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

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 ...

Topics August 20, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

News Releases August 15, 2025

Impact Investing Profile: Home Headquarters

The Central New York Community Foundation provided $1.86 million in short-term, low-interest recoverable grants to ...

Topics August 5, 2025

Black Philanthropy Month | Indaria Jones

August is Black Philanthropy month. See how Indaria Jones became an entrepreneur and leader of ...

News Releases July 31, 2025

A Legacy of Local Love: $125,000 Gift to Support Auburn’s Future

Described by friends and family as someone who never sat still for long, John Chomyk ...

Blogs July 29, 2025

Say Yes Student Spotlight | Romina Mendoza

Meet Romina Mendoza, Syracuse University student and Say Yes scholarship recipient.

Blogs July 17, 2025

Say Yes Student Spotlight | Amy Tran

Meet Amy Tran, Syracuse University student and Say Yes scholarship recipient.

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 ...

Topics August 20, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

News Releases August 15, 2025

Impact Investing Profile: Home Headquarters

The Central New York Community Foundation provided $1.86 million in short-term, low-interest recoverable grants to ...

Topics August 5, 2025

Black Philanthropy Month | Indaria Jones

August is Black Philanthropy month. See how Indaria Jones became an entrepreneur and leader of ...

News Releases July 31, 2025

A Legacy of Local Love: $125,000 Gift to Support Auburn’s Future

Described by friends and family as someone who never sat still for long, John Chomyk ...

Blogs July 29, 2025

Say Yes Student Spotlight | Romina Mendoza

Meet Romina Mendoza, Syracuse University student and Say Yes scholarship recipient.

Blogs July 17, 2025

Say Yes Student Spotlight | Amy Tran

Meet Amy Tran, Syracuse University student and Say Yes scholarship recipient.

View More