Pictured Above: Chedy sits on the steps of his childhood home on Kenmore Avenue in Syracuse.
Chedy Hampson, a lifelong resident of Syracuse who grew up on the Southside, always felt a profound connection to his city. It wasn’t just the streets he walked or the parks he played in — it was the spirit of the people, the collective hope for a brighter future that inspired him. His journey from a young boy to a successful entrepreneur was marked by milestones that reinforced his commitment to his roots.
Hampson’s happiest memories are woven into the fabric of Central New York. Whether it was building his first company, TCGplayer in downtown Syracuse or cheering on the Syracuse Orange at the JMA Wireless Dome, each experience furthered his desire to give back to the community that gave him so much.
“This community is more than just my home — it’s the place where I decided to build my future,” he said.
To foster impactful change, Hampson created the Chedy Hampson Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation, to serve as a vehicle for his personal giving. Choosing organizations to receive grants from his fund is a thoughtful process. Hampson focuses on supporting collaborative efforts that generate tangible benefits for local community members.
This includes Home HeadQuarters, which helps Syracuse residents secure home loans and grants; Syracuse Little League, which offers children a constructive, fun outlet; and parks and natural landmarks. Each grant aims to address immediate needs and lay the groundwork for sustained improvement and community empowerment.
At the heart of Hampson’s philanthropic efforts is his goal to ensure all residents on the Southside have access to the same opportunities that he had for generations to come.
“I am grateful for all that Central New York has given me,” he said. “It’s an honor to be able to help pave a path for impactful, generational change for a section of our community that sometimes feels like it’s been left behind.”
Many residents of Southside neighborhoods wish to secure safe and affordable housing, but the area has historically faced systemic inequities, such as discriminatory housing and lending policies, that make those dreams difficult to achieve. Having witnessed the hard-working individuals and families in his childhood neighborhood face these challenges, Hampson envisioned a platform that could foster lasting change through strategic philanthropy. That’s how his fund at the Community Foundation, aimed at revitalizing the Southside community, took shape.
Hampson hopes to help bridge the gaps between neighbors, government and nonprofits, addressing pressing issues, such as access to affordable housing, childcare and after-school activities, and improved access to transportation in Southside neighborhoods.
He stated that his decision to establish his donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation was influenced by our deep-rooted understanding of local needs. He went on to explain that he believes partnering with us is the fastest, strongest and most impactful way to invest in Central New York’s future.
“The Community Foundation’s extensive network and experience in handling philanthropic funds made it the perfect ally,” he said. “The staff’s knowledge of the philanthropic sector in Central New York ensures that my contributions will continue to have the greatest impact possible.”
Hampson’s aspirations for his charitable legacy are clear. He doesn’t seek personal recognition. Instead, he hopes his philanthropic efforts become a cornerstone of community development.
“I envision a future where my funding will continue to spark significant, generational change, long after my direct involvement,” said Hampson. “It is about creating and shaping a self-sustaining system that will not only solve today’s problems but also adapt to meet tomorrow’s challenges.”
He is sharing his giving story to inspire others to take action. He believes that many people want to help but often don’t know where to start.
“By demonstrating the impact of thoughtful, targeted philanthropy, I hope to encourage more individuals to contribute, each adding their strand to the growing web of community support,” he said.
