Impact Investing

Pictured above: WCNY

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.

$6.8M Invested in Region
$35.4M Leveraged for Home Loans
$44.2M Leveraged for Personal, Business & Other Loans
66 Low-Moderate Income Homes Constructed or Rehabilitated
4,493 Residents Received Legal Aid
40 Individuals Employed through WCNY

Investment Spotlight

$490K INVESTMENT SUPPORTS WCNY TRAINING PROGRAM

Last August, we closed on a $490,000 deal through our local impact investing program to support WCNY’s Entertainment Academy, a workforce development program that prepares adults from underserved neighborhoods for careers in the television and film industry. The financing, backed by a Certificate of Deposit established in partnership with Pathfinder Bank, allowed WCNY to continue operating the program while awaiting reimbursement from a New York State grant contract.

The Entertainment Academy provides hands-on training in film production and related industries, helping participants access higher-paying jobs and advance their economic mobility. WCNY also secured a new $490,000 grant from Empire State Development to offer a third year of the program, which will provide job-related training to another
40 young adults.

Beyond the Entertainment Academy, WCNY helped 1,000 regional students participate in its Enterprise America financial literacy program during the 2025-26 school year.

This investment demonstrates how we use impact investing to help nonprofit organizations bridge funding gaps caused by delayed grant reimbursements. By providing access to flexible capital, we help organizations continue delivering critical services while advancing workforce development and economic opportunity across Central
New York.