Vickie Brackens, standing at the Philanthropy Center

Vicki Brackens

Vicki's dad always told her that the best way to eat an elephant was one piece at a time.

Vicki remembers how important it was for her in her professional journey to get that first ‘yes.’ She wanted to give other budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to get on the right path, and Vicki knew we could help her figure out a way to do it.

Her dad always told her that the best way to eat an elephant was one piece at a time. We helped her to formulate a plan, one piece of which was opening the Jelly Bean Angel Fund for Innovation. This fund supports programs that bring together entrepreneurs and academic institutions to develop innovative ideas.

“I am able to grow this fund over time and take advantage of the Community Foundation’s resources and community knowledge,” said Vicki, a local financial advisor. “I firmly believe that entrepreneurship is fundamental to a thriving community. The Community Foundation helped me turn my big ideas and passion into a concrete program that makes a difference in this area.”

Related Stories

Stories October 27, 2026

Engaging the Next Generation Through Philanthropy: A Guide for Professional Advisors

A new resource guide featuring insights from Pragya Murphy, our Director of Philanthropy & Impact ...

hand holding growing money
Publications September 24, 2026

Tips on getting your stocks in a pile (and other reminders)!

As clients turn their attention to year-end tax and financial planning, now is an ideal ...

Blogs August 26, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

Topics August 24, 2026

Why Your IRA Might Be Your Most Powerful Charitable Asset

Your IRA can do more than fund your retirement. It can also help you support ...

Stories August 18, 2026

A Legacy of Kindness: Laurence A. Hoefler's Gift to Central New York

For nearly 60 years, Laurence “Larry” Hoefler has called Central New York home. Through a ...

Blogs July 7, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

hand holding growing money
Publications June 23, 2026

Split-Interest Charitable Gifts: Need-to-Know FAQs

For clients seeking retirement income and charitable impact, split-interest gifts may offer a powerful planning ...

News Releases May 13, 2026

2026 Partner in Philanthropy Award Recipient

Karin Sloan DeLaney, ESQ. Member, Bousquet Holstein PLLC, was the 2026 recipient of our Partner ...

News Releases May 4, 2026

Community Foundation Announces Promotions

The Central New York Community Foundation has promoted four staff members.

Stories October 27, 2026

Engaging the Next Generation Through Philanthropy: A Guide for Professional Advisors

A new resource guide featuring insights from Pragya Murphy, our Director of Philanthropy & Impact ...

hand holding growing money
Publications September 24, 2026

Tips on getting your stocks in a pile (and other reminders)!

As clients turn their attention to year-end tax and financial planning, now is an ideal ...

Blogs August 26, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

Topics August 24, 2026

Why Your IRA Might Be Your Most Powerful Charitable Asset

Your IRA can do more than fund your retirement. It can also help you support ...

Stories August 18, 2026

A Legacy of Kindness: Laurence A. Hoefler's Gift to Central New York

For nearly 60 years, Laurence “Larry” Hoefler has called Central New York home. Through a ...

Blogs July 7, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

hand holding growing money
Publications June 23, 2026

Split-Interest Charitable Gifts: Need-to-Know FAQs

For clients seeking retirement income and charitable impact, split-interest gifts may offer a powerful planning ...

News Releases May 13, 2026

2026 Partner in Philanthropy Award Recipient

Karin Sloan DeLaney, ESQ. Member, Bousquet Holstein PLLC, was the 2026 recipient of our Partner ...

News Releases May 4, 2026

Community Foundation Announces Promotions

The Central New York Community Foundation has promoted four staff members.

View More