The inability to read, write and do basic calculations can erode one’s hope for a brighter future. Without functional literacy skills, our neighbors, families and whole community remain vulnerable and at a disadvantage in today’s global economy.

That is why we are continuing our decades-long commitment to addressing the issue of literacy across the lifespan through our grantmaking and community leadership. Our work led to the founding of the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County (LCOC), of which we are a managing partner, and we help direct support for other regional programs. We are proud to be partners in the following literacy efforts:

CACTC’s county-wide literacy campaign brings together a coalition of partners working towards a shared vision that all children will be reading on grade level by the end of the third grade.

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We provide funding and technical support to Imagination Library programs in Onondaga and Madison counties. Imagination Library strives to build skills in young children for kindergarten readiness by delivering a new, age-appropriate book directly to each child’s home once a month from birth to age five.

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The Early Childhood Alliance is a collection of community partners working holistically to meet the needs of our region’s youngest residents. We provide the alliance with office space, funding and technical assistance.

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Madison County Reads Ahead trains volunteer literacy tutors and recruits potential learners 16 years of age and older who want to improve their basic English language skills, get a High School Equivalency diploma (“GED”) or learn English as a second language.

We serve as a managing partner of the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County, which works to collectively build and support community initiatives that improve literacy levels across the lifespan.

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Say Yes Syracuse is working to ensure that all Syracuse City School District students have the necessary support to graduate ready for higher education and that no financial barriers prevent them from attending college. The Community Foundation supported the Say Yes effort in the form of a $2 million commitment and management of the Say Yes Scholarship Endowment Fund, designed to ensure its scholarship promise continues for generations.

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Community Investment Stories

News Releases June 26, 2026

Madison County Rural Health Council Chosen by Madison County Residents to Receive $75K for Housing Stability Efforts

The winning grant will help the council combine emergency financial assistance with education, resource navigation ...

News Releases May 29, 2026

Oswego Health Chosen by Oswego County Residents to Receive $75K for Youth Mental Health Efforts

The winning proposal, focused on expanding the organization’s outpatient behavioral health programs, school-based therapy services, ...

woman standing and smiling
Publications May 27, 2026

Finding Independence, One Step at a Time: Aurora of CNY

Giving Voice Spring 2026: Cover Story

News Releases May 26, 2026

Oswego County Residents Invited to Vote on Community-Designed Projects

Winning Project to be announced at May 28 Community Celebration

Person Boxing
Blogs April 22, 2026

Building Strength, Inside and Out: OptionZero’s B-Squared Initiative

A new initiative at OptionZero is helping people build strength in more ways than one. ...

Group of people
News Releases September 16, 2025

Five Local Organizations Graduate from Leadership Training Program

Leaders from five local groups completed The Leadership Classroom (TLC), a monthly training series that ...

News Releases June 26, 2026

Madison County Rural Health Council Chosen by Madison County Residents to Receive $75K for Housing Stability Efforts

The winning grant will help the council combine emergency financial assistance with education, resource navigation ...

News Releases May 29, 2026

Oswego Health Chosen by Oswego County Residents to Receive $75K for Youth Mental Health Efforts

The winning proposal, focused on expanding the organization’s outpatient behavioral health programs, school-based therapy services, ...

woman standing and smiling
Publications May 27, 2026

Finding Independence, One Step at a Time: Aurora of CNY

Giving Voice Spring 2026: Cover Story

News Releases May 26, 2026

Oswego County Residents Invited to Vote on Community-Designed Projects

Winning Project to be announced at May 28 Community Celebration

Person Boxing
Blogs April 22, 2026

Building Strength, Inside and Out: OptionZero’s B-Squared Initiative

A new initiative at OptionZero is helping people build strength in more ways than one. ...

Group of people
News Releases September 16, 2025

Five Local Organizations Graduate from Leadership Training Program

Leaders from five local groups completed The Leadership Classroom (TLC), a monthly training series that ...

View More