Spring 2024

Dear Fundholders,

Each quarter, our team brings you Donor-Advised Insights, covering the latest in charitable giving trends and news from the foundation. Here’s what you can find in this issue:

Tips on how to utilize The Center for Family Philanthropy to build your legacy of giving back

A Fundholder Spotlight on Harvey Nelson

Information on how to make a bequest, or gift in your will, to your donor-advised fund at the foundation

As always, you'll find co-investment opportunities, a link to your quarterly fund statement, upcoming events, and foundation news. We hope you enjoy this issue and welcome your questions about any of the resources outlined below.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me anytime.

Laura Lederer

Vice President and Chief Development Officer

Akron Community Foundation

330-436-5611

llederer@akroncf.org

Impact Your Legacy Through The Center for Family Philanthropy

Your estate plan can provide lasting leadership for your family when prepared in a thoughtful and intentional way. But did you know that as one of our donor-advised fundholders you have access to the services of The Center for Family Philanthropy, which can help you communicate your charitable legacy with your family? Here are just a few of the ways the Center can help you establish your family's legacy of charitable giving:

Telling Your Family History: Each fund can archive the history of your family members as a companion to your fund. When future generations give out grants, it will be helpful for them to know who the original funders were and how they impacted the world. We have tools to help you tell that history in an intentional way.
Building Generous Children: We also have tools that provide education on the best ways to introduce a culture of giving back from a young age. And we can provide opportunities for the whole family to participate in grantmaking that can set up an annual (or whatever cadence you prefer!) practice of generosity.
Creating an Ethical Will: Your traditional will is the legal vehicle used to direct your money and property. In contrast, an ethical will is a non-legal letter that serves as a companion to your will. We have tools to help you write a meaningful letter to your loved ones, imparting advice, life lessons, values, love and hopes about the life you wish for future family members. We have tools to make this process manageable...and meaningful.

Let us work with you and your loved ones today. Contact Karen Hrdlicka at khrdlicka@akroncf.org or 330-436-5640.

FUNDHOLDER SPOTLIGHT: Harvey Nelson

Traditional is not a word you would use to describe Harvey Nelson, retired co-chief executive officer and founder of Main Street Muffins, now known as Main Street Gourmet. From the way he (finally) completed his degree at The University of Akron to his adventures hitchhiking across the country to becoming a poet and patron of the arts, you’ll find a new surprise with a fantastic story to go with it around every corner.

It doesn’t stop there, either. That outlook influences Harvey’s philanthropy and how he gives back to his community. In 2011, Harvey connected with Akron Community Foundation, and more recently with the work of our Center for Family Philanthropy, which turned out to be the perfect place to not only foster his creative spirit, but also provide a non-traditional roadmap for giving with the tools, advice and support to do so.

Harvey Nelson with custom artwork from his collection

What happens when I leave a bequest to a fund at Akron Community Foundation?

Have you considered updating your estate plan to leave a bequest to a fund at Akron Community Foundation? While loved ones are typically the first priority in estate planning, charitable giving through your estate lessens the tax burden on your heirs while establishing your legacy. In most cases, it is best to donate your most highly taxable assets. Consider a retirement plan, like an IRA, 401(k), 403(b) or pension. If the IRA were given to your family, much of the value may be lost through estate and income taxes. But, if you use retirement assets to start or contribute to an endowed fund at Akron Community Foundation, not only is the full value of your gift transferred to the fund tax-free, your estate will benefit from an estate tax charitable deduction.ningcan

Learn More

Deadline approaching to submit your co-investment grants for the Education cycle!

As a fundholder, you have the opportunity to review Akron Community Foundation's competitive grant applications and support initiatives that align with your charitable interests through our online fundholder portal, DonorCentral. As our Arts & Culture cycle comes to a close, we realize we simply cannot meet all the needs of our grantees.

Your co-investment provides significant impact to these organizations. Please visit your fund portal to view our current Arts & Culture grant applicants.

If you haven't registered your DonorCentral account yet, view our instructions to get started or reach out to your primary contact for assistance. All co-investment requests should be submitted by May 10.

View Education Co-Investment Opportunities

Your quarterly fund statement is now available

Fund statements for the quarter ending March 31 are now available through our online fundholder portal, DonorCentral. This document includes timely financial information, such as your fund balance, contributions, investment activity, grants and distributions, and more. For questions about your fund statement, please contact us at 330-376-8522. If you haven't registered your DonorCentral account yet, view our instructions to get started.

Need a refresher on your fund statement? Check out our guide to understanding your fund statement.