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Women's Endowment Fund logo

In 1993, a group of 100 women came together with one goal in mind: to make a difference in the lives of local women and girls. Seeing a need for funding to support programs that empower this population, the women each gave $1,000 to establish the Women's Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation.

Three decades later, the Women's Endowment Fund has grown to nearly $4.4 million, thanks to the generosity of donors who are committed to the advancement of local women and girls, including members of the fund's Circle of Empowerment. To date, the Women's Endowment Fund has awarded $2.1 million in grants to programs that uplift, empower, and educate women and girls throughout Akron and all of Summit County. The fund's biennial forum helps define the Women's Endowment Fund's grantmaking priorities, which include health and wellness, safety from violence, and economic empowerment.

Circle of Empowerment   |   30th Anniversary Timeline   |   Read Our Latest Newsletter   |   Watch Our Latest Videos

For Women, Forever

Each year, the Women's Endowment Fund hosts its signature "For Women, Forever" event to celebrate women as philanthropists and to showcase the fund's impact on women and girls in our community. This year's event will take place on Thursday, April 18, and will feature a keynote address by best-selling authors Dr. Lindsay Kite and Dr. Lexie Kite. The evening will conclude with the presentation of the 2024 Judith A. Read Tribute Award to Barb Greene, founder of CommonGood Consulting.

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Who Is Your SHEro?

The "Who Is Your SHEro?" campaign recognizes women who have made a significant impact on the special people in their lives. From March 8 through April 30, community members are encouraged to make gifts to the Women's Endowment Fund in honor of their SHEroes – the mothers, wives, sisters, friends and mentors who have inspired and encouraged them. Donations ultimately support the Women's Endowment Fund's grantmaking to programs that empower women and girls in Summit County.

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Our Recent Grants

By the Numbers

More Than
$4.5 Million
in charitable assets
Nearly
$2.1 Million
in grants given
Since
1993
founding year

Advisory Board

Advisory board members serve without pay to help the fund impact the lives of Summit County's women and girls.

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