Akron Community Foundation
Where Your Charitable Gift Lasts . . . For good. For ever.
BACKGROUND: Florence Peterson had a vision to ensure that charitable programs in the community were supported now and in the future. In 2001, she planted the first seeds of giving through a gift from her estate to establish an endowment within the Siouxland Community Foundation for the exclusive benefit of the Akron, Iowa community. The Akron Community Foundation now serves as a vehicle to receive gifts from individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to establish endowment funds that will provide grant awards for years to come. All gifts received are carefully invested and the income from endowments is used to make grants to public charities that best meet the needs in Akron. A seven-member advisory board appointed by position is responsible for governing the Foundation.
MISSION: The mission of the Akron Community Foundation is to identify and fulfill community needs, impact future growth and development of Akron, promote volunteerism, attract and distribute funds, and enhance the quality of life in Akron by providing leadership, creating opportunities, and challenging the community to share time, talent, and resources through personal involvement and commitment.
The purpose of the Akron Community Foundation is to connect donors who care with causes that matter and to enhance the quality of life in the Akron community.
ADVISORY BOARD:
Bank Representative – Mike Hohenstein, Chair
Bank Representative – Connie Blake, Vice-Chair
School Board President – Nick Schoenfelder
Mayor – Brent James
At-Large Member – Sharon Frerichs
At-Large Member – Robert L. Frerichs
Peterson’s Attorney – Charles Haugland
The Akron Community Foundation provides a simple, powerful and highly personal approach to giving. A local Community Foundation creates an opportunity for donors to ‘target their charitable giving at home’ and make a lasting difference in their community. The Community Foundation serves as a vehicle to carry out the charitable objectives of donors and offers distinct advantages. You don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference. You can have a lasting impact on the quality of life in Akron, right here, right now, and for years to come. You may contribute to the unrestricted Community Fund or establish a separate component fund bearing your name or a name of your choosing. All grants will be made in the name of the fund you establish.
We invite you to create a lasting legacy. Contributions may be sent to the Akron Community Foundation Administrative Office, 505 Fifth Street, Suite 412, Sioux City, IA 51101.
There is so much more we’d like for you to know. For more information and ideas on ways to integrate your financial planning with charitable giving, ask your financial advisor or contact either Mike Hohenstein, Advisory Board Chair at (712) 568-1091 or the Siouxland Community Foundation at (712) 293-3303.
Learn more about…
Endow Iowa
AKRON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES
Application Opens: November 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Final Determinations: Mid-March
PURPOSE: The purpose of the Akron Community Foundation’s grant program is to respond to present and emerging charitable needs within Akron by making grants in the following areas:
• Arts & Culture: Provide or increase access to theatre, music, arts, dance, museums, historical events.
• Civic: Community betterment/beautification, city government, emergency services, citizen participation, parks and recreation.
• Education: Early childhood development/daycare, primary, secondary, and continuing education; libraries.
• Environment: Pollution control, natural resource conservation, botanic/horticultural activities.
• Health: Promotion and maintenance of physical, dental and mental health; rehabilitative services, crisis intervention.
• Human Services: Housing/shelter, public safety, services for the elderly, youth, families, handicapped, economically disadvantaged, minorities or other special groups.
ELIGIBILITY: Grants will be made for charitable purposes to nonprofit organizations and units of local government that: serve the 51001 zip code area and are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: Priority consideration will be given to projects that:
• Enhance the quality of life in Akron.
• Address present and emerging needs.
• Leverage other funds and/or community resources.
• Result in the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
• Are developed in collaboration with other organizations.
• Encourage volunteerism.
Lower priority consideration will be given to requests for: endowment
Generally, requests for the following will not be given consideration: annual fund drives, budget deficit, individuals, political activities, religious programs, general operating expenses, travel expenses
Each application will be given thorough consideration by the Akron Advisory Board. Grant recipients will be required to provide a final report detailing accomplishments and expenditure of the grant funds.
2023 Grant Awards
2022 Grant Awards
2021 Grant Awards
2020 Grant Awards
2019 Grant Awards
