Ruth Hancock sits on the porch of her home

Ruth Hancock

Both Ruth and her husband, Stewart Hancock, grew up in families in which charitable giving was just a part of what they did.

Both Ruth and her husband, Stewart Hancock, grew up in families in which charitable giving was just a part of what they did. The Hancocks understood the importance of being involved in the community early on, so giving back was always a big part of their lives. When Stew passed away, Ruth knew we would be the best recipient of gifts in his memory because the funds would be managed well and used in perpetuity to address the causes of greatest need in Central New York.

Stew and Ruth always made time to help others in need through a variety of organizations. Giving through us enabled her to memorialize his legacy of generosity and continue her own. She trusts that donations to our Community Fund, which addresses broad and changing needs in the community, will always be used to make the biggest impact possible.

“I feel lucky to call this community my home,” she said. “I know that the money I and our loved ones have given in Stew’s name will continue to make a difference far into the future through the Community Foundation’s grantmaking and initiatives.”

Related Stories

Publications August 22, 2025

Paiement en attente : Retards de financement des organisations à but non lucratif de CNY au niveau de l'État

Colby Cyrus, CAPM et Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. présentent notre analyse de la fréquence des retards ...

Non classifié(e) July 31, 2025

A Legacy of Local Love: $125,000 Gift to Support Auburn’s Future

Described by friends and family as someone who never sat still for long, John Chomyk ...

Non classifié(e) July 8, 2025

LeadSafeCNY : Un regard sur nos investissements dans les quartiers

Une nouvelle carte thermique montre l'impact des investissements réalisés jusqu'à présent dans les quartiers dans ...

Histoires June 27, 2025

John Marsellus Memoriam

John D. Marsellus, a devoted civic leader, left a lasting legacy in Central New York ...

Non classifié(e) June 18, 2025

Community Foundation Announces New Board Members

The Central New York Community Foundation board of directors recently elected two new members. The ...

Blogs June 5, 2025

Southside Connections | Creating Stronger Communities Through Programming & Collaboration

On Syracuse’s Southside, neighbors, educators and local organizations are working together to build a stronger, ...

SYRACUSE, NY: Michelle at Sarah’s Guest House. 


CREDIT: Ben Cleeton
Publications May 8, 2025

Finding a Home of Healing and Hope

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Grantee Story

Publications May 8, 2025

Piecing Together Dollars For Decisions

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Granting Matters

Publications May 8, 2025

Transforming Winter Recreation in Madison County

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Cover Story

Publications August 22, 2025

Paiement en attente : Retards de financement des organisations à but non lucratif de CNY au niveau de l'État

Colby Cyrus, CAPM et Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. présentent notre analyse de la fréquence des retards ...

Non classifié(e) July 31, 2025

A Legacy of Local Love: $125,000 Gift to Support Auburn’s Future

Described by friends and family as someone who never sat still for long, John Chomyk ...

Non classifié(e) July 8, 2025

LeadSafeCNY : Un regard sur nos investissements dans les quartiers

Une nouvelle carte thermique montre l'impact des investissements réalisés jusqu'à présent dans les quartiers dans ...

Histoires June 27, 2025

John Marsellus Memoriam

John D. Marsellus, a devoted civic leader, left a lasting legacy in Central New York ...

Non classifié(e) June 18, 2025

Community Foundation Announces New Board Members

The Central New York Community Foundation board of directors recently elected two new members. The ...

Blogs June 5, 2025

Southside Connections | Creating Stronger Communities Through Programming & Collaboration

On Syracuse’s Southside, neighbors, educators and local organizations are working together to build a stronger, ...

SYRACUSE, NY: Michelle at Sarah’s Guest House. 


CREDIT: Ben Cleeton
Publications May 8, 2025

Finding a Home of Healing and Hope

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Grantee Story

Publications May 8, 2025

Piecing Together Dollars For Decisions

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Granting Matters

Publications May 8, 2025

Transforming Winter Recreation in Madison County

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Cover Story

Voir plus