Three Things to Know About the Central New York Community Foundation

Even though New York philanthropy is largely centered on New York City, there are dozens of community foundations scattered across the state. One of the most well-established is the Central New York Community Foundation (CNYCF), based in Syracuse. This foundation has been around since 1927 and is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of around $260 million.

Here are the top three things local nonprofits should know about CNYCF.

Many Different Grant Funds

CNYCF offers lots of ways for organizations to get involved. The foundation accepts applications from nonprofits in Onondaga and Madison counties in the areas of arts and culture, education, health, human services, civic affairs and the environment.

It also provides funding for capital projects and campaigns, and supports nonprofit groups that partner with each other for a greater impact. There’s a fund dedicated to ending racism, a program that helps women and girls, a vocational rehabilitation program and a grant program specifically for Cortland County. Cayuga County and Oswego County have their own programs as well. Other opportunities exist for nonprofit professional development, senior management sabbaticals and neighborhood revitalization.

This Is a Collaborative Grantmaker

Something else to know about CNYCF is that it tends to participate in collaborative efforts whenever it can. This grantmaker regularly connects with the public, private and nonprofit sectors to address community-wide issues, such as diversity on nonprofit boards and data sharing. CNYCF is involved with the Early Childhood Alliance along with other community partners, as well as the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative of Greater Syracuse and the Greater Syracuse HOPE Initiative, which addresses housing, jobs health, schools and violence. Other collaborative affiliations include the Human Services Leadership Council, LeadSafeCNY, multiple literacy coalitions, neighborhood greening partnerships and a workforce development initiative.

The Affiliate Funds Are Worth Looking Into

Like many community funders, CNYCF offers hyper-local opportunities via its affiliate program. One component fund is the Women’s Fund of Central New York, which aims to advance the region’s women and girls. There’s also the Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund, serving Pulaski and the town of Richland in Oswego County. Other affiliates like the Oswego County Community Foundation and the Cayuga Community Fund serve those specific counties. CNYCF administers all of these organizations, but they each have their own unique priorities and guidelines for securing grants.

Learn more about this community funder in IP’s full profile of the Central New York Community Foundation. For upcoming community foundation deadlines, check out the foundation’s website or subscribe to the CNYCF newsletter mailing list.

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