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The Black Giving Collective - An Akron Community Foundation Fund logo

Established in 2023, the Black Giving Collective Fund is an endowment fund created to invest in and unleash the power of Black-led and Black-serving organizations to transform the generational health, wealth and well-being of the Black community.

In 2022, a committee of Akron Community Foundation board members and affiliate fund board members, including Tracy Carter, Theresa Carter, Carla Chapman, Bennett Gaines, Kendra Philon and Dr. Rachel Talton, began meeting to determine next steps for the initiative, which resulted in conducting listening sessions with nearly 150 Black community members to learn what philanthropy means to them.

Based on the key findings from these sessions, the fund was officially established on August 28, 2023 with an initial $50,000 gift from Akron Community Foundation. The foundation also offered a $50,000 matching gift if the fund could raise that amount by March 31, 2024. The fund exceeded its match and, to date, has more than $200,000 in assets.  The inaugural board members have been identified and are currently developing more specific funding priorities and next steps for the fund.

One of the first initiatives the advisory board championed is bringing The Soul of Philanthropy national touring exhibit to the Akron Art Museum in Fall 2025. This coveted national touring exhibit is an inspiring showcase that delves into the rich history and impactful stories of Black philanthropy. In addition to the national exhibit, local philanthropists will be honored and included in the exhibit at the museum.

Nominations are now open through Feb. 14, 2025, for The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Awards. This new award series will honor local philanthropists who have impacted the Black community in Summit County in eight different categories, including Impact Philanthropist, Outstanding Youth Philanthropist, Philanthropist of the Year and more. Submit a nomination today.

This fund will forever benefit the Black community in Greater Akron.

FAQs  |  Why Endowment?  |  Ways to Give  |  BGCF Advisory Board Application

Help Grow the Fund

Advisory Board

Advisory board members serve without pay to help the fund impact Greater Akron's Black community.

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