Pictured above: Graduates of Loretto’s one-year apprenticeship program
The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed more than $765,000 in grants from its Community Fund and a variety of Field-of-Interest funds to local nonprofits through its Community Grantmaking program, which supports nonprofit organizations in Onondaga and Madison counties. The grants fund projects in the areas of arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health, human services and the environment.
“From meeting immediate needs to advancing long-term opportunity, these grants reflect the wide range of priorities shaping our community,” said Danielle Johnson, senior director of grants and programs at the Central New York Community Foundation. “We’re honored to support such a diverse group of nonprofit partners and the meaningful impact they make possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors.”
The following organizations received grants:
HUMAN SERVICES
Advocates, Inc. – $19,063
Install ADA compliant doors in the Doug Klepper Community Center to provide individuals with disabilities and their families low-barrier access to essential resources
Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse – $57,400
Replace the roof at the Shonnard Street Club to stop water leakage on the basketball court and maintain safe after-school programming for youth
Center for Justice Innovation – $50,000
Support driver education, testing and licensing costs to reduce financial and language barriers for Latino residents seeking driver’s licenses
Clear Path for Veterans – $40,400
Train service dogs in the Canine Program to assist veterans in managing PTSD, traumatic brain injury and sexual trauma
Come Out Central New York – $25,000
Host monthly LGBTQ+ community gatherings that provide social connection and on-site access to health education, testing referrals and care navigation
Community Action Partnership for Madison County – $50,000
Provide case management and housing navigation services to help Tenant-Based Rental Assistance participants secure and maintain housing
Hillside Children’s Center – $50,000
Upgrade HVAC systems and install air conditioning at the Phoenix Center to keep after-school and summer programming spaces safe and usable for students
InterFaith Works of Central New York – $44,749
Replace nine aging HVAC fan coil units to improve air quality and prevent service disruptions
Laker Transportation Project – $15,000
Purchase a wheelchair-accessible bus to replace an aging vehicle and expand transportation for older adults and adults with disabilities
PUBLIC & SOCIETAL BENEFIT
Canton Woods Senior Center – $47,900
Install security cameras, an electronic access gate and outdoor lighting to improve safety for program participants
Good Life Youth Foundation – $50,000
Deliver entrepreneurship workshops and a youth pitch competition for students in grades 8–12 to develop and present business ideas
Madison County Public Health – $40,966
Hire a full-time housing coordinator to manage referrals and coordinate housing services
Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance (SOFSA) – $50,000
Host community listening sessions and civic engagement activities that provide residents with opportunities to shape local food access and policy decisions
HEALTH
Food Bank of Central New York – $46,889
Purchase nutritious food to stock the Upstate University Hospital pantry for patients experiencing food insecurity
Loretto – $39,100
Provide licensed practical nurses with a one-year apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience
MENTAL HEALTH
Helio Health – $8,790
Train counselors to lead The Seven Challenges program to provide substance use counseling for youth ages 13–21.
Sunshine Horses – $14,940
Conduct weekly equine-assisted Memory Care Corral sessions that promote connection and engagement for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers
EDUCATION
FreedomCuse – $9,260.31
Operate CNY Freedom School, a six-week program that builds literacy skills and academic confidence for K–8 students in Syracuse
Syracuse Stage – $20,000
Perform Theatre for the Very Young, which introduces preschool and kindergarten students to live theater
Tillie’s Touch – $36,000
Purchase a van to address transportation barriers and ensure youth have consistent access to sports and enrichment activities
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SEED Syracuse – $50,000
Purchase and install commercial kitchen equipment to enable workforce training and food service employment at the Chimes Building
