Vernon L. Odom Fund
Vernon L. Odom Fund supports nonprofits serving Greater Akron’s communities of color with grants for innovative programs that promote diversity, ethnic and racial harmony, and quality of life.
Funder: Akron Community Foundation
Due Dates: November 15, 2026 (Applications open) | December 15, 2026 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Small grants; 2026 awards ranged from $400 to $1,000, totaling $10,300 across 14 nonprofits
Summary: Supports innovative programs that promote diversity, ethnic and racial harmony, and quality of life within Greater Akron’s communities of color.
Key Information: Funding supports nonprofit organizations serving local communities of color in Greater Akron and Summit County.
Description
The Vernon L. Odom Fund is an affiliate fund of Akron Community Foundation that makes small grants to innovative programs promoting ethnic and racial harmony in Greater Akron. It supports work that advances diversity and enriches quality of life within local communities of color. Funded activities have included youth education and mentoring, cultural programming, recreation, family support, and reentry services.
Established in 1993, the fund carries forward the philosophy of Vernon L. Odom Sr., an Akron civil rights leader and president of the Akron Urban League for nearly 30 years. His work emphasized education, advocacy, mentoring, and opportunities for people of every race, ethnicity, and background. Past grants have supported communities ranging from Bhutanese refugees to Black youth.
