City of Akron Offers Sports and Wellness Grants For Youth Serving Organizations as a Violence Prevention Strategy

Akron, Ohio, May 14, 2025 - Today, Mayor Malik has opened up applications for the city's new sports and wellness grants. Interested youth-serving organizations must be a registered 501c3 entity and must serve Akron youth. Grants will range from $500 to $5,000 and can be used to help offset the cost of program fees, mental health services, coaches' training & certifications, and safety & equipment. Funding cannot be used for staffing. The city has committed $100,000 towards this program in an effort to provide more opportunities for young people and to combat youth violence. View the application here.

"We know that sports participation is a fantastic tool to address a range of larger challenges including public safety," said Mayor 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."

At a recent press conference, Mayor Malik announced the City of Akron is signing the Aspen Institute's Children's Bill of Rights in Sports which focuses on creating a shared community understanding that all youth should have the opportunity to develop as people through sports. He also said the city intends to partner with the Aspen Institute's Project Play and make a commitment to get at least 64% of young people playing sports by the end of the 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 now and must be submitted by May 31, 2025 at 11:59pm. Completed applications can be emailed to Youth Opportunity Strategist Denico Buckley-Knight at dbuckley-knight@akronohio.gov. Paper copies are available in the lobby at City Hall (166 S. High St.) and can be turned in to the security desk.