Funding Beyond Federal: How to Diversify Funding to Ensure Stability in Uncertain Times (Part 1)
This two-part series helps experienced fundraisers find new revenue sources and rethink strategies to strengthen their funding model. Participants will:
- Learn how to assess their funding risk and reframe their funding model.
- Explore key differences between federal, foundation, corporate and individual donors.
- Discover how to craft a compelling case for support.
- Gain strategies for using their case to approach individual donors.
This program is offered through a partnership between Akron Community Foundation, the Akron-Summit County Public Library, and Candid. Contact the library's Business, Government & Science Division for questions at 330-643-9020 or [email protected].
Funding Beyond Federal: How to Diversify Funding to Ensure Stability in Uncertain Times (Part 2)
This two-part series helps experienced fundraisers find new revenue sources and rethink strategies to strengthen their funding model. Participants will:
- Examine recent changes in foundation and corporate giving.
- Receive step-by-step guidance on relationship-building.
- Learn practical strategies for strategic outreach to foundations and corporations.
This program is offered through a partnership between Akron Community Foundation, the Akron-Summit County Public Library, and Candid. Contact the library's Business, Government & Science Division for questions at 330-643-9020 or [email protected].
Green Community Fund Annual Meeting
Join the Green Community Fund for its Inaugural Annual Meeting as the fund celebrates its first grantmaking cycle and presents the 2025 Green Community Impact Award to Jane & John Warmus. Guests will enjoy a taco and nacho bar, beverages, dessert, networking, and an inspiring program highlighting the fund's grant recipients and plans for the future. This event is free to attend, but registration is required. You are encouraged to bring friends and neighbors who are interested in learning more about the Green Community Fund.
Fall Fundholder Gathering
Donor-advised fundholders are invited to join Akron Community Foundation for an exclusive program designed to inspire your giving journey. This year's gathering will feature:
- A meet-and-greet with new Akron Community Foundation President and CEO John F. Garofalo
- An insightful program on charitable giving strategies for every stage of life, presented by Lia Jones of Key Private Bank
- A "State of Akron Community Foundation" financial overview by Matt Shannon of Clearstead
- Opportunities to connect and share ideas with fundholders who share similar charitable interests
- A special viewing of the museum's new art exhibit, "Alfred McMoore: All This Luck in My Head"
Light hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served. Questions? Please contact Jill Sellers at 330-436-5610 or [email protected].
2025 Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award Dinner
Akron Community Foundation will honor David and Cheryl Venarge with the 56th Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award. The award is presented each year to an individual or couple who has shown selfless dedication to humanitarian causes in Akron. Event proceeds benefit Akron Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity that improves the quality of life in Greater Akron by building community philanthropy.
For more information, please contact De Shawn Pickett at 330-376-8522.
The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Awards
Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration and community as we kick off The Soul of Philanthropy Akron with the inaugural The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Awards. This elegant evening will honor eight local Black philanthropists whose generosity, leadership and love for community embody the spirit of giving. As the opening event for The Soul of Philanthropy national exhibit's Akron debut, this awards celebration sets the stage for a powerful season of storytelling, reflection and transformation around the rich legacy and future of Black philanthropy in Greater Akron. Tickets for the event will go on sale in September, but sponsorships are available now. For more information, please contact event committee chair Leia' Love at [email protected].
2025 Sugar Plum Tour of Holiday Homes
Grab a friend or two and enjoy Akron's favorite holiday tradition! Early bird tickets will be available starting Aug. 23.
Enjoy five festively decorated homes during the live tour on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 12 to 5 p.m. The virtual tour will be available to enjoy throughout the holiday season, beginning on Saturday, Dec. 13, and continuing through Sunday, Jan. 4. Virtual tourgoers will enjoy intimate video tours of seven homes, including the 2025 Patron Party location and two homes filmed exclusively for the virtual tour.
Early bird tickets are $40* or save by getting a live and virtual ticket for just $65*. Purchase a Patron Party Bundle for $250* to join us at the private Patron Party on Saturday, Dec. 6, before enjoying both the live and virtual tours.
Corporate and individual sponsorships for the Sugar Plum Tour are available starting at $750. A complete list of sponsorship opportunities can be viewed at akroncf.org/SPTSponsor.
*Plus online processing fees
The full price of live tour tickets and virtual tour tickets is tax deductible. $175 of the Patron Party Bundle purchase is tax deductible. Your tax acknowledgment letter will confirm your reservation.