Specific award sizes and durations are not published; funding is determined based on initiative priorities and community needs. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be nonprofit organizations, typically with 501(c)(3) status. - Projects must serve Summit County, Ohio residents and address issues such as: - Housing - Mental health - Public safety - Diversity and inclusion - Aging - Addiction - Capital needs (facility or equipment improvements) - Additional eligibility criteria may apply by initiative; review the [program page](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/special-initiatives) for details. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online through the Akron Community Foundation’s grants portal. - Review the [Special Grants & Initiatives page](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/special-initiatives) for current application materials, guidelines, and deadlines. - Proposals are evaluated by foundation staff and advisory committees based on alignment with community needs and initiative priorities. - Contact the foundation’s Director of Community Investment for guidance or questions. --- ## Additional Information - The foundation conducts community needs assessments to determine funding priorities. - Proactive and capital grants may have different application cycles and requirements. - Collaborative and innovation-focused initiatives, such as On the Table Greater Akron and the Summit Health and Safety Innovation Fund, may have separate guidelines or opportunities. --- ## External Links - [Akron Community Foundation – Special Grants & Initiatives program page](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/special-initiatives) - [Akron Community Foundation home page](https://www.akroncf.org) - [Contact page](https://www.akroncf.org/contact/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email / Phone | |-----------------------------|------------------------------------|--------------------------| | Cristina González Alcalá, Ph.D. | Director of Community Investment | [Contact Form](https://www.akroncf.org/personnel/cristina-gonzalez-alcala/) / 330-436-5626 | | Akron Community Foundation | Main Office | 330-376-8522 |

Special Grants & Initiatives

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