Impact investing allows us to use our financial resources to make investments that generate both financial returns and positive social outcomes. In 2023, our board of directors approved a policy that allows us to use up to 5% of our main investment pool for the purpose of local impact investment. By leveraging financial resources and investing in organizations and projects that align with our mission, we are able to make the most of our capital assets while contributing to the long-term well-being and development of our community.

GRAPHS

INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT

Nonprofit Bridge Loan Program
In February, we partnered with Cooperative Federal (Coop Fed) to launch a nonprofit bridge loan program. The bridge loan fund will help nonprofit organizations continue essential community services while awaiting the receipt of approved grant funding. It is common for government agencies and other funders to require awardees to draw down funds on a reimbursement basis, often taking several months and even up to a year to process reimbursements. A Community Foundation survey of more than 50 local nonprofit
organizations found that 58% have experienced funding delays from New York State grant contracts.

Loans will be fully secured by Community Foundation funds on deposit at Coop Fed. Nonprofit organizations and unincorporated organizations working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor are eligible to borrow an amount equal to their first anticipated disbursement under a fully executed funding agreement, ranging from $25,000 to $150,000. The Community Foundation will be responsible for intake, loan application packaging and preliminary due diligence review. Applications that meet the Community Foundation’s internal standards will be recommended to Coop Fed.

News & Stories

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 ...

Two kids serving themselves salad
News Releases September 11, 2025

Nearly $1.5 Million Distributed to CNY Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $1,342,262 in grants from our Community Fund ...

hand holding growing money
Publications September 9, 2025

Timing Is Everything: Mapping Out Clients’ 2025 Charitable Giving Plans

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act makes timing everything for charitable planning: 2025 offers a ...

Cartoon of man looking through telescope
Topics September 9, 2025

3 Main Charitable Giving Changes

Signed July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reshapes charitable giving—raising the standard ...

someone typing on a calculator
Topics September 9, 2025

Top 10 Ways to Give Smarter with the 2025 Tax Law

2025 is a rare window to maximize both your charitable impact and your tax savings ...

Group of people standing in front of a van
Blogs September 4, 2025

Resilience Comes With A Wagging Tail

A new Canine Mobile Unit means healthier dogs, safer travel and more veterans connected with ...

News Releases August 26, 2025

Paper Released: An Early Warning – Unpacking the Lead-Literacy Connection

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. examine the relationship between childhood lead exposure and ...

Publications August 22, 2025

An Early Warning: Unpacking the Lead-Literacy Connection

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. examine the relationship between childhood lead exposure and ...

News Releases August 21, 2025

CNY Community Foundation Closes on $490K Deal For WCNY Training Program

The Central New York Community Foundation's local impact investing program has closed on a $490,000 ...

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 ...

Two kids serving themselves salad
News Releases September 11, 2025

Nearly $1.5 Million Distributed to CNY Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $1,342,262 in grants from our Community Fund ...

hand holding growing money
Publications September 9, 2025

Timing Is Everything: Mapping Out Clients’ 2025 Charitable Giving Plans

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act makes timing everything for charitable planning: 2025 offers a ...

Cartoon of man looking through telescope
Topics September 9, 2025

3 Main Charitable Giving Changes

Signed July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act reshapes charitable giving—raising the standard ...

someone typing on a calculator
Topics September 9, 2025

Top 10 Ways to Give Smarter with the 2025 Tax Law

2025 is a rare window to maximize both your charitable impact and your tax savings ...

Group of people standing in front of a van
Blogs September 4, 2025

Resilience Comes With A Wagging Tail

A new Canine Mobile Unit means healthier dogs, safer travel and more veterans connected with ...

News Releases August 26, 2025

Paper Released: An Early Warning – Unpacking the Lead-Literacy Connection

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. examine the relationship between childhood lead exposure and ...

Publications August 22, 2025

An Early Warning: Unpacking the Lead-Literacy Connection

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. examine the relationship between childhood lead exposure and ...

News Releases August 21, 2025

CNY Community Foundation Closes on $490K Deal For WCNY Training Program

The Central New York Community Foundation's local impact investing program has closed on a $490,000 ...

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