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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.

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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Dancing program jumpstarts love for learning
Dancing program jumpstarts love for learning
It's time for recess, and physical education teacher Mary Breiding watches as her students play on the playground at McEbright Community Learning Center. Soon, she realizes they're not just playing – they're dancing. The kids are practicing the dance moves...
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Couple encourages gifts of generosity
Couple encourages gifts of generosity
It's no surprise how important the holidays are to Mary Ann Jackson: She grew up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a town nicknamed "Christmas City, USA." For her, the season evokes memories of nativity pageants, caroling, and traveling house to house exchanging...
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Doctor's passion lives on through bequest
Doctor's passion lives on through bequest
When Pam Moran met Dr. Kenneth Swanson, her world was upside down. Despite surgery, 70% of a tumor remained on her six-month-old son Derek's brain, requiring two and a half years of chemotherapy and MRIs from Dr. Swanson every six months. "I was mad at the...
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