Akron Community Foundation

Advisors: Recent studies show clients are expecting you to ask about their giving priorities. The good news is these conversations don't have to be complex to be meaningful?–?even a few minutes is plenty if you show genuine interest in your clients' intentions and connect them to the community foundation. Here's how to start the conversation: https://lnkd.in/gWrjMtE7

The latest issue of our advisor e-newsletter is available now and features key strategies to maximize your clients' year-end giving. You'll also read about important considerations for clients who have inherited an IRA, as well as ways you can help more frugal clients experience the joy of giving throughout the holiday season and all year long. See the full issue at https://conta.cc/48Y70FO, or sign up to receive future editions in your inbox at https://lnkd.in/eQvBZj4p.

The?Gay Community Endowment Fund?of?Akron Community Foundation?is now accepting grant applications for programs that support the local LGBTQ+ community. Nonprofit organizations may apply for either an impact grant or a micro grant, with impact grants starting at $10,000 and micro grants ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. Applications should be submitted online at?akroncf.org/ApplyGCEF?by Dec. 15. Strong preference will be given to impact grant proposals that create safer environments for LGBTQ+ youth, combat phobias of the LGBTQ+ community, and support mental health and suicide prevention programs for LGBTQ+ people. In addition to these focus areas, micro grant proposals will also be accepted for a wider range of programs that benefit the LGBTQ+ community, including the arts, community events and nonprofit operational needs. Learn more about how to apply at https://lnkd.in/gKRKQ3FZ.

Akron Children's staff can now display their pronouns on their badges, continuing our efforts to spread the message that respect of pronouns is a basic human right. Employees were invited to the Power of Pronouns, an interactive educational session on proper pronoun usage and what Akron Children’s is doing to respect them for staff, patients and families. The event was also the premiere of our pronoun badge backers, made possible by the Gay Community Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation.

Here at Akron Community Foundation, we're committed to sharing tips and insights to help you get more satisfaction from your charitable giving so you can make an even bigger difference in the causes you care about. Here are three recommendations to consider ahead of the upcoming holiday season: https://lnkd.in/gVGzctKG

Thank you to The Buckeye Flame for showcasing the Gay Community Endowment Fund's upcoming Sugar Plum Tour of Holiday Homes! The article tells the inspiring story of Andrew Kyprianou and Brian Rodabaugh, whose festively decorated home will be featured on this year's tour. "The tour has been a great way for us to express our creativity while supporting a cause we care about,”?Brian said. Read the full story at https://lnkd.in/gAFsrd6q. You can also purchase tickets to the tour at https://lnkd.in/gWD3Rvi9.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for this morning’s Nonprofit Listening Session. We truly appreciate the attendees for taking the time to share insights into the challenges and successes of their programs. Today’s discussion focused on health & human services and education, sparking meaningful ideas to help strengthen our community. It was inspiring to see connections forming among organizations, paving the way for more impactful partnerships in the future. We’re grateful for the dedication of our community partners and look forward to continuing this important work together!

Advisors: As the end of the year approaches, make sure you're familiar with these three essential charitable giving techniques that may benefit your clients: ? ? Encourage your clients to consider giving highly appreciated stock, not cash, to their funds at the community foundation, thereby maximizing tax benefits. ? Help your clients evaluate a “bunching” technique to make gifts to donor-advised funds at the community foundation. This strategy allows them to exceed the currently high standard deduction to be able to itemize. Then, donor-advised fund assets can be used over the next few years to support your clients’ favorite charities. ? Help your clients who are 70 ? and older make Qualified Charitable Distributions directly from their IRAs to designated or field-of-interest funds (donor-advised funds are ineligible recipients) at the community foundation – up to $105,000 per spouse. Plus, QCDs satisfy RMDs!? ? November is the time to set things in motion so you don’t get caught up in the year-end rush. Reach out to our team with any charitable giving questions that may arise - we're here to support you!

Today is the anniversary of the Leadership Akron Endowment Fund, which helps Leadership Akron connect leaders to the community through several programs, like Diversity on Board and NEXT, along with its Signature program, among others. To make a gift to the fund, visit https://lnkd.in/gJ5dYxrq.

Advisors: As your clients prepare to gather with their family over the holiday season, remind them to incorporate charitable giving into their festivities. It's a meaningful way to cultivate deeper family connections that will last for generations.?Here are four ideas to help them get started: https://lnkd.in/gT3nr2Tt