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

September 2026 (application opens) | October 2026 (full application deadline)

Recent cycle: 39 grants totaling $199,000; typical awards range from $1,000–$10,000; funds must be expended within two years.

Supports programs that inspire, empower, and uplift women and girls in Akron and Summit County, focusing on health, safety, and economic empowerment.

--- ## Description The Women's Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundation supports nonprofit programs that advance the well-being of women and girls in Akron and Summit County, Ohio. Since 1993, the fund has awarded nearly $2.7 million to local initiatives that address health and wellness, safety from violence, and economic empowerment. Grantmaking priorities are shaped by community input and biennial forums, ensuring support for projects with meaningful, measurable impact on women and girls. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026: Application opens (anticipated) - October 2026: Full application deadline (anticipated) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - In 2026, 39 grants totaling $199,000 were awarded. - Typical individual grant awards range from approximately $1,000 to $10,000. - Funds must be expended within two years of the grant award. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be nonprofit organizations (or use a fiscal sponsor) serving women and girls in Akron and Summit County, Ohio. - Projects must align with one or more of the fund’s focus areas: - Economic empowerment (entrepreneurship, workforce development, financial literacy, enabling mothers to work) - Safety from violence (domestic violence, sexual assault, prevention, coordinated response) - Health and wellness (mental health, reproductive health, access to care, nutrition, obesity prevention) - Fiscal sponsors are permitted; a letter of support is required if using a sponsor. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted through the Akron Community Foundation’s online system. - Applications open approximately 30 days before the deadline. - Required information includes: - Project description and objectives - Amount requested and program budget - Organization’s mission, budget, and funding sources - Evidence of effectiveness and need - Demographic details of the population served - Attachments: key staff/board list, financial audit (if available), fiscal sponsor letter (if applicable) - Grant distributions are typically made 6–8 weeks after the proposal due date. - Funds must be used within two years of award. For full application guidelines and sample questions, see the [application questions PDF](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/Womens-Endowment-Fund-Application-Questions.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Grantmaking is guided by biennial forums and community priorities. - Projects may cover capital, capacity-building, operating, or program/project support. - Applications that demonstrate collaboration and measurable outcomes are encouraged. - For a list of recent grantees and funded projects, visit the [recent grants page](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/affiliate-funds/womens-endowment-fund/grants/). --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Portal](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/affiliate-funds/womens-endowment-fund) - [Recent Grants Awarded](https://www.akroncf.org/grantmaking-initiatives/affiliate-funds/womens-endowment-fund/grants/) - [Application Questions (PDF)](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/Womens-Endowment-Fund-Application-Questions.pdf) - [Contact Page](https://www.akroncf.org/contact/) - [Akron Community Foundation Home](https://www.akroncf.org) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Phone | Email | More Info | |---------------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------|------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Debra Hoffman | Affiliate Fund Engagement Manager | 330-436-5614 | [Contact Form](https://www.akroncf.org/personnel/debra-hoffman/) | [Staff Profile](https://www.akroncf.org/personnel/debra-hoffman/) | | Kim Nott | Community Investment Staff | 330-436-5625 | [knott@akroncf.org](mailto:knott@akroncf.org) | | | General Inquiries | | 330-376-8522 | | [Contact Page](https://www.akroncf.org/contact/) |

Women's Endowment Fund

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