2022
When Ba Bler’s family moved from Thailand to Akron’s North Hill in 2006, learning a new language in a new country was challenging. But Urban Vision Ministry helped ease the transition.

“When I moved here when I was young, I didn’t know any English and I had a difficult time adjusting to school and little hope of succeeding until my family found this community here at Urban Vision, and I’ve always wanted to teach and help others learn and succeed,” said Bler.

Bler, a longtime volunteer with Urban Vision, now serves as director of the nonprofit’s On Your Mark early childhood program.
As the year draws to a close, there's still time to make a charitable gift to the Millennium Fund for Children and receive a tax deduction for 2022. Download Akron Community Foundation's Year-End Giving Guide for strategic tips to help you maximize your tax savings.

As always, you can make a gift via cash, check or credit card:
  • Give Online: Visit www.akroncf.org/give/Millennium to make your gift online before Dec. 31.
  • Mail Your Donation: Postmark your gift by Dec. 31 and mail it to 345 W. Cedar St., Akron, OH 44307. Make your check payable to Millennium Fund for Children/ACF.

Gifts of any size make a real and lasting difference in the lives of local children!
Philanthropy runs in the family for Abby DiSalvo, the youngest member of the Millennium Fund’s grant committee. From a young age, her grandparents made a point to involve the whole family in discussions about helping others through philanthropy. She credits both of her grandparents for being her philanthropic role models, but her grandmother played an especially important role in Abby’s development as a young philanthropist.
The Millennium Fund for Children announced $55,000 in grants to 33 local children's programs in 2022. This latest round of grants brings the fund’s cumulative grantmaking to nearly $950,000 since it was established in 1999.

Among this year's grant recipients are Cast It Forward, Good Samaritan Hunger Center, Magical Theatre Company and Live Inspired. Click below to see the complete list of grantees.
By: April Helms, Akron Beacon Journal
It’s no secret that the past couple of years have been exceptionally difficult. A pandemic, supply chain issues, inflation and other trials have combined to strain the emotions and finances of families.

Jessica and her three children have been among those who have seen tough times.
“Our family has had some hardships with some health issues,” she said.

In step the volunteers at Copley Outreach Center.

Since 1995, the Copley Outreach Center has strived to ease that strain for families in Copley and the Copley-Fairlawn school district facing hardship.
Thank you to the generous donors who contributed more than $45,000 to the Millennium Fund for Children during the 2022 fiscal year. Your gifts will help us impact the lives of local children for many years to come. For a complete list of donors, visit www.akroncf.org/MillenniumDonors.
You can support the Millennium Fund forever by establishing a charitable fund in your name at Akron Community Foundation through your will or trust. After your lifetime, the fund will continue to support all your favorite causes, including the Millennium Fund, in perpetuity. It's a simple and tax-friendly way to leave a lasting legacy.
From cash to mutual funds, and retirement assets to real estate, there are many ways to give to the Millennium Fund for Children.