Nomination process now open for The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Awards 

New award series honors philanthropists who have impacted the Black community in Summit County

The Black Giving Collective Fund (BGC) of Akron Community Foundation announces the creation of The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Awards, which will honor awardees in eight categories. The individuals and organizations chosen will be those that have positively impacted the Black community in Summit County. The nomination process is open through Friday, February 14, 2025.  

The Soul of Philanthropy Akron (TSOP Akron) is an initiative of the Black Giving Collective Fund to highlight the impact of giving within the Black community. The signature initiative of TSOP Akron is to bring the national touring artistic exhibit about the often-untold history of philanthropy in the Black community to Akron. The exhibit will be showcased in the Akron Art Museum lobby from Nov. 15, 2025, through February 14, 2026.  

"Philanthropy is not about giving large sums of money – though that can certainly be a part of it – it's simply about loving humankind and giving back in ways to better the community," said Tracy Carter, advisory board chair of The Black Giving Collective Fund. "The Black community is extremely generous of its time, talent and treasure and that philanthropy deserves to be celebrated." 

In addition to the national exhibit, BGC and TSOP Akron will highlight the work of local philanthropic individuals and organizations through this new award process. Those selected for The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Awards will be honored at an event in fall 2025 and featured in a locally created exhibit that will complement and be displayed alongside the national exhibit at the Akron Art Museum.  

Honorees will be selected by the TSOP Akron steering committee based on their volunteer and philanthropic work within Summit County to benefit the Black community. Work that is primarily accomplished as part of the nominee's employment will not be considered, and members of the TSOP Akron steering committee are not eligible to receive an award.  

"We hope these awards will not only recognize the efforts of our selected honorees but inspire others in the community to follow in their footsteps and give back," said Torey Tolson, chair of The Soul of Philanthropy Akron steering committee. "We're also hoping these awards will tell the stories of those whose work is known in the community, but also those who work with passion behind the scenes. We encourage everyone to nominate those who deserve to be recognized."

Recipients will be selected for the following eight categories: 

Impact Philanthropist: This category recognizes an outstanding individual whose acts in the community have transformed their space of influence.  

Outstanding Youth Philanthropist: This category recognizes service by an outstanding individual (25 or younger), youth group or youth-generated project that has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering and/or leadership. 

Outstanding Young Adult Philanthropist: This category recognizes service by an outstanding individual (26-40 years old), young adult group or young adult-generated project that has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering and/or leadership.  

Emerging Philanthropist (Individual or Family): This category recognizes an outstanding individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity (time, talent and/or treasure) and volunteer leadership to one or more Akron area organizations, issues or communities. The emerging philanthropist is someone: 1) who has demonstrated extraordinary civic and charitable responsibility, and 2) whose generosity inspires others to philanthropic action for a period of five years or less. This category honors the achievements of a living person; if a family is proposed, there should be at least one living member.  

Outstanding Philanthropic Institution: This category recognizes an outstanding Company, Business or Institution that has shown their long-term commitment to uplifting the Black community for an extended period of time (15+ yrs).  

Hidden Philanthropist: This category recognizes the unsung hero in our community. Their individual contribution of time, talent and treasure is the engine behind grassroots organizations, churches or communities.  

Memorial Philanthropist: This category posthumously recognizes an outstanding individual who was known to throw their time, talent and treasure around anything that supported the culture and advancement of the Black community. Their legacy lives on to inspire future generations.  

Philanthropist of the Year: This category recognizes an individual, couple or family who has created, or was instrumental in, a transformative project or activity specifically within the 2024 calendar year.  

Nominators are welcome to submit more than one nomination. Complete the online nomination form by Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at akroncf.org/TSOPAwards. 

About The Black Giving Collective Fund & The Soul of Philanthropy Akron 
Established in 2023, the Black Giving Collective Fund is an endowment fund created by Black individuals and allies to benefit the Black community in and around Greater Akron, forever. All gifts to The Black Giving Collective Fund are fully tax deductible and are invested and grown over time, so a gift today will continue to multiply for generations to come. As a fund of Akron Community Foundation, the Black Giving Collective Fund can accept a variety of gifts, including cash, bequests, stock, real estate, life insurance and retirement assets, just to name a few. To learn more, visit blackgivingcollective.org. The Soul of Philanthropy Akron is an initiative of The Black Giving Collective Fund to highlight the often-untold stories of giving in the Black community. The TSOP Akron steering committee will bring the national touring artistic exhibit, The Soul of Philanthropy, to the Greater Akron community in Fall 2025. The exhibition will be housed at the Akron Art Museum from Nov. 15, 2025, to Feb. 14, 2026. To learn more, visit tsopakron.com.  

About Akron Community Foundation 
For 69 years, Akron Community Foundation has been our community's champion and generator of enduring philanthropy. In 1955, a $1 million bequest from the estate of Edwin Shaw established the community foundation. It is a philanthropic endowment of more than $305 million with a growing family of nearly 900 funds established by charitable people and organizations from all walks of life. The community foundation and its funds welcome gifts of all kinds, including cash, bequests, stock, real estate, life insurance and retirement assets, just to name a few. To date, the community foundation's funds have awarded nearly $254 million in grants to qualified nonprofit organizations. For more information about Akron Community Foundation or to learn more about creating your own charitable fund, call 330-376-8522 or visit akroncf.org.