Stark Community Foundation marks a milestone year
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Stark Community Foundation announced today that 2023 was a milestone year — marked by a yearlong 60th-anniversary celebration and record-breaking firsts, made only possible by our community’s generosity.
During 2023, an all-time high of $23 million was awarded in grants and a historic 53 new charitable funds were established. Approximately $28 million was raised in outright and planned gifts, making 2023 the third-highest fundraising year in the foundation’s history.
“Our 60th anniversary was truly something special,” shared Mark J. Samolczyk, president and CEO of Stark Community Foundation. “We started the year with a sincere intention to express gratitude and honor those who’ve made our six decades of impact possible. What transpired exceeded our expectations — our family of donors responded by giving at an extraordinary level and supporting causes across Stark County and beyond.”
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In 2023, the foundation and its growing family of donors surpassed its previous grantmaking record. An all-time high of $23 million benefited over 800 organizations in support of workforce development, education, the arts, mental health, affordable housing, animal welfare and other meaningful causes. This most recent milestone brings Stark Community Foundation to more than $250 million in grants awarded since 1963.
Of the $28 million raised in 2023 by individuals, families, businesses and organizations, $27 million was in outright gifts and $1 million was in planned gifts. These gifts established a historic 53 new charitable funds, bringing the total number of charitable funds managed by the foundation to 950.
“Our community continues to give back in meaningful and inspiring ways,” said Bridgette L. Neisel, vice president of advancement. “We are grateful to play a part in helping individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits achieve their unique philanthropic goals.”
By year’s end, Stark Community Foundation’s assets for the betterment of our community totaled more than $380 million. With this asset size, the foundation remains in the top 10% of community foundations in the United States today.
The community joined Stark Community Foundation in celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2023 through various partnerships, programs, initiatives and events, including:
Launched an online nonprofit directory to empower residents to deepen their community knowledge of local nonprofits.
Released the 2023 Stark County Community Assessment to help people better understand the community conditions impacting Stark County residents.
Created a vibrant, community-focused mural in partnership with ArtsinStark, a local artist and more than 100 residents.
Hosted a unique Six for 60: Endowment Fund Challenge, where our community chose six area nonprofits out of 101 participating organizations to each receive $10,000 to establish an Organization Endowment Fund.
Provided free visits to local community assets such as the Akron Zoo and the Canton Palace Theatre.
Covered 60% of adoption fees at the Stark County Humane Society that helped over 40 pets in one weekend find their "furever" families.
Partnered with local coffee shops throughout Stark County to sponsor cups of kindness as an unexpected gift to the community.
Stark Community Foundation helps individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits achieve their philanthropic goals through a variety of charitable funds and strategic initiatives. Ranked in the top 10% of community foundations in the country, the foundation and its family of donors have granted more than $250 million to nonprofits since 1963. Learn more at www.starkcf.org.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark Community Foundation celebrates milestone year
