Kimberly P. Sadowski, CPA, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Message from the CFO

Every year, when I sit down to write this message, I reflect on how best to share the financial picture behind the work we do at the Community Foundation. At its core, this message is about stewardship — about honoring the trust you’ve placed in us to manage the resources that fuel positive change in Central New York.

The past year reminded us once again that volatility is part of the investment landscape. While that can feel unsettling, we know a steady, disciplined approach is what carries us — and your generosity — through all kinds of conditions. We don’t react to short-term noise. Instead, we remain focused on a diversified, long-term strategy designed to weather change and support lasting impact.

Our Finance Committee — in partnership with our investment consultant, Crewcial Partners — reviews our portfolio regularly to ensure alignment with our performance goals, risk tolerance and values. We offer two thoughtfully constructed investment pools: our main pool and our Sustainable Responsible Impact (SRI) pool. Both are designed for moderate, long-term growth and include a mix of asset classes to balance return with resilience.

We continue to follow a spending policy that calculates distributions based on a 20-quarter average. This approach helps ensure consistent support for the nonprofits and causes our donors care deeply about, even when markets are less predictable.

We’re proud to report that the Community Foundation remains financially strong and well-positioned to meet today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s possibilities. Thank you for your continued partnership and belief in our shared mission. It’s a privilege to carry your philanthropic goals forward — especially during times that call for steadiness and care.

Kim Sadowski's signature


 

 

 

News & Stories

Publications March 26, 2026

Nicholas & Agnes Renzi

Over five decades, Nicholas and Agnes Renzi quietly invested in the Cortland community they called ...

Publications March 26, 2026

Teresa Motz | Legacy Gift Continues Mission of Hope and Healing

Throughout her life, Teresa Motz brought people together with creativity, compassion and an unwavering belief ...

hand holding growing money
Publications March 23, 2026

New York State Estate Tax Cliff & The Santa Clause

New York’s estate tax “cliff” creates a narrow but critical planning window: In 2026, estates ...

Aerial image of Syracuse, NY neighborhood
News Releases March 18, 2026

Community Foundation Invests $1 Million in Housing Central New York Fund

A $1 million investment into the Housing Central New York Fund will help strengthen healthy, ...

News Releases March 12, 2026

Central New York Community Foundation Welcomes Three New Hires

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Rebecca Balara as Communications Manager, Izzy Foss ...

News Releases February 27, 2026

Cayuga Fund now Accepting Grant Applications for 2026

The Cayuga Community Fund is now accepting grant applications for 2026 from tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations, ...

Blogs February 24, 2026

Creating Space for Caregivers to Rest, Recharge, and Connect

Hear from Jennifer Kirchoff, caregiver and community member, as she shares how the David’s Refuge ...

Blogs February 24, 2026

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 February 24, 2026

Bequest Will Support Trauma Recovery and Hope in Cayuga County

$1.8 Million bequest from Teresa Motz establishes Hope and Healing Through Empowering Support Fund in ...

Publications March 26, 2026

Nicholas & Agnes Renzi

Over five decades, Nicholas and Agnes Renzi quietly invested in the Cortland community they called ...

Publications March 26, 2026

Teresa Motz | Legacy Gift Continues Mission of Hope and Healing

Throughout her life, Teresa Motz brought people together with creativity, compassion and an unwavering belief ...

hand holding growing money
Publications March 23, 2026

New York State Estate Tax Cliff & The Santa Clause

New York’s estate tax “cliff” creates a narrow but critical planning window: In 2026, estates ...

Aerial image of Syracuse, NY neighborhood
News Releases March 18, 2026

Community Foundation Invests $1 Million in Housing Central New York Fund

A $1 million investment into the Housing Central New York Fund will help strengthen healthy, ...

News Releases March 12, 2026

Central New York Community Foundation Welcomes Three New Hires

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Rebecca Balara as Communications Manager, Izzy Foss ...

News Releases February 27, 2026

Cayuga Fund now Accepting Grant Applications for 2026

The Cayuga Community Fund is now accepting grant applications for 2026 from tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations, ...

Blogs February 24, 2026

Creating Space for Caregivers to Rest, Recharge, and Connect

Hear from Jennifer Kirchoff, caregiver and community member, as she shares how the David’s Refuge ...

Blogs February 24, 2026

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 February 24, 2026

Bequest Will Support Trauma Recovery and Hope in Cayuga County

$1.8 Million bequest from Teresa Motz establishes Hope and Healing Through Empowering Support Fund in ...

View More