Our Library Grant Cycle, made grants from the Bernard Carl and Shirley Rosen Fund and from our Community Impact Fund as well as from designated gifts from generous donors. This cycle seeks to promote genuine intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of reading and learning by encouraging youth to develop habits of regular library use. Eligible applicants are the 33 public libraries in Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins counties, the 5 counties of the Finger Lakes Library System.

CLICK HERE for specific library and funded program Info

As one of our newest Board Members, Tom had to say this, "The Community Foundation plays such an important role in supporting our vibrant community of care in Tompkins County. I consider it a priviledge and an honor to contribute to the Foundation's vital work."

Thomas O’Toole is Executive Director of Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs at Cornell University’s Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy. His portfolio includes monitoring the strategic direction of Cornell’s two-year residential MPA Program, an 18-month Executive MPA Program, and providing ongoing oversight to ensure achievement of the Program’s educational and professional missions. A public affairs educator for over twenty years, Tom teaches graduate courses at Cornell on Public Administration, Comparative Public Administration, and Strategic Planning.

LEARN about other board members CLICK HERE

Cherry Merrill, Branch Manager at 702 South Meadow Street, Ithaca, Community Bank, NA is pleased to be a long-time generous supporter of Community Foundation of Tompkins County.

Join us in thanking and recognizing the work and charitable impact of local businesses, like Cherry Merrill and Community Bank, NA.

Recently, we put a magnifying lens to Donor Advisors who account for between 57% to 78% of grants made! We learned why they give and how they perceive the Foundation’s role in their giving.

We used a qualitative evaluation approach called Ripple Effects Mapping (REM) to understand intended and unintended results of our work with fund advisors. Each month, we will feature a theme of what we learned. Here is what our fund advisors said...

"I had all the tax benefit. I could handle on my own, but I wanted to keep it local."

The foundation helps connect us

to local needs. It's the relationship that's valuable here in Tompkins County."

See all the themes on the Ripple Effects Mapping [REM Infographics HERE

Community engagement is about working with, and listening to, communities to build long term relationships and develop meaningful solutions to complex community issues. In an effort to deepen these relationships and the value of inclusivity, the Community Foundation has resumed site visits, beginning with the Food bank of the Southern Tier on May 9.

Gloria Coicou, Chief Inclusion & Engagement Officer says, "We'd like to recognize and acknowledge the needs and aspirations of our community partners. Community engagement promotes the idea that, through intentional interactions between communities, we can all work collaboratively to create – and realize – sustainable visions for our community’s future." Our site visit schedule is as follows:

Site visits are open to all community members, donors, volunteers, and fund advisors, ALL are welcome. Please reach out to Gloria at gcoicou@cftompkins.org.

On Saturday June 17th. Meet us at 10:30am to experience Ithaca in a whole new way, through eyes of the artists of our Ithaca Murals. Join us for a tour with Ithaca Murals Founder, Caleb Thomas. We’ll learn about the beginnings of his vision and about the stories and inspirations behind the art of our downtown murals. Meet at the Community Foundation office (200 E Buffalo St. Ste 202) to grab water and pick up a snack and be prepared to begin our tour at 10:30AM.

Community Foundation is ENGAGEMENT!

We can’t wait to see you!

CLICK HERE for details and registration.

During the month of April, Scottish-American Heritage is recognized. From the first patriots, presidents, and industrialists, Scottish Americans contributed significantly to the establishment and development of the United States.

With an impressive list of contributions to American culture, Scottish-Americans have a lot to celebrate. Did you know some of the most famous Americans — including Elvis Presley, Jennifer Aniston, Robert Downey Jr, and Uncle Sam himself — have Scottish heritage? As early immigrants to the American colonies, the Scottish have made an indelible mark on American culture as inventors, artists, politicians, and more. What better reason to raise a glass of scotch?

"Thank you so much for believing in the work we do. We so appreciate the support and opportunity to share our mission of creating a kinder planet and equality for all. We are very grateful for your contribution and compassion." ~Eryn Leavens

Meet Tabitha and Titus! Their new quarantine space allowed Happy Compromise Farm & Sanctuary to rescue several new large residents in the past year. One of the most touching rescues was Tabitha and Titus, twin calves who were born into the dairy industry. They would have been sent to slaughter had they not offered them a forever home. They are the sweetest, most deserving duo, and it's incredible to be able to share their story with people all over the world.

Learn more about HCF & S HERE.