December 15, 2025 – The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed 15 grants totaling $325,000 from its Black Equity & Excellence Fund. Grants from the fund support community-based projects that center, uplift and serve Black communities in Central New York by addressing economic and social disparities caused by historic marginalization. This round also marks the first time the fund has awarded a multi-year commitment, with Jubilee Homes receiving the inaugural three-year grant to support its workforce development efforts.
100 Black Men of Syracuse – $25,000
Support the Future 100 program, which empowers high school students with essential life skills to help them succeed in college, careers and community leadership
Advance Student Resource Systems – $10,000
Support the DriveSafe Robotics and E-Gaming & Careers initiative, which introduces students to technology and workforce pathways in emerging industries
AI Sustainable Development Group – $25,000
Support the Central New York Ethical AI Creators Lab, fostering equitable access to artificial intelligence education and innovation
Blueprint 15 – $35,000
Hire residents as expert advisors and engagement specialists for the Neighborhood Navigators program, deepening community input and trust in revitalization efforts
Dunbar Association – $30,000
Develop and present a youth-driven curriculum on racism and bias in the legal system, promoting awareness and dialogue among young people
Food Access Healthy Neighborhoods Now (FAHNN) – $10,000
Establish a wellness hub featuring a food pantry, specialty market, full-service kitchen, community garden and nutrition education programs to expand access to healthy food
Nourish Syracuse – $42,000
Launch a series of food education workshops and community initiatives in partnership with Café Sankofa to promote sustainable nutrition and food justice
Image Initiative – $5,500
Support the Sisters Empowering Sisters conference, a two-day event for young women that features panel discussions on health, leadership and relationships
Jubilee Homes – $25,000
Provide the first year of a three-year general operating support grant to strengthen its workforce development training center, which connects residents with job skills, coaching and pathways to employment
Life Achievers 308 – $12,500
Launch a workshop series centered on fatherhood and brotherhood to strengthen family engagement and mentorship among men of color
Me/We Creative Arts Lab & Community Studio – $10,000
Launch Black Seed Groundwork, an arts-based wellness initiative that supports Black artists, fosters healing and builds creative community connections
OptionZero – $10,000
Host adaptive fitness programs designed for senior citizens and people with disabilities, encouraging inclusion and active living
Syracuse City Ballet – $25,000
Support Dance for All: Building Community through Movement, an initiative that offers free dance classes, performances and workshops to increase access to the arts
Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility | Syracuse Community Connections – $25,000
Support the E-Sports Academy after-school program, helping youth strengthen critical thinking, teamwork and academic performance through gaming
Syracuse STEM NSBE – $35,000
Host the Syracuse STEM Design Challenge competition, inspiring youth to explore science, technology, engineering and math careers through hands-on learning
The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity that turns community dollars into community change. Established in 1927, it receives contributions from donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to address the region’s greatest needs. The Community Foundation has invested more than $320 million in community projects that benefit Central New York. It also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of strategic initiatives that foster a thriving and equitable region and address the most critical issues of our time. Learn more at cnycf.org
The Community Foundation’s Black Equity & Excellence Fund, launched in 2020, is designed to fund community-based projects that center, uplift and serve Black communities in Central New York by addressing economic and social disparities caused by historic marginalization. The fund is dedicated to fostering self-sufficiency, economic development, and community empowerment. Learn more at cnycf.org/equity.
