Spring 2026

From Our President: Strength in Action

As we welcome the energy and renewal that come with the changing season, I am reminded of the power of growth – both in nature and within our community. Spring invites us to reflect on what we've nurtured together and to celebrate the strength that blooms when we act with purpose. Because of you, the Women's Endowment Fund continues to grow in both reach and impact. As we move forward into this new season, may we continue to cultivate strength, invest in one another, and take bold action for a more equitable future.

 

Women's Endowment Fund Awards Nearly $200,000 in Grants in 2026

This spring, the Women's Endowment Fund announced 39 grants totaling $199,000 to nonprofit organizations serving women and girls. This latest round of grants brings the fund's cumulative grantmaking total to nearly $2.7 million.


Several of the nonprofits receiving grants this year were featured in a video about projects the Women's Endowment Fund has supported, including The Well CDC, which received a $10,000 grant to provide trauma-informed career development services for women in the Middlebury neighborhood of Akron.

Highlights From Our Annual Celebration

On March 26, nearly 400 community members gathered at the Women's Endowment Fund's 2026 "For Women, Forever" celebration. During the event, fund leaders honored Bernett L. Williams, chief engagement officer at Akron Children's, with the 2026 Judith A. Read Tribute Award for Service & Advocacy for Women. The event culminated in a fireside chat between Williams and award-winning journalist Debra Adams Simmons, who discussed Williams' leadership journey and the power of philanthropy. Enjoy highlights of this unforgettable night through our photo and video gallery.

Understanding and Addressing Domestic Violence in Our Community

Held biennially, the Women's Endowment Fund's Forum on Women & Girls fosters dialogue on issues impacting women and girls, guiding the fund's grantmaking priorities. The 2025 Forum focused on safety from violence, with a goal to raise awareness, dismantle stereotypes, and promote collaboration among community stakeholders.


The fund was honored to welcome leaders from the Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center as its keynote speakers. Together, they represented the mission of an organization that has offered a full continuum of care for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking for more than 50 years.

 

Thank you to the generous donors who contributed to the Women's Endowment Fund from Oct. 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Your gifts will uplift and empower women and girls in our community for many years to come.

 
 

From cash to mutual funds and retirement assets to real estate, there are many ways to give to the Women's Endowment Fund.

 

Join Our Circle of Empowerment

The Circle of Empowerment is a group of donors who support the Women's Endowment Fund with an annual leadership gift of $1,000 or more. Donors receive special recognition at our events, advance First-to-Know communications about the fund's latest news, an invitation to our annual Circle of Empowerment gathering, and opportunities to get involved with the fund's various committees.

Follow Us on Social Media

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to see the latest updates about our fund. It's the best way to stay up-to-date on our giving campaigns and learn how your donations support women and girls in our community.

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