We gratefully acknowledge the generous community-minded individuals, families and organizations that established 41 new funds at the community foundation this year. They will benefit the community now and for generations to come.

Old photo of man and womanMARTHA, GRACIA & ROBERT LEOPOLD FUND
When Martha Leopold was young, she came down with the chicken pox, causing damage to her ear that resulted in permanent hearing loss. Nevertheless, her parents supported her and helped her overcome whatever barriers she faced. They encouraged her to travel, get involved in the community and pursue her dreams. She remained incredibly close with them both until their passing.

Even though she had a hard time in school, there were things about it that Martha liked. She felt that her education was a privilege and worked hard to keep up in school, graduating from Liverpool High School in 1963. She later worked for Merchant Bank where she worked for 30 years.

Both her father and mother volunteered at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and were always helping other people. Religion and giving back were important pieces of their lives.

Martha chose to name this fund to include her parents, Gracia Cottet Leopold and Robert Leopold, as a way to honor them as a part of her family’s legacy. This fund will provide perpetual support in Central New York to address the community’s greatest charitable needs.

woman standing with her arm around childrenDELISA KERWIN MEMORIAL FUND
Delisa Kerwin graduated from Corcoran High School in 1990 and attended Onondaga Community College. She was employed by the Onondaga County Parks Department. Delisa enjoyed cooking, gardening, walks with her dog, Dewey, and spending time in Cape Cod, Pyramid Lake, the Outer Banks and New Hampshire. More than anything, she adored her loving friends and family, especially her three beautiful children. As a way of celebrating Delisa’s life and legacy of kindness, her family and friends established this fund to provide annual scholarship aid for students attending Most Holy Rosary School and Bishop Ludden Junior Senior High School.

AGENCY FUNDS

Cayuga County CVB Investment Fund
Cayuga County CVB SRI Fund
FMYLA Eric “Zack” Lorraine Scholarship Fund
Landmark Theatre Fund
Skaneateles Parks & Conservation Preservation Fund
Syracuse Stage Fund
Vera House Foundation

COMMUNITY FUNDS

5forCNY Fund
Ellen T. & David R. Bacon Fund
Martha, Gracia & Robert Leopold Fund

DESIGNATED FUNDS

Mike Caster Grateful Heart Award
Hillick Family Fund
Delisa Kerwin Memorial Fund
Leinbach Memorial Fund
John R. Macholl Educational Assistance Fund

DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS

50S Employee Fund
Backus Family Giving Fund
James C. Burns Fund
John & Alexandra Condon Family Fund
Donohue Family Fund
Farm Credit East Cares Employee Fund
Freyer & Lewis Family Foundation
Chedy Hampson Charitable Fund
Hancox Wood Family Fund
Kathy Hanley & Matthew Burns Foundation
Herbert Family Fund
Julia M. Huff-Rivett Fund
J & J Charitable Fund
Joly Charitable Fund
Michael Kent Fund
Mark & Mary Ellen McAnaney Fund
Penny McCurn Stuart Fund
Profound Foundation
Rayo Family Foundation
John A. Santillo Fund
Vargo Brodie Fund
Visconti Family Fund

FIELD-OF-INTEREST FUNDS

Westminster Presbyterian Northside Concerns Fund

SPECIAL PROJECT FUNDS

STEM From Dance Fund

For a full list of our funds, please visit cnycf.org/funds.

The donors listed in this section made their contributions between April 2022 and March 2023.

News & Stories

Stories June 27, 2025

John Marsellus Memoriam

John D. Marsellus, a devoted civic leader, left a lasting legacy in Central New York ...

Topics June 27, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. ...

hand holding growing money
Publications June 25, 2025

Spotlight On: Susan R Schoenfeld, JD, LL.M. (TAXATION), CPA, MBA

In anticipation of Susan’s upcoming appearance in October, we’re sharing some of her insights and ...

News Releases June 18, 2025

Community Foundation Announces New Board Members

The Central New York Community Foundation board of directors recently elected two new members. The ...

Blogs June 5, 2025

Southside Connections | Creating Stronger Communities Through Programming & Collaboration

On Syracuse’s Southside, neighbors, educators and local organizations are working together to build a stronger, ...

SYRACUSE, NY: Michelle at Sarah’s Guest House. CREDIT: Ben Cleeton
Publications May 8, 2025

Finding a Home of Healing and Hope

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Grantee Story

Publications May 8, 2025

Piecing Together Dollars For Decisions

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Granting Matters

Publications May 8, 2025

Transforming Winter Recreation in Madison County

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Cover Story

Huntington Family Centers, the recipient of a grant from our COVID-19 Community Support Fund | Photo By: Ben Cleeton
Publications May 8, 2025

Supporting Crisis Response

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Giving Matters

Stories June 27, 2025

John Marsellus Memoriam

John D. Marsellus, a devoted civic leader, left a lasting legacy in Central New York ...

Topics June 27, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. ...

hand holding growing money
Publications June 25, 2025

Spotlight On: Susan R Schoenfeld, JD, LL.M. (TAXATION), CPA, MBA

In anticipation of Susan’s upcoming appearance in October, we’re sharing some of her insights and ...

News Releases June 18, 2025

Community Foundation Announces New Board Members

The Central New York Community Foundation board of directors recently elected two new members. The ...

Blogs June 5, 2025

Southside Connections | Creating Stronger Communities Through Programming & Collaboration

On Syracuse’s Southside, neighbors, educators and local organizations are working together to build a stronger, ...

SYRACUSE, NY: Michelle at Sarah’s Guest House. CREDIT: Ben Cleeton
Publications May 8, 2025

Finding a Home of Healing and Hope

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Grantee Story

Publications May 8, 2025

Piecing Together Dollars For Decisions

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Granting Matters

Publications May 8, 2025

Transforming Winter Recreation in Madison County

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Cover Story

Huntington Family Centers, the recipient of a grant from our COVID-19 Community Support Fund | Photo By: Ben Cleeton
Publications May 8, 2025

Supporting Crisis Response

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Giving Matters

View More