This spring, leaders from four local grassroots groups celebrated their completion of The Leadership Classroom (TLC). After participating in monthly training sessions, each group received a grant to implement a community project that was proposed and planned during their training.
Each organization is addressing a unique and specific need in Central New York:
Cordie B’s & Katina’s Helping Hands, Inc.
Cordie B’s & Katina’s Helping Hands, Inc. received $5,000 to support building acquisition, fundraising and program development to strengthen the organization’s ability to serve survivors of domestic violence. The organization works to create a compassionate community that breaks the cycle of violence through education, support and advocacy, helping survivors reclaim their voices, heal from their past and build futures free from fear and abuse.
FreedomCuse
FreedomCuse received $5,000 for its inaugural CDF Freedom School program, launching this summer in Syracuse’s Southside community. The project is part of a broader 18-month timeline focused on building organizational capacity, securing funding and partnerships and preparing for impactful program delivery. FreedomCuse empowers Syracuse youth through literacy, leadership, cultural enrichment, community engagement and transformative relationships.
Life Achievers 308
Life Achievers 308 received $5,000 for Fatherhood versus Recidivism, a program that supports fathers as they work to accept parental responsibilities, improve parental relationships, reunite with their families when possible, and reduce recidivism. The organization offers fatherhood groups and programming throughout the year in response to high interest from fathers seeking support as they work to improve as parents and reintegrate back into their children’s lives.
Singing Soulutions
Singing Soulutions received $5,000 to expand its programming to include Activate!, SingSoul Circles, Sing & Celebrate! and One-off Taster Sessions. The organization celebrates and encourages singing together for health and collective well-being, using inclusive and embodied music strategies to nurture healing, belonging, solace, relational and spiritual connection and fun.
“The TLC program was transformative for our organization,” said Kath Fathers, founder and creative director of Singing Soulutions. “It offered us hard truths while providing the support we needed to meet the challenges of running a grassroots organization. As a leader, it gave me new skills, growing confidence that we were on the right track, and a shared cohort of classmates for inspiration. We are grateful to the Central New York Community Foundation for a truly exceptional experience.”
TLC is a program for resident-led and grassroots groups that are active, or want to become active, in improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Through intensive and interactive training sessions with other resident leaders, TLC teaches practical skills that help build stronger, more effective neighborhood and grassroots leaders.
Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 class of The Leadership Classroom (TLC), a training program that helps grassroots and resident-led groups in Onondaga and Madison counties build practical skills, connect with peers and bring community-driven projects to life. Eligible groups must be formed for at least one year and actively working to improve quality of life in their neighborhoods. Applications will be accepted through Friday, August 14, 2026. To learn more or apply, visit cnycf.org/receive/professional-organizational-development/tlc.
The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity that turns community dollars into community change. Established in 1927, it receives contributions from donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to address the region’s greatest needs. The foundation has invested more than $350 million in community projects that benefit Central New York. It also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of strategic initiatives that foster a thriving and equitable region and address the most critical issues of our time.
