![Vernon L. Odom Fund logo](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/Odom-logo-web5.jpg)
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 nearly $235,000 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](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/KimHuff.jpg)
![Brant Lee: Professor of Law, The University of Akron](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/Brant-Lee_web.png)
![Teresa LeGrair: President & CEO, <br>Akron Urban League](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/TeresaLeGrair.jpg)
Akron Urban League
![Shaleeta Smith: Community Health Supervisor, Summit County Public Health](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/shaleeta-smith.jpg)
![Sonya Williams: Executive Director, Office of University Outreach and Engagement of the Provost, Kent State University](https://www.akroncf.org/wp-content/uploads/Sonya-Williams_web.png)
News & Events
News
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 [...]
Grants will support after-school mentoring programs, a new art exhibit and more On Friday, March 3, the Vernon L. Odom Fund of Akron Community Foundation awarded $10,000 in [...]