People of every race, ethnicity and background deserve the opportunity to achieve their goals. That was the philosophy of Vernon Odom, one of Akron's most recognized civil rights leaders.
As president of the Akron Urban League for nearly 30 years, Odom spent much of his career improving the lives of people of color through education, advocacy and mentoring.
Today, his legacy lives on through the Vernon L. Odom Fund of Akron Community Foundation. The fund accepts grant applications for programs that promote diversity and enrich the quality of life within local communities of color.
Since its founding in 1993, the fund has awarded more than $245,000 in grants to programs that empower everyone from Bhutanese refugees to Black youth.
Our Recent Grants
By the Numbers
Committee
Committee members serve without pay to help the fund enrich the quality of life within local communities of color.
Kim Huff
Community Relations Representative, Synthomer Foundation
Brant Lee
Professor of Law, The University of Akron
Teresa LeGrair
President & CEO, Akron Urban League
Shaleeta Washington
Director of Family Health, Summit County Public Health
Sonya Williams
Executive Director, Office of University Outreach and Engagement of the Provost, Kent State University
News & Events
News
Two grants will support reentry services for justice-involved individuals On Friday, March 7, the Vernon L. Odom Fund of Akron Community Foundation awarded $11,400 in grants [...]
Grants will support programs empowering children and families in Summit County On Friday, March 1, the Vernon L. Odom Fund of Akron Community Foundation awarded $10,500 in [...]