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Philanthropy Magnified - monthly impact report

2024 | August Issue - Summertime Tidbits

Celebrating 20 Years


Transformational Philanthropy

When a Community Foundation donor advisor heard the powerful impact of two beloved supporters, Ann Mathews and Ann Shumate, had included the Women’s Fund in their estate plans, she decided to act now with a major gift propelling the Women’s Fund Endowment past the $1 million milestone. 


This $100,000 gift, and gifts of all sizes, ensures in perpetuity, that support for organizations empowering women and girls in Tompkins County will continue. 


Learn more HERE 


Local Businesses

Gives Back

Emily Russell, owner,

The Frame Shop shares:


"I support the Community Foundation because it plays a pivotal role in strengthening our community by connecting donors with local causes that drive impactful change. I know when I make a gift to the Community Foundation it is going to make a difference to the residents of Tompkins County."


With a focus on craftsmanship and personalized service, The Frame Shop has been helping customers find the perfect framing solutions to enhance and protect their valued pieces for nearly 70 years. Their knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing expert advice and ensuring customer satisfaction, making them a trusted choice in the Ithaca community.

Make Your Nominations Now for the 2024

Women’s Fund’s

Laura Holmberg Award

Is there someone you know who has made a lasting difference in the lives of other women living in Tompkins County?


We want to help you recognize that person!


The Laura Holmberg Award will be presented at this year’s Women’s Fund Fall Luncheon on October 15 at the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center.


Please save the date.


Nominations are now open for the 2024 Laura Holmberg Award, presented by the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation.


To submit a nomination, we ask that you fill out this FORM. Nominations are due by AUG 30.


If this link does not work for you please email squier.7280@gmail.com.

Thank you to our

Recurring Donors

"Supporting our community a little bit a month throughout the year makes giving so much more easier for my schedule.


Investing in each other will always be powerful. I know it goes a long way in helping organizations build capacity when challenges or new opportunities arise."


-Ritza Francois, Food Access Coordinator at Cayuga Health and Ithaca College Class of 2015


Would you please participate?

Any amount at an interval that you decide. Click the link below.

Set up my gift to help others locally

Local Grantees Receive

Estate Bequest

A recent bequest from Dix and Barbara Wayman created a fund to carry out the wishes of the couple for one time major grants to 37 different organizations representing their charitable values. Among the local grantees from this fund are United Way and Foodnet Meals on Wheels.


"United Way of Tompkins County is deeply honored to receive a very significant grant from the Wayman Fund through the Community Foundation. We continue to partner with Community Foundation by being grateful stewards of the generosity of the Wayman family and other grant opportunities so that together we support the thriving of all in our community."


Michael Ramos, President & CEO

United Way of Tompkins County


“Our team is dedicated to making sure that our most senior neighbors have the healthy food they need and get a safety check daily,” says Aly Evans, Foodnet Executive Director. “When we receive a gift from a generous and caring individual, not only does this translate to covering the cost of food, its preparation and delivery, it also bolsters the teams’ spirits to keep their hearts in the game! The gift from the Wayman Fund is transformational for an agency such as Foodnet because not only does it take some of the pressure off of securing resources for the higher cost of food but it makes our entire team feel the love of a generous community!"


Aly Evans, Executive Director

Foodnet Meals on Wheels

August is

National Make a Will Month

Knowing as much as possible about charitable giving allows you to make the best decisions when using your assets to help people in your community.


RSVP: One hour planning strategies webinar coming up.


August 20 - Noon on Zoom


Presenter: Christina Larkin, CPA, CFP and Tax Manager at Sciarabba Walker.


I'm interested, I will register now.



Setting the DAF Record Straight!

Current donor-advised fund (DAF) holders at the Community Foundation understand why it’s become such a popular tool to organize their family’s giving and how the DAF serves as a springboard for so many other ways to make a difference in our region. 


Recently, we’ve talked with a lot of donors who work with the Community Foundation in a variety of ways, such as regularly contributing to a favorite organization’s endowment fund, supporting the Community Foundation’s operating endowment, making distributions from an IRA to a designated fund, or attending Community Foundation events to rally around important community priorities.


Interestingly, we are discovering that some of these donors also have established a donor-advised fund at a national financial institution and in many cases did not realize that they could transfer their donor-advised fund at the community foundation. 


It’s time to set the record straight! 


For starters, the Community Foundation offers donor-advised fund holders the same tax and administrative benefits as a national financial institution.


Unlike standard national financial institutions’ donor-advised funds, the Community Foundation offers high-level, customized services to its DAF holders. ...Continued, click HERE

In case you missed it!

View the most recent Let's Talk: Celebrating the Black Family by clicking the photo below.

Join us for a Community Listening Session for Grantees & Applicants

We are excited to see you at September 25 at 12pm! We are committed to strengthening community bonds and maintaining meaningful relationships with you. We believe that staying connected with your experiences and challenges is vital to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community.


In lieu of our usual fall grant cycle Q&A, we invite you to join our Community Listening Session. This session is an opportunity for applicants and grantees to come together with Community Foundation staff, to share what is happening in your work, discuss your needs, and ask questions. Although we are not holding a fall grant cycle this year, our commitment to building trust and offering support in other meaningful ways remains unwavering. We want to know the challenges you are facing and how you have overcome those challenges. This is an opportunity to share with each other how widespread those challenges are and learn how others are handling them. Be prepared to share your...READ MORE or REGISTER HERE.

Exploring the Heart of Community: A Visit to the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County

During our recent site visit to the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County, we had the pleasure of learning about the wide range of programs they offer, underscoring their vital role as a cornerstone of our community. The YMCA’s programming is truly all-encompassing, addressing diverse needs across different age groups and interests. From childcare services to food security initiatives, senior programming, and even racquetball, the YMCA is committed to enhancing the well-being of every community member.


One of the highlights of our visit was seeing the newly renovated fitness room. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide members with a welcoming and accessible space to pursue their health and wellness goals. The renovation reflects the YMCA’s ongoing commitment to offering top-notch facilities that cater to the evolving needs of its members.


We cannot forget about YMCA’s swim lessons, which continue to be a popular and essential offering, teaching children and adults vital water safety skills! The renovation of the after-school program space further demonstrates the YMCA’s dedication to supporting families in our community, providing a safe and engaging environment for children during...READ MORE.


WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT?


You Are Invited! Our 2024 Calendar of Events


> Essential Gift Planning Seminar next week August 20 at 12:00pm HERE


> Let's Talk - Celebrating Indigenous Heritage with TCIKH September 10 at 12:00PM HERE


> Site Visit: Indigenous Heritage with TCIKH September 13 at 12:00pm HERE


> Philanthropy Magnified Reception September 24 HERE


> Commuinity Listening Session for Grantees September 25 HERE


Additional Future Grantee Site Visits info available HERE

Community Foundation of Tompkins County
www.cftompkins.org
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