Vernon L. Odom Fund
The Vernon L. Odom Fund provides small grants for innovative programs that promote racial harmony and enrich communities of color in Greater Akron through education, arts, advocacy, and youth initiatives.
Funder: Akron Community Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (application opens) | December 2026 (full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Typically $400–$1,000 per grant; recent annual total ~$10,000–$11,500 distributed among 10–16 grantees.
Summary: Supports programs that promote diversity and improve quality of life for communities of color in Greater Akron.
Description
The Vernon L. Odom Fund, administered by the Akron Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Vernon Odom, a prominent Akron civil rights leader. The fund provides small grants to innovative nonprofit programs that promote ethnic and racial harmony and enrich the lives of communities of color in Greater Akron. Since its founding in 1993, the fund has supported a wide range of initiatives, including education, advocacy, mentoring, arts, youth development, and community engagement.
