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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.

Anonymous donor leaves $2.4 million estate gift
Anonymous donor leaves $2.4 million estate gift
When a retired schoolteacher and administrator passed away earlier this year, she left behind a lasting legacy in not only education, but also in charitable giving. Through a bequest in her will, the lifelong Summit County resident gave nearly $2.4 million to...
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Your Voice Matters
Your Voice Matters
What can we do together to create a stronger community? That was the seemingly simple, yet decidedly complex question posed to nearly 6,000 Summit and Medina county residents who participated in On the Table Greater Akron on Oct. 3. The concept: Register to...
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Retired teacher plans for his charitable future
Retired teacher plans for his charitable future
As a junior in the Jackson High School marching band, Jerry Wolf met a flashy young maestro who inspired him to turn his talent into a profession. For 29 years, Jerry did just that, himself inspiring students in the Southeast, Waterloo and Mogadore school...
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Philanthropy at the cellular level
Philanthropy at the cellular level
The fever was familiar: It was the third time the infectious disease biologist had contracted malaria, a treatable but often deadly disease transmitted by the bite of a mosquito. "You have to dig deep and find out a lot about yourself," Victoria said....
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Minister commits $100,000 to WEF with planned gift
Minister commits $100,000 to WEF with planned gift
Nearly 25 years ago, as the founders of the Women's Endowment Fund were recruiting their first donors, they met with generous women from all corners of the community. Business executives, grassroots volunteers and city leaders alike joined forces to support...
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Local gay rights pioneer leaves lasting legacy
Local gay rights pioneer leaves lasting legacy
A planned gift from longtime gay rights advocate Dr. Walter A. Sheppe Jr. will preserve the legacy of the former University of Akron professor forever. Dr. Sheppe, who taught biology at the University of Akron for more than 20 years, died in March 2017 at age...
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GCEF presents Paul Daum Award to Peter Schofield
GCEF presents Paul Daum Award to Peter Schofield
Each year, the Gay Community Endowment Fund recognizes an individual, business or organization that has actively supported the LGBTQ+ community with its Paul Daum Award. The award, which is named for a founding donor of the fund and a professor of theater at...
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