Barb Genton

Barbara Genton

When Barb was growing up in Syracuse in the 1950s, she observed her parents participating in civic and religious organizations while balancing work and home responsibilities.

When Barb was growing up in Syracuse in the 1950s, she observed her parents participating in civic and religious organizations while balancing work and home responsibilities. Her father could never say no to a volunteer opportunity. This active community participation and volunteerism were models she learned to live by. At age 13, she participated in her first volunteer service by becoming a youth counselor at a local day camp. That experience helped define her as she later served as an elementary teacher for 36 years.

Over the years Barb served on numerous committees and boards for organizations that she cares about. She loves helping people, and that type of work makes her feel that she is making some kind of contribution to others. Barb accepted support from others when she needed it over her lifetime, and it affected her profoundly. She hopes to do the same for those who find themselves on similar paths.

When her mother passed away in 2004, she began reflecting on her parents’ legacy of serving others and decided she wanted to do something to give back to the organizations that have helped her in her own life. Her financial advisor suggested that we would be able to help her identify and accomplish her various goals. Together, we developed a charitable giving plan and she purchased a life insurance policy, transferred its ownership to the Community Foundation and designated her fund as its beneficiary. Every year she is able to donate her insurance premiums to us as a tax-deductible gift.

When Barb passes away, the policy will fund the BWG Rainbow Fund, which provides support to a cause dear to her heart: SAGE Upstate. SAGE is an organization that provides educational and social support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) seniors. Growing up in a time when LGBTQ lifestyles were less accepted than they are now, many currently in their senior years have little family and can feel isolated. SAGE provides a social setting and resources to connect LGBTQ people with a support system and family atmosphere. After serving many years on the board of directors for SAGE, Barb established this designated fund with us to provide annual operating support to the organization. With the power of endowment on its side, the fund will help SAGE continue to grow and sustain its mission long into the future.

Barb’s philosophy is to live life large every day, contribute to the community and give back to others. She is very confident that when she’s gone, the Community Foundation will carry out her charitable wishes as intended.

Related Stories

Blogs March 11, 2023

Reflections: Asking the Important Questions

Danielle Johnson explains how we are working to distribute our discretionary grant dollars equitably.

hand holding growing money
Stories March 7, 2023

SECURE 2.0 Introduces Legacy IRA and a Boost for QCDs

Hear from Jan Lane, CAP®, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, about the three key provisions affecting philanthropists ...

Students sitting around a table using laptops
Stories March 2, 2023

Junior Achievement Supports Students with Virtual Learning Program

Finding a career can feel like a heavy weight on youths’ shoulders and support may ...

Headshot of Rhoda Sikes along with a photo of Onondaga Lake
Blogs February 21, 2023

A Lifetime Commitment to the Community: Rhoda Sikes

Even well after her tenure ended at Heman Street Elementary School, Rhoda Sike's passion for ...

Blogs February 18, 2023

Reflections: Learning and Working From DEI Principles

Ahmeed Turner explains how and why we prioritize with our staff the importance of learning ...

Blogs January 31, 2023

Reflections: Remaking the Mold

Guest writer Angela Outlaw-Matheny from Crewcial Partners explains how her personal experiences influenced her work ...

Two girls talking
News Releases January 30, 2023

More than $1 Million Distributed to Local Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $974,280 in Community Grants and $159,000 in ...

Blogs December 7, 2022

Reflections: Bringing Residents to the Table

Qiana Williams, program officer, shows us how participatory budgeting is helping residents form solutions to ...

hand holding growing money
Publications December 6, 2022

Charitable Giving Using the New York Statutory Power of Attorney By Bill Davies

William Davies, Attorney at Davies Law Firm, P.C., explores how the New York Statutory Power ...

Blogs March 11, 2023

Reflections: Asking the Important Questions

Danielle Johnson explains how we are working to distribute our discretionary grant dollars equitably.

hand holding growing money
Stories March 7, 2023

SECURE 2.0 Introduces Legacy IRA and a Boost for QCDs

Hear from Jan Lane, CAP®, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, about the three key provisions affecting philanthropists ...

Students sitting around a table using laptops
Stories March 2, 2023

Junior Achievement Supports Students with Virtual Learning Program

Finding a career can feel like a heavy weight on youths’ shoulders and support may ...

Headshot of Rhoda Sikes along with a photo of Onondaga Lake
Blogs February 21, 2023

A Lifetime Commitment to the Community: Rhoda Sikes

Even well after her tenure ended at Heman Street Elementary School, Rhoda Sike's passion for ...

Blogs February 18, 2023

Reflections: Learning and Working From DEI Principles

Ahmeed Turner explains how and why we prioritize with our staff the importance of learning ...

Blogs January 31, 2023

Reflections: Remaking the Mold

Guest writer Angela Outlaw-Matheny from Crewcial Partners explains how her personal experiences influenced her work ...

Two girls talking
News Releases January 30, 2023

More than $1 Million Distributed to Local Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $974,280 in Community Grants and $159,000 in ...

Blogs December 7, 2022

Reflections: Bringing Residents to the Table

Qiana Williams, program officer, shows us how participatory budgeting is helping residents form solutions to ...

hand holding growing money
Publications December 6, 2022

Charitable Giving Using the New York Statutory Power of Attorney By Bill Davies

William Davies, Attorney at Davies Law Firm, P.C., explores how the New York Statutory Power ...

View More