Man and woman stand together

The Community Foundation’s 5forCNY initiative, which invites community members to give back to the region by setting aside a portion of their assets for Central New York charities, immediately resonated with Michael and Susan Meath.

Woman standing in front of statue

Gwen's parents grew up in the Jim Crow South and met while studying at North Carolina A&T, a historically Black college and university. Her father entered a segregated Army and her mother was a teacher. It is this keen awareness of the sacrifices and triumphs...

Mercy Works volunteers loading boxes for COVID relief

A century ago, Cleveland banker Frederick Goff had a vision: pool the charitable resources of his community’s philanthropists into a single permanent endowment for the betterment of the city. That vision led to the formation of the Cleveland Foundation and a movement that has transformed...

George Wortley

George listened to each constituent and valued their time. He appreciated talent whether it was from a high school student or a senior citizen.

Steve and Elaine Jacobs stand in front of the CNY Philanthropy Center.

“I realized that the people in this community were the same people who helped me build the business and become financially successful, therefore I knew I needed to give back to the community that helped me so much.”

Oneida Community Mansion House

“They were sensationally good parents,” Joe remarked. Lang and Nini will both be remembered fondly by their family as kind, patient caregivers who loved each other, their family and their community with every fiber of their beings.

Lee Gatta and Joe Redick

Lee Gatta and her husband, Joe Reddick, feel blessed by the support they have received over the years from Syracuse and Central New York. It was the community’s support that inspired them to give back by establishing a charitable giving plan through the Community Foundation....

Black female and male sitting at table and talking

It is commonplace for many of us to avoid estate planning for a whole host of reasons, including avoidance or procrastination, the belief that it is strictly for older adults or those with lots of money or property, or simply because we don’t know where...

Carolyn Palmer with her sisters

Caroline Palmer, known to her many relatives as Aunt Carol, made everyone feel special and worthy of her attention. Whether it was a family member, one of her second grade students, or a friend from church, Carol was considered a person you could count on...

Ron and Margaret Peckham believe you make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give. Through the Peckham Family Fund, they are making a life and a legacy in Central New York.