The Women’s Endowment Fund, part of the Akron Community Foundation, is now accepting grant proposals for its 2024 cycle. The fund aims to support programs that enrich the lives of women and girls in Summit County, Ohio, by focusing on key areas of economic empowerment, safety from violence, and health and wellness. The application deadline is November 1, 2024, and eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations can apply through an online portal at akroncf.org/applyWEF. The fund has a long-standing commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls in the region, having awarded nearly $2.3 million in grants since its inception.

The focus areas for this funding opportunity include economic empowerment programs, such as those that support entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and access to quality jobs and affordable childcare. Programs that address safety from violence are also a priority, including initiatives that raise awareness of violence against women, work to prevent its occurrence, and establish coordinated responses. Health and wellness projects, particularly those that promote healthy lifestyles, support reproductive health, or help women and girls address mental health issues, are similarly encouraged to apply. The fund supports programs that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of women and girls in the local community.

To be eligible, applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in or serving Summit County, Ohio. The fund gives preference to projects that collaborate with other agencies and pursue matching funds. It also encourages programs that demonstrate a measurable impact on the community. While general operating expenses, trips, and office equipment are typically not funded unless they are program-related, the fund seeks to invest in projects that directly align with its mission of promoting the advancement of women and girls. Grants may not be used for endowments, scholarships, or religious organizations for religious purposes.

A committee of advisory board members, donors, and community leaders will review applications. As part of the selection process, applicants may be asked to participate in an interview or site visit. Grants will be announced in March 2025. In its most recent grant cycle, the fund awarded a record-breaking $203,000 to 34 nonprofit organizations, including programs providing shelter to homeless women and children, support for trauma-informed job training, and mentorship and career-readiness initiatives for young women.

The Women’s Endowment Fund was established in 1993 as a permanent endowment dedicated to advancing opportunities for women and girls in Summit County. With nearly $5 million in assets, the fund is a growing resource for nonprofit organizations working to make a positive difference in the lives of women and girls in the region. Contributions to the fund are welcome, and more information is available by contacting the Akron Community Foundation.