City of Akron Announces Grant Recipients for Sports and Wellness Grants to Combat Youth Violence

Akron, Ohio, July 16, 2025  — Today, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik announced the 49 youth-serving local organizations who will receive funding through the city’s newly established sports and wellness grants program. The city, in collaboration with Akron City Council, has committed $100,000 towards this program in an effort to provide more opportunities for young people and to prevent youth violence. Grants have been separated into 4 categories: After School Programs, Mentorship or Life Skills Programs, Street Outreach and Community Norm Change Efforts Programs, and Violence Intervention & Prevention Programs. In each category, one organization was awarded $5,000, while the others received either $2,000 or $1,500.

“Providing more opportunities for our young people is a critical tool in addressing youth violence,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “These 49 organizations are already doing the work of helping support Akron’s youth and this funding will uplift their efforts. We hope to see an increase in kids participating in sports, mentorship, after school programming and more through this grant program. Addressing violence in our community requires a multi-pronged approach, and in addition to these grants, we are also working closely with our Akron Police Department, state agencies, and our community partners on a variety of initiatives aimed at curbing gun violence here in Akron.”

In total, the city received 71 applications for this program. Interested organizations were required to be a registered 501c3 and serve Akron youth. The 49 grant recipients will be able to use this funding to help offset the cost of program fees, mental health services, coaches’ training & certifications, and safety & equipment. Funding cannot be used for staffing. 

After School Program

Akron Inner City Soccer Club: $5,000 

Akron Promise: $2,000

Buchtel Youth Wrestling: $2,000

Gooden Faith Community Center: $2,000

Patterson Park Football & Cheer: $2,000

Students With A Goal: $2,000

Trust Drum Circles: $2,000

West Akron Little League: $2,000

Ellet High School Boosters Club: $1,500

Akron Multi-Culture Community: $1,500

Greater Akron Hindu Sewa Samittee, Inc: $1,500

Activities Together Club: $1,500

After School Funding Total: $25,000

Mentorship or Life Skills Program

Ladies First Akron, Inc: $5,000

Akron Armor Football Club: $2,000

Always Climbing Project: $2,000

Developing Student Athletes: $2,000

West Akron Baseball League: $2,000

West Griffins Football & Cheer: $2,000

Firestone Akron Swim Team: $1,500

Saving our Youth: $1,500

NightLyfe Ent: $1,500 

The Way Church of Akron: $1,500

Synthesis Sports Academy: $1,500

Village Keepers of Ohio: $1,500

Mentorship or Life Skills Total: $24,000

Street Outreach & Community Norm Change Efforts 

GoalGetta Academy: $5,000

Akron Bengals Football: $2,000

Akron East Youth Football: $2,000

Akron Titans Youth Football & Cheer: $2,000

Chase Lee Foundation (Blimp City Bears): $2,000

Central Raiders Football & Cheer: $2,000

South Rangers: $2,000

Noex Sports: $2,000

Open Arms: $1,500

Rooted in Christ: $1,500

Next Play Foundation: $1,500 

Summit County Hall of Fame Boxing Assoc: $1,500

HandsOnSports Foundation: $1,500

Bicycle Ride vs Gun Violence USA: $1,500

Keys to Serenity: $1,500 

BAB Elite: $1,500

Street Outreach & Community Norm Change Funding Total: $31,000

Violence Intervention & Prevention Program 

Akron Sneaker Academy: $5,000

Bright Beginnings: $2,000  

Akron Fear: $2,000

Akron Parent Pee Wee Football Association: $2,000

Cardinal Booster Club: $2,000

NEO Flight: $2,000

Winners & Leaders: $2,000

Wealthy Place Staffing: $1,500

West Hill Neighborhood Organization: $1,500

Violence Intervention & Prevention Funding Total: $20,000