The inability to read, write and do basic calculations can erode one’s hope for a brighter future. Without functional literacy skills, our neighbors, families and whole community remain vulnerable and at a disadvantage in today’s global economy.

That is why we are continuing our decades-long commitment to addressing the issue of literacy across the lifespan through our grantmaking and community leadership. Our work led to the founding of the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County (LCOC), of which we are a managing partner, and we help direct support for other regional programs. We are proud to be partners in the following literacy efforts:

CACTC’s county-wide literacy campaign brings together a coalition of partners working towards a shared vision that all children will be reading on grade level by the end of the third grade.

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We provide funding and technical support to Imagination Library programs in Onondaga and Madison counties. Imagination Library strives to build skills in young children for kindergarten readiness by delivering a new, age-appropriate book directly to each child’s home once a month from birth to age five.

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The Early Childhood Alliance is a collection of community partners working holistically to meet the needs of our region’s youngest residents. We provide the alliance with office space, funding and technical assistance.

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Madison County Reads Ahead trains volunteer literacy tutors and recruits potential learners 16 years of age and older who want to improve their basic English language skills, get a High School Equivalency diploma (“GED”) or learn English as a second language.

We serve as a managing partner of the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County, which works to collectively build and support community initiatives that improve literacy levels across the lifespan.

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Say Yes Syracuse is working to ensure that all Syracuse City School District students have the necessary support to graduate ready for higher education and that no financial barriers prevent them from attending college. The Community Foundation supported the Say Yes effort in the form of a $2 million commitment and management of the Say Yes Scholarship Endowment Fund, designed to ensure its scholarship promise continues for generations.

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Community Investment Stories

Woman sitting with girl holding books
Blogs August 21, 2023

Unlocking Potential through Reading as A Book Buddy Volunteer

Juliet Nabinger, employee benefits senior specialist at OneGroup and Book Buddies Volunteer, shares how her ...

Children looking through binoculars on Syracuse street
Publications August 1, 2023

Payment Pending: CNY Nonprofit Funding Delays From the State Level

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. outline our analysis of how often New York ...

Two men standing, one sitting in a wheelchair
Blogs July 24, 2023

Community Voices: Promoting Adaptive Recreation in CNY through the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Challenge

Ashley Quimby-Simoni, program manager at the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, shares how adding adaptive ...

Bedroom at Elmcrest's new facility
Stories April 20, 2023

Safeguarding a Sanctuary: Elmcrest Offers Mental Health Services to Youth

Originally established as an orphanage in 1845, Elmcrest offered children protection and safety. As time ...

baby sleeping in a crib
Stories April 5, 2023

REACH CNY Assists Families as "Cribs for Kids" Partner

Throughout our lives, we are never as vulnerable as we are in our infancy. It’s ...

Woman sitting with girl holding books
Blogs August 21, 2023

Unlocking Potential through Reading as A Book Buddy Volunteer

Juliet Nabinger, employee benefits senior specialist at OneGroup and Book Buddies Volunteer, shares how her ...

Children looking through binoculars on Syracuse street
Publications August 1, 2023

Payment Pending: CNY Nonprofit Funding Delays From the State Level

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. outline our analysis of how often New York ...

Two men standing, one sitting in a wheelchair
Blogs July 24, 2023

Community Voices: Promoting Adaptive Recreation in CNY through the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Challenge

Ashley Quimby-Simoni, program manager at the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, shares how adding adaptive ...

Bedroom at Elmcrest's new facility
Stories April 20, 2023

Safeguarding a Sanctuary: Elmcrest Offers Mental Health Services to Youth

Originally established as an orphanage in 1845, Elmcrest offered children protection and safety. As time ...

baby sleeping in a crib
Stories April 5, 2023

REACH CNY Assists Families as "Cribs for Kids" Partner

Throughout our lives, we are never as vulnerable as we are in our infancy. It’s ...

View More