The goal of the Foundation is to improve the welfare and quality of life in the greater Akron area with an emphasis on children. It has assets of approximately $400,000 and gives about $17,000 a year to fund programs and services that benefit youth.
The Downtown Akron Kiwanis Foundation is the charitable arm of the Kiwanis Club of Akron. The Foundation was chartered in 2003 as a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization. The Kiwanis Club of Akron was chartered in 1916 as the 6th Kiwanis Club in the world. Both organizations are a part of Kiwanis International which is a global community of volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. The Akron Club and Foundation’s membership includes women and men from diverse backgrounds in business, civic and nonprofit organizations. Kiwanis empowers its members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children in the Greater Akron area.
In 2008, delegates at the Kiwanis International convention adopted a resolution that encourages and empowers clubs to create environments that develop and nurture mutual respect for all, and to celebrate the inclusiveness of all Kiwanis members. The language reads:
Therefore, be it resolved that the delegates assembled at the 2008 Kiwanis International convention in Orlando, Florida, and all Kiwanis leaders and members to take action to create a culture and club environment that develops and nurtures mutual respect for all and celebrates the inclusiveness of our beloved Kiwanis.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion: Kiwanis leaders help team members feel comfortable, so they can pour their authentic selves into a project. We manage a team diverse with people of all race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military experience.
Our primary goal is to grow and maintain service leadership programs (Builders Clubs) for each public and private middle school in the Greater Akron area. A Builders Club—the largest service organization for middle school students ages 11 to 15—is designed to provide members with opportunities to perform service, build character, and develop leadership. The club is student led, operates under school regulations, and draws its members from the student body. When started at a young age, the service club experience prepares its members to become the most engaged members of their communities—now and in the future.
We know the transition from grade school to middle school can be tough for any adolescent boy or girl. Common challenges children face include dealing with social pressures, making new friends, communicating with teachers, confronting bullies, becoming a positive contributor, bouncing back from failure and disappointments, and learning about the world. With your help, our middle school-aged children will have access to programming and resources that will help them transition into confident young adults.
