The Power of Small Acts
Generosity might seem like a small thing, one donation here, one volunteer hour there, a quick share on social media. But those small gestures add up to something big. Philanthropy, according to Giving USA (2024), remains one of the strongest forces shaping communities nationwide. Last year alone, Americans gave over $557 billion to nonprofits; a reminder that our collective decision to care still matters, and it matters especially now.
This time of year, everywhere you look, nonprofits are sharing their needs. Nearly 30% of all annual giving happens in the last six weeks of the year, and 10% of all giving happens in the last three days of the year (Network for Good, 2024). Giving Tuesday, specifically, has grown into a global movement, raising $3.1 billion in the United States in a single day last year. These numbers are not just statistics; they are proof that people want to make an impact, even through small acts.
A Different Kind of Nonprofit
At Bounce Innovation Hub, we see the impact of giving every day, but maybe not in the ways you would expect. We are not your typical nonprofit. We do not focus on youth services, food insecurity, or animal welfare, though we deeply admire the organizations that do. Our mission is different, but just as essential: economic and community development. When a donor supports Bounce, they are supporting entrepreneurs who are building new businesses, creating jobs, strengthening communities, and planting the seeds of generational wealth and innovation. It is real, it is tangible, and it is happening right here in Akron.
According to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (2024), donors increasingly want to see the results of their giving; how one contribution can uplift an entire community. At Bounce, the result might look like a founder hiring their first employee, a small business owner opening a storefront, a startup launching a prototype, or a new idea securing investment. Those are not just business wins, they are community wins and none of it happens without the support of donors.
I know fund development does not sound flashy. It sounds like spreadsheets, grant cycles, awkward conversations, and those emails you swear you will respond to eventually. But at its core, fund development and giving is simply the practice of making sure good work can continue and grow. It is the engine that allows nonprofits like Bounce to expand programming, support founders, build partnerships, and serve the greater region.
Partnerships That Make a Difference
Donors are not just giving to a mission; they are giving to people and organizations they trust to carry it out, and we take that trust seriously. That is why our partners matter so much, our work is not done alone. Bounce is part of a larger entrepreneurial ecosystem, one that thrives on convening, collaboration, and shared vision. Our partners in corporate industry, higher education, civic leadership, and community organizations all help create a supportive environment where entrepreneurs can take risks and grow. Their involvement reminds us that support does not only come in the form of dollars. It comes through time, talent, and resources, all of which are essential to building a vibrant innovation economy.
The truth is, we could not do what we do without the organizations and individuals who believe in us. Our two major fundraisers, Perfect Pairings and Startup Showcase, are more than events. Perfect Pairings is our (Fun)draiser, a lively and joyful evening where we blend themes of food, drink, and culture to create an unforgettable experience. Startup Showcase is our annual signature event where we highlight the progress our founders have made, the high potential companies in our programs, and the entrepreneurial energy that fuels our community.
This year, the support of the Startup Showcase reached new heights. Thanks to The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, we raised $15,100 through a silent auction for a once in a lifetime ride for two on the iconic Goodyear Blimp. Talk about generosity lifting people up, literally and figuratively! Through the additional support of PNC Bank, Akron Energy Systems, Burton D. Morgan Foundation, Wave Strategy, and many more partners, we were able to raise $77,000 at the event this past fall.
We have also introduced a creative new fundraising strategy we are excited to share. Our newly expanded Generator space now offers naming right opportunities for conference rooms, event spaces, and even our phone booths. It is a meaningful way for companies and supporters to leave a lasting mark on the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem while directly investing in the people who are building its future.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
We are deeply grateful for all past partners as well. Their support has been integral to our mission and the work we do every single day. They have helped shape Bounce into a place where innovators feel seen, supported, and equipped to grow.
Looking ahead, cultivating new individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, and industry leaders will be essential to sustaining and expanding our work. It takes a broad and committed network to fuel an ecosystem, and every new supporter strengthens the foundation under the entrepreneurs we serve.
So as the end of the year and Giving Tuesday approaches, I hope you will consider joining them. Give because you believe in innovation and you want to see more local businesses thrive. Give because economic development is community empowerment. Give because your contribution can echo far beyond a single moment. When you give to Bounce, you are not just helping someone start a business, you are helping the community build a new future.
As you approach the end of the year and start thinking about your 2026 budget, please consider supporting Bounce Innovation Hub. If you haven’t already been to the building, let’s schedule a tour so that you and your team can learn more about the programs and entrepreneurs we serve. If you have ever wondered how your support can make a difference, I can promise you this: At Bounce, your generosity becomes someone else’s opportunity. Small gifts help create big impact.