The Downtown Akron Kiwanis Foundation

What does the Foundation do?

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.

How is the Downtown Akron Kiwanis Foundation related to the Kiwanis Club of Akron?

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. 

What kinds of impact has the Foundation made?

• The Foundation has awarded over $200,000 to diverse charitable causes since its founding:
  • Awarded 40 grants to local youth charities such as: Access Inc, Akron Children's Museum, Akron Urban League, Akron Area YMCA, Battered Women's Shelter, Boys & Girls Club, Children's Concert Society of Akron, Embracing Futures, First Glance Student Center, Girls on the Run, Great Trail Council, Greenleaf Family Center, Junior Achievement, Open M, Rape Crisis Center, Salvation Army, Shaw JCC, Shelter Care, Inc., South Akron Youth Mentorship, Stewart's Caring Place, The Well CDC, United Disability Services, Urban Vision, Victim's Assistance and Victory Gallop.
• Vaccinated 13,000 mothers in under-resourced countries to protect their unborn children from maternal and neonatal tetanus
• Awarded 19 scholarships to University of Akron students
• Provided upkeep and yearly maintenance for the Young Explorer’s cabin at Boy Scout Camp Manitoc
• Established a Builders Club at Jennings Middle School and Tallmadge Middle School
  • Builders Club at STEM Akron Middle School scheduled to launch Fall, 2021
• Sponsored and provides on-going support of the Ellet High School Key Club–a service leadership program for students
• Founder and co-sponsor of the Akron Aktion Club
  • The Akron Aktion Club is the only community-service club for adults living with disabilities
  • Aktion Club allows its members to develop initiative and leadership skills in serving their communities while enabling their integration into society
• Long-time sponsor of the University of Akron’s Service Leadership Program for college students
• Co-founder of the Akron Roundtable

The Downtown Akron Kiwanis Foundation operates in accordance with Kiwanis International’s Non-Discrimination Policy

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.