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A Common Theme

Akron Community Foundation is a library of personal stories. Their authors? Charitable people just like you who want to enrich the community in their own unique way, now and forever.

Some are fundholder stories, which feature charitable individuals, families and organizations that find purpose, ease and fulfillment by giving through Akron Community Foundation. Others are grantee stories about nonprofits that are leveraging generous gifts from our donors and fundholders to improve life all over Summit County. Still others are advisor stories about legal and financial professionals who have expanded their services and strengthened client relationships by offering philanthropic services through Akron Community Foundation.

Ready to write your own story? Learn how you can start a charitable fund and leave your mark on the community for generations to come. You can also read our publications for more inspiring stories about philanthropy in Greater Akron.

Dorothy O. Jackson
Dorothy O. Jackson
Memorial Philanthropist Award, The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Dorothy O. Jackson was a pioneering civic leader, public servant and philanthropist whose decades of service transformed Akron's social and political landscape. Known for her trailblazing spirit...
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Donte Cargill
Donte Cargill
Emerging Philanthropist Award, The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Donte Cargill is a compassionate and visionary nonprofit leader whose work is rooted in both love of community and the enduring legacy of his mother, Patricia. Donte established Patricia Ann...
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Pamela Valentine
Pamela Valentine
Hidden Philanthropist Award, The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Though not a Summit County native, Pamela Valentine has been deeply involved in the Greater Akron community for decades. Pamela graduated from the University of Akron and stayed in the community to...
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Towanda Mullins
Towanda Mullins
Philanthropist of the Year Award, The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Towanda Mullins is a dynamic community leader, cultural advocate, and coalition builder whose work has left an indelible mark on Greater Akron and beyond. As chairperson of the Sojourner Truth...
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Bernett L. Williams
Bernett L. Williams
Impact Philanthropist Award, The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Bernett L. Williams, MPA, CDP, is a visionary community leader whose life's work reflects an unwavering commitment to equity, empowerment, and healing. Through advocacy, partnership, and a gift for...
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Noelle Toney
Noelle Toney
Outstanding Youth Philanthropist Award, The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Noelle Toney is a remarkable middle school student from Akron, Ohio, whose vision and determination are proving that leadership has no age limit. As the founder of Noelle's Impact...
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Bryce Harris
Bryce Harris
Outstanding Young Adult Philanthropist Award, The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Bryce Harris is an Akron-born educator and youth advocate whose leadership reflects both vision and heart. After excelling as a four-year captain and standout offensive lineman at...
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Project GRAD Akron
Project GRAD Akron
Outstanding Philanthropic Institution Award, The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Jacqueline Silas-Butler, Executive Director Project GRAD Akron is a transformative nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that all students — regardless of background or circumstance —...
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Case study: Business owners exit with a family legacy
Case study: Business owners exit with a family legacy
As an attorney, CPA or financial advisor, you probably work with several clients who own a family business. You've likely also considered that there may be a role for strategic philanthropy in family business succession planning to help clients get ready for...
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OBBBA changes and client conversations
OBBBA changes and client conversations
For many attorneys, CPAs and financial advisors, the tax law changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are old news. That is not the case for many of your clients! While you've been busy reading dozens of articles and evaluating how the changes will impact...
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