Skip to main content
Horizontal Rule

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.

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....
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
Horizontal Rule

Stay Connected

Sign up for our e-newsletter
Sign Up