Over the course of our history, we have harnessed the power of collaboration to tackle our community’s most pressing issues. By working together with government, community leaders and area nonprofits, we are able to leverage resources and achieve ambitious goals. Our strategic initiatives allow us to partner with leaders from the private, public and nonprofit sectors to find innovative and effective solutions to community-wide issues.

A collaboration that promotes a holistic approach to addressing the development needs of children in Onondaga County. The alliance receives space, funding and technical assistance from us.

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A coalition of human service agencies working together to identify opportunities and provide response to basic human needs. We provide grant, management and facilitation support.

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A multi-year commitment to decrease the region’s alarming childhood lead poisoning rates.

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Multiple efforts across our region are helping adults and children improve their literacy skills. We provide funding, management and research support.

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Participatory budgeting is a type of community engagement in which residents decide how to allocate funding through a process of democratic deliberation and decision-making.

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A scholarship program designed to remove financial barriers for Syracuse City School District students to attend college. Say Yes Syracuse is now independently governed and administered by the Community Foundation

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A collective effort by local community groups to provide career pathways to low-income individuals while fulfilling staffing needs of local employers. We provide funding for this program.

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In addition to the initiatives listed above, we also work to respond to community needs as they emerge. Learn more about our COVID-19 response.

Community Investment Stories

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 ...

Group of teens sitting at a table
Publications November 21, 2022

Adding New Flavor to Grantmaking with Participatory Budgeting

Giving Voice Fall 2022: Granting Matters

Six young people gather in front of mural at Boys & Girls Clubs
Publications October 6, 2022

Turning the Corner: A Rationale for the Next Step in Our Performance Management Work

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. examine the impact the CNYCF's Performance Management Learning ...

Children standing with paramedic
News Releases September 28, 2022

$240,000 in Grants Awarded to Black-Led Organizations

Seventeen grants from our Black Equity & Excellence Fund totaling $240,000 were distributed to support ...

News Releases August 31, 2022

Layla's Got You Assists in EITC Education

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit geared towards middle, and ...

Central New York Community Foundation at Juneteenth Parade
News Releases August 15, 2022

Black Philanthropy Month | Juneteenth Inc. Receives $2,500 for Festival and Parade

Last month’s Juneteenth parade, a city-wide expression of pride, brought together the Black community in ...

Lead Free Kids New York at assembly
Publications July 19, 2022

Lead Free Kids New York Receives $25,000 to End Childhood Lead Poisoning

Central New York is home to various features to be proud of. However, it is ...

Children on the playground
Blogs July 13, 2022

North Syracuse Early Education Program Receives $30,000 for Inclusive Playground

For children who are eager to spend time with their friends but have physical impairments, ...

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 ...

Group of teens sitting at a table
Publications November 21, 2022

Adding New Flavor to Grantmaking with Participatory Budgeting

Giving Voice Fall 2022: Granting Matters

Six young people gather in front of mural at Boys & Girls Clubs
Publications October 6, 2022

Turning the Corner: A Rationale for the Next Step in Our Performance Management Work

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. examine the impact the CNYCF's Performance Management Learning ...

Children standing with paramedic
News Releases September 28, 2022

$240,000 in Grants Awarded to Black-Led Organizations

Seventeen grants from our Black Equity & Excellence Fund totaling $240,000 were distributed to support ...

News Releases August 31, 2022

Layla's Got You Assists in EITC Education

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit geared towards middle, and ...

Central New York Community Foundation at Juneteenth Parade
News Releases August 15, 2022

Black Philanthropy Month | Juneteenth Inc. Receives $2,500 for Festival and Parade

Last month’s Juneteenth parade, a city-wide expression of pride, brought together the Black community in ...

Lead Free Kids New York at assembly
Publications July 19, 2022

Lead Free Kids New York Receives $25,000 to End Childhood Lead Poisoning

Central New York is home to various features to be proud of. However, it is ...

Children on the playground
Blogs July 13, 2022

North Syracuse Early Education Program Receives $30,000 for Inclusive Playground

For children who are eager to spend time with their friends but have physical impairments, ...

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