What we help make possible in the community:

By combining the giving power of individual gifts and the nearly 1,000 charitable funds that we invest over time, the Central New York Community Foundation significantly multiplies the impact of our region’s most charitable residents – like you.

Safe Housing:

Our LeadSafeCNY initiative is helping put a stop to childhood lead poisoning to give our next generation of residents hope for a brighter future. So far, more than 1,600 windows and 160 doors have been replaced, nearly 230 safe and affordable rental units have been constructed or renovated and more than 280 individuals have been trained on proper lead paint removal.

Literacy & Learning:

Children listen in a reading circle at Earlville Library

Nourishing the education of our region’s residents from infancy to adulthood is a priority in our initiatives and grantmaking.  Nearly 2 million free children’s books have been distributed in Onondaga County through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and more than 6,000 Say Yes Syracuse students have enrolled in 2 and 4-year colleges.

Crisis Response:

Women packing food into box

Our resources and community knowledge allow us to act quickly during times of crisis. More than $2 million in response grants were distributed during the first few years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Let’s make more possibilities together:

It is likely that you feel connected to Central New York and want to help do your part to make the region better for residents now and in the future. Whether you are donating to a fund or opening one of your own, by giving through the Community Foundation, your dollars will create opportunities for your fellow community members both now and in the future.

                       

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News & Stories

News Releases August 26, 2025

Paper Released: An Early Warning – Unpacking the Lead-Literacy Connection

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. examine the relationship between childhood lead exposure and ...

Publications August 22, 2025

An Early Warning: Unpacking the Lead-Literacy Connection

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. examine the relationship between childhood lead exposure and ...

News Releases August 21, 2025

CNY Community Foundation Closes on $490K Deal For WCNY Training Program

The Central New York Community Foundation s local impact investing program has closed on a ...

Topics August 20, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

News Releases August 15, 2025

Impact Investing Profile: Home Headquarters

The Central New York Community Foundation provided $1.86 million in short-term, low-interest recoverable grants to ...

Topics August 5, 2025

Black Philanthropy Month | Indaria Jones

August is Black Philanthropy month. See how Indaria Jones became an entrepreneur and leader of ...

News Releases July 31, 2025

A Legacy of Local Love: $125,000 Gift to Support Auburn’s Future

Described by friends and family as someone who never sat still for long, John Chomyk ...

Blogs July 29, 2025

Say Yes Student Spotlight | Romina Mendoza

Meet Romina Mendoza, Syracuse University student and Say Yes scholarship recipient.

Blogs July 17, 2025

Say Yes Student Spotlight | Amy Tran

Meet Amy Tran, Syracuse University student and Say Yes scholarship recipient.

News Releases August 26, 2025

Paper Released: An Early Warning – Unpacking the Lead-Literacy Connection

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. examine the relationship between childhood lead exposure and ...

Publications August 22, 2025

An Early Warning: Unpacking the Lead-Literacy Connection

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. examine the relationship between childhood lead exposure and ...

News Releases August 21, 2025

CNY Community Foundation Closes on $490K Deal For WCNY Training Program

The Central New York Community Foundation s local impact investing program has closed on a ...

Topics August 20, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

News Releases August 15, 2025

Impact Investing Profile: Home Headquarters

The Central New York Community Foundation provided $1.86 million in short-term, low-interest recoverable grants to ...

Topics August 5, 2025

Black Philanthropy Month | Indaria Jones

August is Black Philanthropy month. See how Indaria Jones became an entrepreneur and leader of ...

News Releases July 31, 2025

A Legacy of Local Love: $125,000 Gift to Support Auburn’s Future

Described by friends and family as someone who never sat still for long, John Chomyk ...

Blogs July 29, 2025

Say Yes Student Spotlight | Romina Mendoza

Meet Romina Mendoza, Syracuse University student and Say Yes scholarship recipient.

Blogs July 17, 2025

Say Yes Student Spotlight | Amy Tran

Meet Amy Tran, Syracuse University student and Say Yes scholarship recipient.

View More