The Central New York Community Foundation connects the generosity of donors with community needs by making grants to organizations working to enhance the quality of life of those who live and work in Central New York. With assets of more than $117 million, the Community Foundation annually makes more than $5 million in grants and provides leadership support in the fields of arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environment, health and human services. Founded in 1927, the Community Foundation strives to inspire philanthropy in Central New York.
What is the Central New York Community Foundation?
A public charitable foundation which receives donations, manages them, and makes grants available to charitable organizations, the Central New York Community Foundation enhances the quality of life for those who live and work within the community by:
- Encouraging the growth of a permanent charitable endowment to meet the community's changing opportunities and needs;
- Providing vehicles for donors with diverse philanthropic interests which make giving easy, personally satisfying and effective;
- Serving as a catalyst, neutral convener and facilitator by stimulating and promoting collaborations among various organizations to accomplish common objectives;
- Carrying out a strategic grantmaking program that is flexible, visionary and inclusive.
Financial Highlights
The responsibility for managing the Community Foundation’s investment portfolio is vested in the Board of Directors through its Finance and Investment Committee. This committee works closely with the Community Foundation’s investment consultant and staff to set policy, establish performance benchmarks and continually monitor the effectiveness of the Community Foundation’s portfolio.
The Committee maintains a disciplined process, regardless of market fluctuations, to ensure the viability of the Community Foundation.
Community Foundation Financial Highlights- Reached a record $117.2 million in assets as of March 31, 2007.
- Achieved 10.3% average annual return on investments since 1995.
- Awarded 1,760 grants totaling $4,479,851 to over 700 not-for profit organizations.
- The Legacy Society welcomed 16 new members.
- Donors contributed over $2 million, creating 26 new funds, and gave nearly $4 million more to existing funds.
For more details,
download a PDF of our Annual Report.