Behind Every Gift Is a Person: A People-First Look at Philanthropy

No matter the funding source—foundation, corporation, or individual—every gift begins with a human decision.

Join us for a dynamic virtual Lunch & Learn on Thursday, January 15, as three seasoned fundraising professionals—John Brkic, Kim Huff, and Jeannine Marks—come together to explore the human side of philanthropy. Representing expertise in foundational, corporate, and individual giving, this panel will unpack what truly motivates donors and decision-makers across all sectors.

Through real-world examples and candid conversation, panelists will discuss:

• What inspires people to give—and to keep giving

• How trust and relationships influence funding decisions

• Ways organizations can communicate impact that resonates with any audience

Participants will walk away with practical, actionable insights on building authentic connections, aligning mission with donor values, and approaching fundraising with a people-first mindset—no matter where the dollars come from.

Bring your lunch, your questions, and your curiosity. You’ll leave with ideas you can use immediately.

Full participation in All Giving Comes From People is applicable for 1.0 points in Category 1.B -Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

Panelists:

John Brkic, Volunteer of America

John is the Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships for the National Office of Volunteers of America, Inc.

Based in Akron, Ohio, he is an operations and management professional with broad experience in marketing, development, and corporate partnerships across mission-driven organizations. John has held leadership roles in nonprofits and youth-serving organizations, including the Director of Field Services with the Boy Scouts of America’s Great Trail Council, where he managed field operations, volunteer engagement, and program delivery across multiple Ohio counties.

Currently, John works in corporate sponsorship and partnership development, helping connect companies with high-impact programs and events that align with their values. His work emphasizes building sustainable revenue streams, creating strong stakeholder relationships, and designing campaigns that elevate both brand and community outcomes.

Kim Huff, Synthomer Foundation

Kim is the Community Relations Representative for the Synthomer Foundation where she manages a $1.3 million dollar budget and is responsible for the initial evaluation of all incoming grant requests from Synthomer’s ten domestic communities. She also serves as the key representative for employee and community engagement activities.

She recognizes the importance of giving back to the community and does so by serving on the Summit County Alcohol Drug and Mental Health Board as well as the boards of Goodwill Industries, Women’s Endowment Fund, and Philanthropy Ohio.

Kim is a graduate of Leadership Akron Class 41. She is also an alumnus of Torchbearers Akron, Leadership Akron’s Diversity on Board program and Cleveland Bridge Builder’s Class of 2020.

Jeannine Marks

Jeannine and Steve Marks launched the Akron Marathon in 2003 with a family foundation. The mission of the marathon is to promote health and fitness and galvanize the community through the operation of its signature event, The Akron Marathon. The event is currently the largest Marathon Relay event in the United States and has been recognized as one of the “50 Greatest US Marathons” and in 2006 was a finalist for the US Marathon Olympic Trials. The Akron Marathon Charitable Organization has partnered with area non-profits to raise millions of dollars for charitable causes and has demonstrated a significant economic benefit to the community and the region.

Jeannine is a lifelong Akron area resident and a graduate from the University of Akron. Jeannine and her husband were recognized with the 2022 Polsky Humanitarian Award given each year by the Akron Community Foundation to an individual or couple who best exemplifies Bert Polsky's selfless dedication to humanitarian causes in Akron.