AKRON, Ohio — Akron opened applications for new sports and wellness grants for youth-serving organizations.

The organizations must be a registered 501c3 entity and serve Akron youth. Akron has committed $100,000 toward the program to provide more opportunities for youth and combat youth violence.

What You Need To Know

  • Akron is accepting applications for grants targetting youth-serving organizations

  • Grants will range from $500 to $5,000

  • The city is also signing the Aspen Institute’s Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports to open sports opportunities for children

  • Applications are due by May 31

The grants will range from $500 to $5,000 and can be used toward program fees, mental health services, coaches’ training, certifications and safety and equipment.

The funds cannot go toward staffing.

“We know that sports participation is a fantastic tool to address a range of larger challenges, including public safety,” said Mayor Shammas Malik. “Giving our youth an opportunity to work as a team, learn new skills, develop coping strategies, and see the impact of their hard work and determination can help as a springboard to safe, healthy lives. We’re excited for these grants help support our local organizations to empower more young people to get involved and stay active.”

Malik recently said the city is signing the Aspen Institute’s Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports, which is focused on creating an understanding that youth should have the opportunity to develop through sports. The city will partner with the Aspen Institute’s Project Play and aim to get at least 64% of young people playing sports within the next decade.

“Akron has such an incredible legacy around sports and athletics,” said Youth Opportunity Strategist Denico Buckley-Knight. “That legacy is so important as we work to build up a sports and wellness ecosystem that empowers our youth to lead healthy lifestyles. Other cities have seen the benefits of an increased focus on sports including obesity prevention, cancer risk reduction, gender equity, the social inclusion of people with disabilities and so much more. We’re excited to see the benefits Akron will get from this effort.”   

Applications are open until May 31 by 11:59 p.m. The application can be viewed here. Once completed, online applications can be emailed to dbuckley-knight@akronohio.gov.

Physical copes can be picked up from City Hall on the second floor, Suite 200, and returned to the same location.