The Women’s Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation announced its latest round of grants Friday, Feb. 18, awarding $51,500 to local nonprofit organizations serving women and girls.

Among this year’s funding priorities were health and wellness, two areas of need identified during the fund’s community forum last September. The fund also maintained its focus on improving safety and economic empowerment among local women and girls.

The Vernon L. Odom Fund of Akron Community Foundation is celebrating $100,000 in grants to organizations that improve the quality of life for minorities in Summit County. The fund recently awarded $9,000 in grants to 10 Akron-area nonprofits, bringing its cumulative grant-making total to $106,587.

Three years ago, Akron Community Foundation prioritized its education grants to fund programs that prepare children to succeed in kindergarten.   
Since then, a steering committee led by Summit County Executive Russ Pry has combined efforts with many of Akron Community Foundation’s early learning grantees to develop the First Things First initiative.

On Dec. 22, hundreds of people stood waiting in line for food at four local churches. They came hoping to get just enough food for Christmas, but they left carrying much more: whole 12-pound turkeys.

“The look on their faces, realizing they were getting these turkeys, was just amazing,” said Mary Coppenger, food cupboard coordinator at Arlington Memorial Baptist Church. “You have no idea how much they were appreciated.”