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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.

Nonprofit Spotlight: Ballet Excel Ohio
Nonprofit Spotlight: Ballet Excel Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet, more popularly known as Ballet Excel Ohio, is the fourth-oldest youth ballet in the country. And the dance company is amid its 50th anniversary celebration, which will be capped with a March 14 event at the Akron Civic Theatre,...
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Raising Generous Humans
Raising Generous Humans
By Karen Hrdlicka, Director, The Center for Family Philanthropy As a donor-advised fundholder, something in your life likely shaped your value of generosity. In our work with fundholders, we hear these stories repeatedly: the grandparent who...
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Planned giving: Overcoming board members' skepticism
Planned giving: Overcoming board members' skepticism
"Our board members tell us that they are very skeptical that planned giving is something our team can just 'run with.' They are concerned that we're simply 'not ready.'" Does this sound familiar? It's understandable that a volunteer board of directors, few of...
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Charitable tax law changes for 2026
Charitable tax law changes for 2026
At Akron Community Foundation, we are honored to serve as your home for charitable giving. Whether you support a wide range of charitable organizations in our community and across the country, focus your giving on a few favorite local causes, collaborate with...
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Millennium Fund Grants Committee Spotlight: Sia Mahesh
Millennium Fund Grants Committee Spotlight: Sia Mahesh
Building a future through meaningful change Sia Mahesh is the newest and youngest member of the grants committee for Akron Community Foundation's Millennium Fund for Children. A junior at Western Reserve Academy, Sia plans to pursue a career in oncology....
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Dale and Peggy Koblenzer Family Fund
Dale and Peggy Koblenzer Family Fund
Dale and Peggy Koblenzer's relationship with Akron Community Foundation began more than 20 years ago when the couple attended the foundation's 2001 Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award dinner honoring Clifford and Judith Isroff. A few years later, Dale, who was...
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The Soul of Philanthropy Akron
The Soul of Philanthropy Akron
On a crisp November evening in Akron, the spirit of generosity took center stage. The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Awards unfolded as a powerful celebration of Black philanthropy, honoring eight local changemakers whose lives and leadership have transformed...
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