Strengthening the Core...Reaching New Audiences

The Class of 2008-2009 marks Leadership Akron’s 25th year of connecting leaders with community. As we approach our 25^th anniversary, we celebrate over 750 graduates who are fulfilling the vision of our founders. Leadership Akron is launching an endowment campaign that will make our 25th anniversary a springboard for an even stronger future. The campaign’s success will secure the enduring excellence of the flagship program, and build our capacity to reach out to new areas and audiences with the work of inspiring leadership committed to service. Our endowment, housed at the Akron Community Foundation, is currently healthy; but to grow the organization, we need to grow this resource.

With an increase in our endowment fund we can:

• Assure the continued excellence of our flagship program, Leadership Akron;

• Develop 2-3 auxiliary programs that serve our mission and add value for specific audiences in our community;

• Maintain affordable tuition rates;

• Increase staff support to grow programs and services, including the needs of a growing alumni association.

Our efforts to build the endowment fund will enable us to further our mission and reach more aspects of our community. Our founders envisioned broadening the base of leadership in the community. A larger endowment will allow us to control our tuition, assuring accessibility of the Leadership Akron program to the full diversity of the community. And it will allow us to build on the vision of the founders by extending our work to new audiences.

The board will conduct "R & D" to determine what auxiliary programs might work best in the Akron community. Some possibilities include programs that reach younger leaders, senior leaders, or individuals interested in serving as public officials.

The GAR Foundation has generously offered a 1 for 2 challenge. This means for every $1,000 donated, they will contribute an additional $500. The Alumni Association has set an ambitious goal to meet this challenge, and will need strong participation to be successful.

Previously the endowment has served as a minor revenue source, as a valuable "safety net" in years with unanticipated expenses. The purpose of the endowment is now shifting as the endowment becomes a key revenue stream. To serve that purpose, it will need to grow to over $1 million from its current value of approximately $750,000.

Yes. Gifts can be made in installments up through 12/31/09. Many donors may choose to fulfill their pledge in two installments, one in 2008 and one in 2009.