Special Projects

Pictured above: Onondaga Earth Corps uses the Life Needs Assessment to better understand and support community needs.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Beyond our responsive grantmaking, our strategic initiatives tackle our community’s complex challenges to create measurable, lasting impact.

Through our local Impact Investing, we make investments that generate both financial returns and positive social outcomes for nonprofits. 

Our LeadSafeCNY initiative addresses childhood lead poisoning through funding, investing, collaboration and policy. This year we distributed eight grants totaling $625,677 to construct and renovate safe homes and conduct community outreach and training. 

Say Yes Syracuse removes financial barriers for Syracuse City School District students to attend college through scholarships. Say Yes Syracuse is independently governed and administered by the Community Foundation. 

PROFESSIONAL & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

For many decades we have been a leading sponsor of programs designed to strengthen our region’s nonprofit sector.

NEWS/Nonprofit Essentials Workshop is our professional and organizational development series for nonprofit staff. This year, our workshops welcomed 234 attendees. 

Our Staff Advancement Initiative helps cover professional development costs for early-career nonprofit staff. This year, 20 participants received funding. 

The Leadership Classroom (TLC) teaches grassroots leaders skills that make stronger, more effective neighborhoods. This year, 30 individuals representing five organizations graduated.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE & KNOWLEDGE

Drawing on nearly a century of commitment to collecting and analyzing local data, we serve as a resource for residents seeking insight on community issues.

5forCNY empowers individuals to play a lasting role in our community’s future through legacy giving.

Our Community Data Group brings together nonprofit and government partners to share data and coordinate efforts for greater community impact.

CNY Vitals & CNY Vitals Pro are community data sites offering shared, interactive insights on key issues shaping our region’s well-being.

The Life Needs Assessment helps nonprofits use accessible software to improve performance management, evaluation, collaboration, engagement and equity analysis.

To view a full list of our strategic initiatives and collaborative community efforts, please visit cnycf.org/initiatives