To improve the quality of life in greater Akron by building permanent endowments and providing philanthropic leadership that enables you to make a lasting investment in the community. To fulfill this mission, the foundation is committed to: 1) serving Akron and surrounding areas with creative, visionary and sensitive grants that address the evolving needs of an area experiencing rapid economic and social change; 2) devoting special emphasis to programs that enrich the community in the following distinct areas: arts and culture, education, health and human services, and civic affairs; 3) advising fundholders in areas of charitable concern and helping them achieving the highest likelihood of beneficial results; and 4) demonstrating community leadership by designing innovative programs and acting as a catalyst in identifying problems and sharing information with other funders.