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

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, ...

View More