Summer 2022
New advisory board Chair Jim Brocklehurst reflects on the Medina County Community Fund's four focus areas, or "pillars," and the strategies the board is planning to implement in order to grow the fund's endowment.
The Medina County Community Fund of Akron Community Foundation announced grants totaling $33,700 to 15 local nonprofits during its annual meeting on June 23. This latest round of grants brings the fund's cumulative grantmaking total to more than $680,000.

Among this year's awards is a $3,000 grant to Access the Arts, which will allow the organization to expand its programming at the Medina County Juvenile Detention Center to include digital arts.
The new fiscal year marked the departure of four advisory board members. We're grateful to Denise Testa, Terry Pfleiderer, Jill Morton and Daniel Calvin for their support of the Medina County Community Fund.

We also welcomed three new members who bring a wealth of talent and experience to the board. We're pleased to introduce Brian Frasier, Edward Hopson and Laure Javorsky.
Brian Frasier
Director of Compliance Audit, RPM International Inc.
Edward Hopson Principal, Hopson Communications & Coaching LLC
Laure Javorsky Corporate Treasurer, Philpott Solutions Group Inc.
The Medina County Community Fund Advisory Board established the new Founders Award in honor of its two founders, John “Jack” Holland and Norbert “Nobby” Lewandowski. Mr. Holland and Mr. Lewandowski were named the first recipients of the award and were recognized during the fund's annual meeting in June. Going forward, this award will be presented annually to a Medina County individual who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment above and beyond their employment, career responsibilities, and general volunteer service to improving life in Medina County for those less fortunate.
Spark Hope event header
View a slideshow of highlights from Spark Hope below, then visit our website to see the full photo gallery and read more about the grants announced during the event.
A new slate of officers was appointed to lead the Medina County Community Fund on June 21, 2022.
  • Jim Brocklehurst is stepping up as chair of the advisory board.
  • Erika Branch is transitioning into the vice chair position after serving as secretary last year.
  • Barbara Dzur is moving from board chair to board secretary.
With an annual gift of $1,000 or more to the Medina County Community Fund, you can join our Pillars of Giving Circle. This special group of donors helps sustain our fund and increase its grantmaking to improve the lives of Medina County residents, particularly in the areas of education, health, community service, and arts and culture. For more information about the Pillars of Giving Circle, contact Deb Hoffman at dhoffman@akroncf.org.

Thank you to the generous donors who contributed to the Medina County Community Fund from April 1, 2021 through July 31, 2022. Your gifts will impact the lives of Medina County residents for years to come. For a complete list of donors, visit www.akroncf.org/MCCFgifts.

Giving to the Medina County Community Fund through your will or trust is a simple and tax-friendly way to improve the quality of life in Medina County now and for future generations. Learn more about all of your planned giving options and get sample bequest language by downloading our free guide.

From cash to mutual funds, and retirement assets to real estate, there are many ways to give to the Medina County Community Fund.