The Spanfelners

The Spanfelners

Visiting Idaho and Montana every year to fish, the Spanfelners felt a strong connection to nature and sought to honor it with their field-of-interest fund.

John Spanfelner, an avid fisherman and nature-lover, established the Spanfelner Fund at the Community Foundation with his wife Anne to address the causes they cared about the most – the preservation of Central New York ecosystems and environmental projects that support and protect clean waterways.

Creek in forestVisiting Idaho and Montana every year to fish, the couple felt a strong connection to nature and sought to honor it with their field-of-interest fund. When she passed away in 2003, Anne’s will named the Spanfelner Fund as the beneficiary of her estate.

Since its establishment, the Spanfelner Fund has granted more than $300,000 to Central New York environmental organizations and projects, including the Chittenango Creek Walk. We helped John and Anne create an enduring legacy that will enrich the community for generations in ways they would be proud.

Related Stories

Blogs August 26, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community but actively shaping its future. ...

Topics August 24, 2026

Why Your IRA Might Be Your Most Powerful Charitable Asset

Your IRA can do more than fund your retirement. It can also help you support ...

Stories August 18, 2026

A Legacy of Kindness: Laurence A. Hoefler's Gift to Central New York

For nearly 60 years, Laurence “Larry” Hoefler has called Central New York home. Through a ...

Blogs July 7, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. ...

News Releases May 4, 2026

Community Foundation Announces Promotions

The Central New York Community Foundation has promoted four staff members.

News Releases May 4, 2026

CNYCF Launching Participatory Budgeting in Madison County for Centennial Celebration

Community members invited to help decide how $75,000 will be invested locally

Blogs May 1, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. ...

News Releases March 31, 2026

Central New York Community Launches Participatory Budgeting in Oswego County to Begin Centennial Celebration

Community members invited to help decide how $75,000 will be invested locally.

Blogs February 24, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. ...

Blogs August 26, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community but actively shaping its future. ...

Topics August 24, 2026

Why Your IRA Might Be Your Most Powerful Charitable Asset

Your IRA can do more than fund your retirement. It can also help you support ...

Stories August 18, 2026

A Legacy of Kindness: Laurence A. Hoefler's Gift to Central New York

For nearly 60 years, Laurence “Larry” Hoefler has called Central New York home. Through a ...

Blogs July 7, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. ...

News Releases May 4, 2026

Community Foundation Announces Promotions

The Central New York Community Foundation has promoted four staff members.

News Releases May 4, 2026

CNYCF Launching Participatory Budgeting in Madison County for Centennial Celebration

Community members invited to help decide how $75,000 will be invested locally

Blogs May 1, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. ...

News Releases March 31, 2026

Central New York Community Launches Participatory Budgeting in Oswego County to Begin Centennial Celebration

Community members invited to help decide how $75,000 will be invested locally.

Blogs February 24, 2026

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

Our staff takes pride in not just serving our community, but actively shaping its future. ...

View More