Funds
Akron Community Foundation's Family of Funds was created to meet the needs of Summit County's diverse population. The funds address specific groups in the community, including women, GLBT individuals, children and minorities.
The Women's Endowment Fund was established in 1993 and is committed to supporting the needs of local women and girls. In the past, the fund has supported organizations such as the International Institute of Akron, the Battered Women's Shelter, and the Victim Assistance Program. Through WEF grants, local women have been able to learn English, escape abusive relationships, learn to manage their personal finances, and much more.
The Gay Community Endowment Fund is dedicated to helping local organizations and programs that support Summit County's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender population. Established in 2001, the fund embraces diversity in the community and encourages philanthropists to make a difference in the lives of GLBT individuals. Recently, the fund has made grants to the Rape Crisis Center, Akron Area Pride Collective, and the Akron AIDS Collaborative.
The Millennium Fund for Children was established in 1999 by Akron Community Foundation and the Akron Beacon Journal. Every year, donors give at least one hour of their pay to the fund to help support children-related projects. Nonprofit organizations that contribute to the arts, education and health of area children receive top consideration. In 2008, the fund supported programs such as the Summit Special Olympic Athletic Club, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Here's Hope Horse Farm, and Mobile Meals.
The Vernon L. Odom Fund was created to support Summit County's minority population. Named after prominent community leader Vernon L. Odom, the fund gives grants to organizations that fulfill Odom's mission of improving racial harmony and enriching the lives of local minorities. Recently, the fund has supported the Inner-City Soccer Team, the Youth Excellence Performance Arts Workshop, and the Butch Reynolds Care for Kids Foundation.
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