Philanthropy Magnified Impact Report
December 2018
Giving is important: It's not about the money, it's about helping  people
Bunching Donations for Tax Reasons

2018 Tax Plans Impact on Donors

2018 brought a new tax legislation and with it, people, just like you, are bunching their charitable giving. If charitable giving is part of what you are considering, we have a wide variety of plans to meet your needs. Please email Philanthropic Services Officer, Amy LeViere, or Chief Development Officer, Nancy Massicci, or call (607) 272-9333 for assistance. Your individual or corporate tax situation is unique and the Community Foundation encourages you to consult your tax advisors, as well. 

Read NY Times article on this topic (link belo w). " The "bunching" strategies leave open a big question. What happens to the charity which has relied on a steady stream of donations to operate every year?   Enter the donor-advised fund."
Hippity Hip Horray! 
   
Susan Murphy stays on as Chair in 2019
Provides a Wealth of Experience to our Board

Susan Murphy, a  Community Foundation board member since in 2015, readily accepted the Chair position in 2018. We are grateful she'll Chair and lead the foundation in 2019.

"I am honored to serve a second year as Chair.  The more I know about the reach of the Community Foundation, the more I understand the many ways it is making an impact in the Tompkins County area. As wonderful as our community is, we still have pressing needs for which your gifts can be put to great use. Through community conversations, collaborations, support of donors and generous grants to many hard working organizations, Community Foundation is creating enduring philanthropy to allow Tompkins County to thrive."

Donor and Volunteer Spotlight: 
Phil and MaryLu McPheron
 
For Phil and Mary Lu McPheron, philanthropy is a family affair

When more than 30 requests for funding were made to the Community Foundation of Tompkins County in November, the McPherons consulted with their daughters - both of whom now live in the Washington, D.C. area - to determine if and where they should donate.

After assessing the requests and asking for more information, they all chose a nonprofit they had never heard of - the Free Science Workshop, which was launching a science night for families in Ithaca that would include a nutritious meal and an interactive science project.

"The kids and parents could attend a workshop and build something, which would promote interaction in the family," says Phil, a retired administrator at Cornell University and a board member at Community Foundation. "And it was particularly devoted to kids who might not have the resources to do that."

The McPherons were able to help meet the funding request of the Free Science Workshop largely because of the donor-advised fund they created at Community Foundation in 2017. Their fund, one of 64 such funds at the Community Foundation, allows donors to contribute money and distribute it over time to causes they choose.

Their Community Foundation donor advised fund enables them to be more actively engaged in grant making because it gives them direct access to needs.

"We are informed by the Community Foundation of requests in as well as out of cycle, and we can pick and choose what we READ MORE
Cornell Challenge: $10,000 Goal - Almost there

Thanks to a Cornell professor emeritus and spouse, in 2018 their funds will match gifts from Cornell faculty, staff and retirees who are new donors to the Community Foundation! You can make an impact in Tompkins County and help realize an additional $10,000 in support. Please help us reach our goal.
 - Susan H. Murphy, Vice President Emerita

Your gift can be made in honor or in memory of someone. Please make a gift now or by December 31, 2018. 
Holiday Open House Tomorrow

Cheers! Come Chat and Eat!

You are invited 
Community Foundation Holiday Open House 
200 E. Buffalo Street, Suite 202
Friday, December 7, 11AM-2PM
RSVP here

Mingle and celebrate our community
Bring your friends!
You'll get a preview of the Community Foundation's top 2018 accomplishments.
Drop by for good cheer and to share your wishes for 2019. 
Thank You, Diane, Sara and Ross
for your 6 years of Board service!
     
         Diane McDonough                      Sara Knobel                          Ross Feldman
  
These three community members were involved and engaged board members. We genuinely thank each of them for their great support. Diane shared with us a few of her outgoing thoughts.

* What did you learn about your community because of volunteering here? 
I learned the most from participating on a Grant Review Team. There are a lot of organizations in the county providing good services and help. I enjoyed the  centralized method of helping distribute the philanthropy of the citizens.

* Why should someone join the Community Foundation Board? 
To become more informed about our community and learn how to benefit more of our citizenry.

* What would you tell a new Community Foundation board member? 
It is a time and effort commitment instead of just an addition to one's resume. However it makes such a difference for fellow board members, the staff, and our community.

Our best to Diane, Sara and Ross! And thank you again.

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