Our Family Tree
Learn about the generous donors who have established charitable funds through Stark Community Foundation.
Stark Community Foundation has surpassed $400 million in assets, thanks to the generosity of our community. With assets now exceeding $415 million, the Foundation ranks in the top 10 percent of community foundations nationwide, the second largest in Northeast Ohio and the fifth largest in Ohio.
“Achieving this milestone is a true testament to our community’s unwavering generosity and commitment,” said Mark J. Samolczyk, president and CEO of Stark Community Foundation. “We are proud to work alongside caring philanthropists to make an impact and want to thank our family of donors for making our growth possible.”
This achievement follows a record-breaking 2023, which was marked by a year-long 60th-anniversary celebration and several historic firsts. During 2023, the Foundation awarded an all-time high of $23 million in grants, established a record-breaking 53 new charitable funds and raised approximately $28 million in outright and planned gifts, making it the third-highest fundraising year in the Foundation’s history.
Since its inception in 1963 with an initial investment of $4.6 million, Stark Community Foundation has experienced remarkable growth. Over the past decade alone, the Foundation's assets have more than doubled, rising from $200 million in 2014 to an impressive $416 million by the end of March 2024.
Key contributing factors to surpassing the $400 million milestone include local individuals, families, businesses and organizations establishing new charitable funds like the popular Donor Advised Funds, along with strategic, long-term investment management.
Currently, the Foundation manages over 950 charitable funds, often described as combined checking, savings and investment accounts— set aside specifically for charitable purposes. These funds vary in size, ranging from $10,000 to $19 million, and reflect the unique stories of each of our passionate donors.
“A larger asset size strengthens our investment position and generates additional funds to benefit our community,” added Samolczyk. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done to ensure our fundholders are impactful and look forward to working together to build a stronger community for generations to come.”
As Stark Community Foundation’s assets grow, so does its grantmaking. Since inception, the Foundation and its family of donors have granted more than $250 million to countless charitable causes both locally and beyond.
To learn more about Stark Community Foundation and how to simplify your giving and amplify your impact, visit www.starkcf.org or call 330-454-3426.