Vickie Brackens, standing at the Philanthropy Center

Vicki Brackens

Vicki's dad always told her that the best way to eat an elephant was one piece at a time.

Vicki remembers how important it was for her in her professional journey to get that first ‘yes.’ She wanted to give other budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to get on the right path, and Vicki knew we could help her figure out a way to do it.

Her dad always told her that the best way to eat an elephant was one piece at a time. We helped her to formulate a plan, one piece of which was opening the Jelly Bean Angel Fund for Innovation. This fund supports programs that bring together entrepreneurs and academic institutions to develop innovative ideas.

“I am able to grow this fund over time and take advantage of the Community Foundation’s resources and community knowledge,” said Vicki, a local financial advisor. “I firmly believe that entrepreneurship is fundamental to a thriving community. The Community Foundation helped me turn my big ideas and passion into a concrete program that makes a difference in this area.”

Related Stories

A group of people talking at a table
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.

hand holding growing money
Publications March 23, 2026

New York State Estate Tax Cliff & The Santa Clause

New York’s estate tax “cliff” creates a narrow but critical planning window: In 2026, estates ...

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 December 23, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

Close up of woman
Stories December 19, 2025

Syracuse’s First Black Teacher Passes On Her Blessings

Marjorie Dey Carter spent her life opening doors for others. As Syracuse City School District’s ...

Woman standing
Stories December 9, 2025

Long-Lasting Giving: Karin DeLaney

Karin DeLaney, Trusts and Estates and Elder Law Attorney - Member at Bousquet Holstein, PLLC, ...

hand holding growing money
Publications December 9, 2025

Three Planning Scenarios for Year-End and Beyond

Three clients, one common theme: In 2025, giving early, donating appreciated stock and using Qualified ...

Blogs October 28, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

Sarah and Nikki headshots
News Releases October 22, 2025

New Hires Announced

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Sarah Edlund as Office Manager and Nikki ...

A group of people talking at a table
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.

hand holding growing money
Publications March 23, 2026

New York State Estate Tax Cliff & The Santa Clause

New York’s estate tax “cliff” creates a narrow but critical planning window: In 2026, estates ...

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 December 23, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

Close up of woman
Stories December 19, 2025

Syracuse’s First Black Teacher Passes On Her Blessings

Marjorie Dey Carter spent her life opening doors for others. As Syracuse City School District’s ...

Woman standing
Stories December 9, 2025

Long-Lasting Giving: Karin DeLaney

Karin DeLaney, Trusts and Estates and Elder Law Attorney - Member at Bousquet Holstein, PLLC, ...

hand holding growing money
Publications December 9, 2025

Three Planning Scenarios for Year-End and Beyond

Three clients, one common theme: In 2025, giving early, donating appreciated stock and using Qualified ...

Blogs October 28, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

Sarah and Nikki headshots
News Releases October 22, 2025

New Hires Announced

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Sarah Edlund as Office Manager and Nikki ...

View More