$7 million in grants distributed + Polsky recipient announced + Gun Violence Response Fund + more

June 2024 — Issue 34

ACF distributes nearly $7 million in quarterly grants

Akron Community Foundation announced quarterly grants and distributions totaling $6.8 million, benefiting hundreds of nonprofits in our community and beyond. Our board approved $671,100 in Arts & Culture grants, supporting 57 local organizations that include performing and visual arts programs, historical societies and museums. This quarter's Arts & Culture funding included a $50,000 grant to the City of Akron for the annual Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary of providing free professional dance performances in parks throughout the city.

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Father Norm Douglas named 2024 Polsky recipient

Father Norm Douglas, co-founder of Heart to Heart Leadership, is the 2024 recipient of Akron Community Foundation's Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award. Akron Community Foundation will honor Father Norm's lifetime of giving at the annual Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn.

Sponsorships are now available. Tickets will go on sale at the end of summer. Questions about sponsorships? Contact Laura Lederer at llederer@akroncf.org or 330-436-5611.

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In early June, Akron Community Foundation partnered with the City of Akron to establish the Gun Violence Response Fund following the mass shooting on Kelly Avenue that claimed the life of one victim and injured 27 others. Funding will be distributed to Victim Assistance Program to ensure the immediate needs of these victims are met. Akron Community Foundation and the United Way of Summit & Medina each contributed an initial $25,000, with City Council voting to contribute $150,000. While this fund is currently being used to assist the victims of the recent mass shooting, it's the hope of all partners that contributions will be enough to sustain this fund for assistance into the future.

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Advisory board, steering committee named for two foundation initiatives

Black Giving Collective Fund

Inaugural advisory board members (pictured above) have been selected for the new Black Giving Collective Fund. The dedicated board will focus on refining grantmaking priorities, while continuing to expanding the endowment to maximize community impact. Since its launch last August, the fund has already amassed nearly $200,000, a testament to the power of collective giving.

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The Soul of Philanthropy Akron

In November 2025, Akron will welcome The Soul of Philanthropy, an artistic exhibit that will be on display in the Akron Art Museum through February 2026.

This coveted national touring exhibit is an inspiring showcase that delves into the rich history and impactful stories of Black philanthropy. The Steering Committee for this endeavor has been selected and began meeting this past spring to plan related events and programming. Sub-committee members are currently being recruited now to assist on the following committees: Exhibit, Marketing, Fundraising, and Community Engagement & Programming.

Akron Community Foundation, the Black Giving Collective Fund and The Soul of Philanthropy Akron, invite you to join us on August 15, when the creator of the exhibit, Valaida Fullwood, travels to Akron to present at the Akron Roundtable luncheon.

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Nonprofit Spotlight:

Forget-Me-Not Baskets

Losing a baby can devastate an entire family. Local nonprofit Forget-Me-Not Baskets provides items of grief support, comfort and remembrance to families who have experienced a loss during pregnancy or childbirth, working directly with hospitals and obstetric offices to provide baskets for those facing this loss. "We know that we cannot change the outcome for these families, but our mission is to change their experience by acknowledging their loss and providing them with grief support," said Sara Ringle, founder and president of Forget-Me-Not Baskets.

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Fundholder Spotlight:

Jackie Silas-Butler

For many people, Jacqueline Silas-Butler and Project GRAD Akron are synonymous. The local nonprofit has been around since 2002, and Jackie has been at the helm since 2006, nearly its entire existence. And while much of Jackie's community work is seen as tied to her role with Project GRAD, she also cares about her personal giving. When Jackie learned about the opportunity to create a Donor-Advised Starter Fund through the community foundation, she liked the idea because it doesn't take a lot of money up front – just an initial $300 donation – but as it grows, she'll be able to help others.

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Spring/Summer 2024 Foundations magazine available

Check out the current issue of our magazine, which includes a cover article about impactful educational approaches being implemented throughout our county, a nonprofit spotlight on Community Legal Aid, our latest round of scholarship recipients and, of course, all the latest information about Akron Community Foundation and our seven affiliate funds.

See the current issue at akroncf.org/publications or contact Michelle Nissel at mnissel@akroncf.org to receive a physical copy.

ACF welcomes seven new funds

Akron Community Foundation recently welcomed seven new charitable funds to our growing family, including a designated fund to support Ellet Community Learning Center's scholarship program for graduating seniors.

View Our New Funds