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

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”) ...

Erie Canal
Stories June 23, 2023

Building Bridges of Opportunity

John Winter's legacy as a devoted father, philanthropist, and advocate for marginalized communities lives on. ...

Woman standing in front of statue
Publications May 2, 2023

Gwen Webber-Mcleod

Gwen's parents grew up in the Jim Crow South and met while studying at North ...

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 ...

Pamela Monaco sitting with her dog
Stories November 21, 2022

Giving With Energy & Heart: Pamela Kip Reisman Monaco

It was an “a-ha” moment for Pamela Kip Reisman Monaco when she read another woman’s ...

Angel Winfield and Lance Lyons stand in front of the Rev Theatre Company in Auburn
Publications November 21, 2022

Forging Pathways for the Future: Angela Winfield & Lance Lyons

Giving Voice Fall 2022: Donor Story

Aerial view of houses
News Releases September 6, 2022

New Report Discovers Opportunity for Local Charities' Future

Per household, the average value of assets set to transfer over the next 10 years ...

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”) ...

Erie Canal
Stories June 23, 2023

Building Bridges of Opportunity

John Winter's legacy as a devoted father, philanthropist, and advocate for marginalized communities lives on. ...

Woman standing in front of statue
Publications May 2, 2023

Gwen Webber-Mcleod

Gwen's parents grew up in the Jim Crow South and met while studying at North ...

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 ...

Pamela Monaco sitting with her dog
Stories November 21, 2022

Giving With Energy & Heart: Pamela Kip Reisman Monaco

It was an “a-ha” moment for Pamela Kip Reisman Monaco when she read another woman’s ...

Angel Winfield and Lance Lyons stand in front of the Rev Theatre Company in Auburn
Publications November 21, 2022

Forging Pathways for the Future: Angela Winfield & Lance Lyons

Giving Voice Fall 2022: Donor Story

Aerial view of houses
News Releases September 6, 2022

New Report Discovers Opportunity for Local Charities' Future

Per household, the average value of assets set to transfer over the next 10 years ...

View More