2007 Annual Report - Akron Community Foundation

from the board chair
from the PRESIDENT
akroncommunityfdn.org
Our theme for this year’s annual report, Inspire, defines how I feel
as I close my two-year term as board chair. I’ve been truly inspired
by the people in this community who share a passion for Akron
Community Foundation and who give so generously to better the
Greater Akron area. We’re fortunate to have such a vibrant and active
group of dedicated supporters.
The board has had a very productive year. In addition to completing
the strategic planning initiative we began last year, we established
both short- and long-term direction and focus for the foundation’s
activities. As a result, we are better prepared to take advantage of
future opportunities and meet the challenges facing foundations
across the country as communities continue to change and evolve.
I want to thank foundation President Jody Bacon, an outstanding
professional staff and the board of trustees for their tireless
efforts to assure the foundation maintains its leadership role in the
community’s ongoing development. Under Jody’s guidance, our
assets have continued to grow, and the foundation stands on
secure footing for the future.
On a personal note, I want to thank Scott Lyons for his nine years of
outstanding service to the board. The foundation and our community
are stronger for his efforts.
To see how the foundation truly makes a difference in
people’s lives, I encourage you to read the inspiring stories in this
annual report. I also invite you to visit the foundation’s Web
site, www.akroncommunityfdn.org, to learn more about Akron
Community Foundation and its mission. Or, call 330-376-8522 to
learn how you can become a part of the foundation’s work.
Inspiration gave birth to Akron Community Foundation. Think
what our community would be like if Edwin Shaw had not
been inspired to provide an opportunity for each of us to
participate in, and benefit from, philanthropy. His bequest of
$
1 million dollars given 51 years ago established Akron Community
Foundation. Since then thousands of residents have added to the
permanent endowment in amounts large and small. Each of us has
benefited over the years from local arts, education, civic, and health
and human services programs supported by Akron Community
Foundation grants.
I am pleased to report that Shaw’s initial gift of $ 1 million has
grown to more than $ 142 million, enabling the foundation to fund
850 grants, reinvesting $ 6.5 million in the community through
programs and projects of local nonprofit organizations. Since 1955
total foundation grants exceed $ 63 million.
More important than the total grants is the impact they have on the
quality of our lives. This report illustrates, through stories of local
citizens, how they and many others are touched by grants from the
foundation. These are just a few of the stories we have to share.
The foundation is able to grow and expand its impact on the
community through the continued support of its donors. I thank each
of you who support this extraordinary way to make and keep our
community strong. It is the pooling of our financial resources that
makes a difference and keeps inspiring us to do more.
akroncommunityfdn.org
“It’s been a privilege to serve as board chair, and
I’m confident that the important work of the
foundation’s supporters and staff will profoundly
impact our community for years to come.”
ACF Board Chair
Kathryn W. Dindo
“The work of the foundation is directed by a
strong board of trustees, led the past two years
by Kathryn Dindo, and a skilled and caring staff.
I am privileged to work with them and for you
as we carry the foundation’s mission forward.”
ACF President
Jody Bacon