Pictured above: The Syracuse Chamber Orchestra performs Fantasia on the Greensleeves at West Genesee High School Auditorium| Photo by: The Syracuse Chamber Orchestra
The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $682,050 in grants to local nonprofits. The following organizations received grants in December:
ARTS, CULTURE & HUMANITIES
CNY Arts- $30,500
Hire a consultant to host a series of DEIA workshops for staff, board and constituents.
Syracuse Chamber Orchestra- $5,000
Purchase music and cover the travel expenses of musicians for its two-concert season.
EDUCATION
1st Amendment-1st Vote- $9,377
Expand programming that introduces young girls to opportunities in governmental leadership.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County- $27,473
Host the 2025 Onondaga County Parks 4-H Summer Camp focused on environmental education for youth.
Museum of Science & Technology (The MOST)- $25,000
Make accessible upgrades and additions to create a welcoming space for all visitors regardless of their accommodation needs.
OnTECH Charter High School- $25,000
Launch a psychology-based summer art enrichment program centered on promoting positive self-concept, self-esteem and self-acceptance amongst youth.
Partners in Learning- $25,000
Facilitate the fifth year of Diversity in Early Education & Care, a program that helps English Language Learners secure credentials required to work in childhood education.
HEALTHCARE
Afica- $10,000
Launch a community- and farmer-owned cooperative food market.
Crouse Health Foundation- $23,670
Expand the Visit to Hospital Land program that provides children with hands-on educational healthcare experiences.
Kitchen Literacy Project- $13,258
Expand the Kitchen Rx culinary education program for adults with chronic illnesses and their caregivers.
Meals on Wheels of Syracuse.- $10,000
Launch a volunteer recruitment and retention program.
Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York- $69,725
Purchase three HVAC to help reduce energy costs.
Toomey Residential and Community Services- $13,875
Install a roll-in accessible shower for the Children’s Community Residence.
House of Psalms 23- $35,000
Expand job readiness, vocational training and employment opportunities to help formerly incarcerated women reintegrate into the workforce.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Clear Path for Veterans- $50,000
Expand the Warriors Working workforce development program that equips veterans with necessary skills to enter the workforce.
Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY- $50,000
Expand legal service offerings to support minority-owned businesses.
ENVIRONNMENT & ANIMALS
Spay and Neuter Syracuse- $6,671
Purchase new office equipment to accommodate an increase in staff capacity to help address the growing need for low-cost spay and neutering services for cats.
Syracuse Parks Conservancy- $15,927
Purchase ten grow tables for the Onondaga Park Greenhouse to ready the space to be rented by outside groups for educational visits and social gatherings.
HUMAN SERVICES
Advocates- $6,082
Purchase 20 in-home automatic medication dispensers for adults with developmental disabilities.
PUBLIC & SOCIETAL BENEFIT
Blueprint 15- $50,000
Build the Children Rising Center to expand program offerings and educational services for youth, families and seniors.
Central Current- $55,000
Hire a housing and infrastructure reporter to identify housing disparities in Syracuse.
Christopher Community- $50,000
Develop Fayette Park Manor as a rental facility to address the unmet need for quality, safe and affordable housing options for seniors in Earlville, NY.
Syracuse University- Engaged Humanities Network-$30,607
Expand Southside Connections, a program that helps youth on the Southside of Syracuse build skills through community engagement and collaboration.
Syracuse University/La Casita Cultural Center- $50,000
Expand a youth afterschool program, specifically focused on dual-language literacy, STEM, visual/performing arts and music education.