Plan Now. Give Later.

Although established today, many planned gifts benefit the region’s future well beyond a donor’s lifetime. You do not need tremendous wealth to consider a legacy gift; whatever your financial situation, there are gift options that fit your goals.

Legacy gifts are a unique expression of generosity and connection to Central New York, oftentimes highlighting the causes and charities donors support during their lifetimes. And planned gifts can offer important estate, financial and personal advantages – allowing you to give in the most effective and beneficial manner.

What’s Your Passion?

Whatever your inspiration for giving, your legacy gift is a lasting testament to the causes you hold dear. This community is a part of who you are and by partnering with us, you can make a difference that endures for generations to come.

We can help you determine the type of gift to leave, see the impact your gift will have, work with your professional advisors and create a custom legacy plan. By developing a legacy plan through the Community Foundation, your memories, life stories and giving priorities can be retained and carried forward. Learn more about our legacy planning services.

There’s No Place Like Home.

Central New York is where you have raised a family, made life-long friends and put down roots. When you give through the Community Foundation, you ensure that your gift stays in this community. Unlike private foundations, we aggregate many funds, magnifying their impact while providing maximum tax advantages and lessening administrative burdens.

As stewards of charitable legacies, this work is core to our mission and planning services are offered on a complimentary basis. No support fees apply until a fund is created.

Giving Stories

OSWEGO, NY: A portrait of Nancy Bellow. Photo by Ben Cleeton
Publications March 27, 2025

Nancy Bellow | Giving For Purpose

Bellow, a native of Oswego, NY, chose to make the community her lifelong home. Through ...

Publications March 27, 2025

Lucy McLean | Unrestricted Giving

Last year, we shared Lucy's story as an example of how even the most surprising ...

Man and woman standing in front of church
Stories January 28, 2025

Holistic Giving: Jeff & Rachel Roney

Jeff and Rachel embrace giving in every facet of life—through faith, family and community. Their ...

Man and woman standing outside
Publications November 21, 2024

Couple shares ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ — and Green

Music has been a lifelong passion for retired physicians Dr. Harold L. Husovsky and Dr. ...

Topics August 13, 2024

The Power of Endowment: Investing in good. For good.

Think of an endowment as a giant savings account filled with donations, which gets invested ...

Publications April 22, 2024

Beyond Great Expectations: An Unexpected Gift with Unending Impact

The unexpected and unrestricted nature of Lucy’s bequest echoes the quiet yet profound impact individuals ...

Pamela Monaco sitting with her dog
Publications March 5, 2024

Planning Never Stops

Giving Voice Winter 2024: Giving Matters

Man and woman stand together
Stories February 12, 2024

Giving Perspectives: Susan & Michael Meath

The Community Foundation’s 5forCNY initiative, which invites community members to give back to the region ...

Linda Verni Williams
Stories November 15, 2023

Centered Giving: Linda Verni Williams

When Linda Verni Williams first opened the Oneida Lakes Arts & Heritage Center (“the center”) ...

OSWEGO, NY: A portrait of Nancy Bellow. Photo by Ben Cleeton
Publications March 27, 2025

Nancy Bellow | Giving For Purpose

Bellow, a native of Oswego, NY, chose to make the community her lifelong home. Through ...

Publications March 27, 2025

Lucy McLean | Unrestricted Giving

Last year, we shared Lucy's story as an example of how even the most surprising ...

Man and woman standing in front of church
Stories January 28, 2025

Holistic Giving: Jeff & Rachel Roney

Jeff and Rachel embrace giving in every facet of life—through faith, family and community. Their ...

Man and woman standing outside
Publications November 21, 2024

Couple shares ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ — and Green

Music has been a lifelong passion for retired physicians Dr. Harold L. Husovsky and Dr. ...

Topics August 13, 2024

The Power of Endowment: Investing in good. For good.

Think of an endowment as a giant savings account filled with donations, which gets invested ...

Publications April 22, 2024

Beyond Great Expectations: An Unexpected Gift with Unending Impact

The unexpected and unrestricted nature of Lucy’s bequest echoes the quiet yet profound impact individuals ...

Pamela Monaco sitting with her dog
Publications March 5, 2024

Planning Never Stops

Giving Voice Winter 2024: Giving Matters

Man and woman stand together
Stories February 12, 2024

Giving Perspectives: Susan & Michael Meath

The Community Foundation’s 5forCNY initiative, which invites community members to give back to the region ...

Linda Verni Williams
Stories November 15, 2023

Centered Giving: Linda Verni Williams

When Linda Verni Williams first opened the Oneida Lakes Arts & Heritage Center (“the center”) ...

View More