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

SYRACUSE, NY: Michelle at Sarah’s Guest House. CREDIT: Ben Cleeton
Publications May 8, 2025

Finding a Home of Healing and Hope

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Grantee Story

Publications May 8, 2025

Piecing Together Dollars For Decisions

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Granting Matters

Publications May 8, 2025

Transforming Winter Recreation in Madison County

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Cover Story

Huntington Family Centers, the recipient of a grant from our COVID-19 Community Support Fund | Photo By: Ben Cleeton
Publications May 8, 2025

Supporting Crisis Response

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Giving Matters

Publications May 8, 2025

President's Letter

Giving Voice Spring 2025: President's Letter

Partner in philanthropy Kriesel
Stories May 1, 2025

2025 Partner in Philanthropy Award Recipient

William T. Kriesel, CPA/PFS, CFP®, AEP®, Managing Member of Diversified Capital Management and Consultant and ...

Stories April 29, 2025

30 Years Of Learning Leadership

The Leadership Classroom (TLC) has brought together grassroots groups that are active in improving the ...

Staff Headshot Graphic
News Releases April 10, 2025

Community Foundation Announces Promotions

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

Topics February 25, 2025

What We Are Up To | CNYCF Staff Updates

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

SYRACUSE, NY: Michelle at Sarah’s Guest House. CREDIT: Ben Cleeton
Publications May 8, 2025

Finding a Home of Healing and Hope

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Grantee Story

Publications May 8, 2025

Piecing Together Dollars For Decisions

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Granting Matters

Publications May 8, 2025

Transforming Winter Recreation in Madison County

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Cover Story

Huntington Family Centers, the recipient of a grant from our COVID-19 Community Support Fund | Photo By: Ben Cleeton
Publications May 8, 2025

Supporting Crisis Response

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Giving Matters

Publications May 8, 2025

President's Letter

Giving Voice Spring 2025: President's Letter

Partner in philanthropy Kriesel
Stories May 1, 2025

2025 Partner in Philanthropy Award Recipient

William T. Kriesel, CPA/PFS, CFP®, AEP®, Managing Member of Diversified Capital Management and Consultant and ...

Stories April 29, 2025

30 Years Of Learning Leadership

The Leadership Classroom (TLC) has brought together grassroots groups that are active in improving the ...

Staff Headshot Graphic
News Releases April 10, 2025

Community Foundation Announces Promotions

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

Topics February 25, 2025

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