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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.

Kids dig into farm-fresh food with Millennium grant
Kids dig into farm-fresh food with Millennium grant
"Where do eggs come from?" For many kids, especially those who live in the city, the answer is simply "the grocery store." In fact, many of them have never seen a chicken in person or even visited a real farm. But all of that is changing with the help of a...
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Grant to diversion program changes teen lives
Grant to diversion program changes teen lives
As a retired Akron police officer, John Bailey has seen his share of criminal activity. Much of this activity is the result of repeat offenders with tumultuous backgrounds, some stretching as far back as childhood.  Now, as a part-time deputy with the...
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Collaboration helps teen moms earn their GED
Collaboration helps teen moms earn their GED
Pregnancy changes everything. That's what nearly 75 teenage girls in Kenmore are discovering as they navigate the challenges of motherhood with the help of Teen Moms. The program, which started with just a few girls meeting in the back of a funeral home, has...
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David R. and Cheryl L. Venarge Fund
David R. and Cheryl L. Venarge Fund
For David and Cheryl Venarge, there is no place quite like Akron. Both were born and raised here by hard-working families that struggled to make ends meet.  Today, as successful business owners and volunteers, they are passionate about giving back to the...
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Record gift funds miraculous recoveries
Record gift funds miraculous recoveries
In July 2005, while people were prepping their barbeques for Independence Day, Larry Soper, enslaved by drugs, was planning his suicide.   "I Googled the least painful ways," he said. "There were chat rooms even. It was a very dark place." For years, the...
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Grant brings hope to mothers battling depression
Grant brings hope to mothers battling depression
It's 2 p.m. and Amanda is just waking up. She's been sleeping a lot lately – sometimes 12 or more hours a day – and she can't seem to find the energy to care for her young children. She knows she needs help, but it isn't until a home visitor from Akron...
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Comunale's
Comunale's "can-do" attitude helps others
Losing a child is every parent's worst fear.  For Steve Comunale, it became a reality in February 2006 when his 27-year-old son, Stephen A. Comunale Jr., died after a year-long battle with cancer. Although grief-stricken, Steve was determined to...
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