The Soul of Philanthropy Akron Award Nomination Form

Award Nomination Form
To support The Black Giving Collective Fund of Akron Community Foundation, The Soul of Philanthropy Akron is a national touring artistic exhibit that showcases the rich history and impactful stories of Black philanthropy.

The Soul of Philanthropy Akron steering committee is proud to announce the launch of a prestigious series of awards celebrating the extraordinary contributions of humanitarians and philanthropists within the local Black community. These awards honor individuals and organizations whose commitment to giving, leadership and community empowerment exemplify the transformative power of philanthropy. Whether through grassroots initiatives, significant charitable giving, or sustained efforts to address systemic inequities, these honorees embody a legacy of generosity and positive change.

Eight award categories will be presented at an awards event in fall 2025 to recognize the diverse ways local Black philanthropists uplift and inspire others. The recipients will also be featured in The Soul of Philanthropy exhibit at the Akron Art Museum from November 15, 2025, through February 14, 2026.

Honorees will be selected by the TSOP Akron steering committee based on their volunteer and philanthropic work within Summit County to benefit the Black community. Work that is primarily accomplished as part of the nominees employment will not be considered, and members of the TSOP Akron steering committee are not eligible to receive an award.

We invite you to nominate those who have made a significant impact on the Black community in Summit County. This is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes, young adults and visionary leaders shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

Read more about the award categories.
Nominator Information
Nominator Name*

First NameLast Name
Nominator Email*
example@example.com
Nominator Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Nominee Information
Nominee Name*

First NameLast Name
Nominee Email*
example@example.com
Nominee Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Nominee Address (if known)

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Select the award category for which you are submitting a nomination. (Please note: nominations for multiple individuals/categories require separate form submissions.)*

IMPACT PHILANTHROPIST: This category recognizes an outstanding individual whose acts in the community have transformed their space of influence.OUTSTANDING YOUTH PHILANTHROPIST: This category recognizes service by an outstanding individual (25 or younger), youth group or youth-generated project that has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering and/or leadership.OUTSTANDING YOUNG ADULT PHILANTHROPIST: This category recognizes service by an outstanding individual (26-40 years old), young adult group or young adult-generated project that has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering and/or leadership. Not a requirement of their paid career.EMERGING PHILANTHROPIST (Individual or Family): This category recognizes an outstanding individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity (time, talent and/or treasure) and volunteer leadership to one or more Akron area organizations, issues or communities. The emerging philanthropist has: 1) demonstrated extraordinary civic and charitable responsibility, and 2) whose generosity inspires others to philanthropic action for a period of five years or less. This category honors the achievements of a living person; if a family is proposed, there should be at least one living member.OUTSTANDING PHILANTHROPIC INSTITUTION: This category recognizes an outstanding Company, Business or Institution that has shown their long-term commitment to uplifting the Black community for an extended period of time (15+ yrs).HIDDEN PHILANTHROPIST: This category recognizes the unsung hero in our community. Their individual contribution of time, talent and treasure is the engine behind the grassroots organizations, churches or communities.MEMORIAL PHILANTHROPIST: This category posthumously recognizes an outstanding individual who was known to throw their time, talent and treasure around anything that supported the culture and advancement of the Black community. Their legacy lives on to inspire future generations.PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR: This category recognizes an individual, couple or family who has created, or was instrumental in, a transformative project or activity specifically within the 2024 calendar year.

General Questions
Does the nominee's philanthropic support impact Summit County specifically?*

YesNo
Is there a specific area of interest or cause where the nominee advocates for ongoing, meaningful change?*

0/50
What are some specific acts of service your nominee carries out in the community to address their cause(s)?*

0/200
How has the community been impacted by the nominee? How is it different or improved?*

0/200
Is the nominee collaborative? Do they work with others on shared activities or goals?*

0/200
Does the nominee contribute financially to their cause(s); both personally (on a regular basis and/or at a significant level) and through other fundraising efforts that they foster? (Note: Financial giving is not required for all award categories, but can be included if known. If this information is unknown, mark N/A.)

0/100
Impact Philanthropist Questions

This category recognizes an outstanding individual whose acts in the community have transformed their space of influence.
How has your nominee transformed the community around their specific space of influence/cause?*

0/500
Use this space to share any additional information that highlights or further describes this nominee’s contribution in this category.

0/150
Outstanding Youth Philanthropist Questions

This category recognizes service by an outstanding individual (25 or younger), youth group or youth-generated project that has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering and/or leadership.
Describe the program/service that the youth/youth group championed and share any highlights or challenges that they encountered in garnering support for their initiative. *

0/500
Use this space to share any additional information that highlights or further describes this nominee’s contribution in this category.

0/150
Outstanding Young Adult Philanthropist Questions

This category recognizes service by an outstanding individual (26-40 years old), young adult group or young adult-generated project that has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering and/or leadership. Not a requirement of their paid career.
Describe the program/service that the young adult/young adult group championed and share any highlights or challenges that they encountered in garnering support for their initiative.*

0/500
Use this space to share any additional information that highlights or further describes this nominee’s contribution in this category.

0/150
Emerging Philanthropist Questions

This category recognizes an outstanding individual or family with a proven record of exceptional generosity (time, talent and/or treasure) and volunteer leadership to one or more Akron area organizations, issues or communities. The emerging philanthropist has: 1) demonstrated extraordinary civic and charitable responsibility, and 2) whose generosity inspires others to philanthropic action for a period of five years or less. This category honors the achievements of a living person; if a family is proposed, there should be at least one living member.
How has this individual/family expanded their philanthropic outreach within the last five years in the community? What inspired their drive to give back at this time? *
Use this space to share any additional information that highlights or further describes this nominee’s contribution in this category.

0/150
Outstanding Philanthropic Institution Questions

This category recognizes an outstanding Company, Business or Institution that has shown their long-term commitment to uplifting the Black community for an extended period of time (15+ yrs).
Please provide examples of how this institution has uplifted the local Black community during a span of at least 15 years. *

0/500
Use this space to share any additional information that highlights or further describes this institution’s contribution/advocacy in this category.

0/150
Hidden Philanthropist Questions

This category recognizes the unsung hero in our community. Their individual contribution of time, talent and treasure is the engine behind the grassroots organizations, churches or communities.
Though this nominee’s commitment and generosity has not been recognized on a larger scale, describe how their work has been selfless but effective in making a tangible difference in the Black community. *

0/500
Use this space to share any additional information that highlights or further describes this nominee’s contribution in this category.

0/150
Memorial Philanthropist Questions

This category posthumously recognizes an outstanding individual who was known to throw their time, talent and treasure around anything that supported the culture and advancement of the Black community. Their legacy lives on to inspire future generations.
Describe how this nominee’s philanthropic legacy has made a significant and long-term impact on the local Black community. How has their legacy inspired others to embrace the spirit of giving back? *

0/500
Use this space to share any additional information that highlights or further describes this nominee’s contribution in this category.

0/150
Philanthropist of the Year Questions

This category recognizes an individual, couple or family who has created, or was instrumental in, a transformative project or activity specifically within the 2024 calendar year.
Describe a specific project or activity your nominee contributed to the Black community in 2024. In what ways did it impact or highlight the accomplishments of the Black community?*

0/500
Use this space to share any additional information that highlights or further describes this nominee’s contribution in this category.

0/150
Should be Empty:

Award Nomination Form

Nominator Information

Nominee Information

General Questions

Impact Philanthropist Questions

Outstanding Youth Philanthropist Questions

Outstanding Young Adult Philanthropist Questions

Emerging Philanthropist Questions

Outstanding Philanthropic Institution Questions

Hidden Philanthropist Questions

Memorial Philanthropist Questions

Philanthropist of the Year Questions