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Philanthropy Magnified - monthly impact report

2024 | December Issue - Warm Holiday Greetings!

Happy Holidays!

Sending Joy, Love, Light & Warm Wishes to You and Yours This Holiday Season!


From All of Us, Wishing You Strikes and High Scores in the New Year

George Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer

Nancy Massicci, Chief Development Officer

Amy LeViere, Chief Philanthropic Services and Systems Officer

Gloria Coicou, Chief Equity, Engagement, and Grants Officer

Madeline Rosas, Administrative Manager

Generous Donors Create Endowment Funds to Support GIAC's Maxwell Internship Program

Listen to how the Maxwell Internship Program at GIAC made a difference for Indira Clairborne.

Cornell alum Mike Zak wanted to honor his former professor and mentor with a charitable gift, so he came to Community Foundation to realize his vision. Recalling the impact that Professor Emeritus Bill Maxwell had on his life and career, Zak established a designated fund here that supports a beloved internship program for youth career exploration at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC).


When Bill Maxwell heard the news, he was so moved that he made a gift to Community Foundation for the same program.


The GIAC internship program provides youth who have yet to establish themselves in a career with the opportunity to gain real-world experience.


Community Foundation made it possible for Mike Zak and for Bill Maxwell to achieve their philanthropic goals, support a treasured community center, and make a profound difference in the lives of young men and women for many years to come.


If you would like to consult with us about how you can create a fund to achieve your philanthropic goals, please email CEO George Ferrari at gferrari@cftompkins.org.

Insights From ''Facing Race 2024 - Our Power, Our Solutions''

From Chief Engagement, Equity & Grants Officer Gloria Coicou


Attending the 2024 Facing Race conference in St. Louis was a transformative experience. In a time when the political landscape is more charged than ever—especially in the wake of the presidential election—staying informed and connected within the social justice realm is not just important but necessary. This conference served as a vital reminder of the work we need to do to ensure equity and justice in our communities and beyond.


Joy Ann Reid’s keynote address was a standout moment. Her words were both inspiring and thought-provoking, emphasizing the power of storytelling and the role of collective action in driving systemic change. She urged us to remain vigilant, informed, and united as we navigate the challenges ahead, particularly in an era where the fight for truth and equity feels increasingly urgent. We, as a people, will lose so much in the years ahead…but we are reminded to continue to stand on the shoulders of our ancestors.


What stood out most to me was the depth and consciousness that emerged when Black folks gathered in shared purpose. There’s an undeniable power in our collective voices and READ MORE.

2024 Holiday Hours

Our office is typically open Mondays through Thursdays with virtual options available by pre-arranged appointment with a specific staff member. This holiday season brings us the following exceptions:


  • Monday, December 2 through Thursday, December 19, Open Regular Hours Mondays through Thursdays, Closed Fridays
  • Monday, December 23 through Thursday, December 26 Closed
  • Monday, December 30 and Tuesday, December 31, Opened Limited Hours 10AM – 2PM
  • Wednesday, January 1, 2025 Closed
  • Thursday, January 2, 2025 Resuming Regular Hours



Only Select Staff Available during limited hours. Please call ahead 607.272.9333 or email gferrari@cftompkins.org for appointments typically available from 10am-2pm.

Donor Testimonial

I've been a supporter of the Community Foundation since its founding. I've since worked with several grantee organizations for which the Foundation's support made a big difference and got to know others from the mission-driven sector through its events (Women's Fund luncheon? hello!); and got advice from staff.

Rob Brown

Community Foundation Board Member


During peak COVID my volunteer activities dwindled almost to nothing and I felt something missing -- thinking about which organizations make the most impact in our community, I quickly settled on applying to the Community Foundation's board. Through this experience I have had the privilege to experience some of the most thoughtful discussions in my years of service to different boards. In an environment where many foundations continue to prefer pure program granting, my peers have maintained a commitment to unrestricted giving whenever appropriate because we all understand how important that is to the health of our nonprofits (even to our own Foundation too!).


We've shared rich explorations about what philanthropy that transforms cultural and economic inequity can look like of the kind I wish we all did everywhere. We stay rooted in best serving the good of our communities now and tomorrow, as it should be. Our region's got something good going on here, and one way or another I expect to do what I can to keep it strong for a long time coming.


Learn more about donors' impact HERE

Community Foundation Week Recap

This week has been a powerful reminder of how when we come together, we can address challenges, uplift one another, and create meaningful relationships.


You may have visited us and shared some hot cocoa, engaged in our Let's Talk program, shared our posts on Facebook, learned more about community foundations, had dinner to support us at Texas Roadhouse, joined us at our Site Visit to Family Reading Partnership, and/or listened to Gloria's talk on All things equal.


Community engagement is our cornerstone. It shapes our vision, drives our initiatives, and ensures that we are meeting the real needs of the people we serve. Your participation highlighted the importance of this work AND reinforces that a strong, connected community is built by all of us. THANK YOU FOR ENGAGING WITH US!

Interested in our 2025 Grant Cycle? 

Click below for an important announcement!

HERE

Site Visits and More Site Visits!

Site visits are a chance to connect with the people who are doing great work, acknowledge their needs, and celebrate their successes. It’s also a chance to see the staff’s enthusiasm for their mission, their commitment to it, and their hopes for the future. Our goal is to engage, connect, and listen with intent during our visits. Please join us for a visit in 2025!


Our scheduled site visits are:


Register for site visits HERE

Our Visit to the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County:

A Community-Centered Approach to Learning and Partnership

We had the privilege of visiting the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County, a vital organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Their work is essential to fostering safety, healing, and empowerment in our community. From crisis intervention services to education and prevention programming, the Advocacy Center’s impact is profound, providing hope and resources to individuals and families when they need it most.


What made this visit particularly special was the participation of a cohort from the Johnson School MBA Philanthropic Leadership course at Cornell University led by Carla Ingrando. By joining us for this site visit, the students engaged in an immersive learning experience, deepening their understanding of how nonprofits operate, the challenges they face, and the essential role they play in building stronger, more equitable communities. Witnessing this intersection of academic learning and real-world advocacy work underscored the power of collaboration and the importance of cross-sector engagement in addressing community needs. The students asked thoughtful questions and engaged in meaningful discussions. This is real-life learning.


Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. George, our CEO, and I had the privilege of guest lecturing with READ MORE.

Donor Advisor, Sandy True, shares: "Our giving usually involves children in our community. Children don't have the ability to choose their situation so our priority is to make sure they have opportunities for growth and health. There are so many special people in our community that share this focus and we try and support their efforts through mental health counseling, literacy, physical activities, food, and advocacy."  


Emergency funding replacing a 40 year old pool pump motor, though not glamorous, is essential to keeping the Y's pool programs running. Upon learning of this urgent need, fund advisors "jumped into the pool" so to speak, to keep the pool open. Pool schedule HERE

Gift Deadlines

We are continuously inspired by the dedication and generosity of donors who answer the call to give again and again. Each of you as a donor makes a significant impact every time you decide to make a gift to us, addressing a variety of needs and enhancing our community's quality of life. This year, thanks to the support of donors like you, we were able to deliver 580 grants totaling more than $5,600,000. Community Foundation's grants, programs, and services depend on the generosity of individuals like you.


Gifts delivered by US Mail must be postmarked by December 31, 2024 in order to receive a 2024 gift date. Hand delivered gifts must be received in person in our office by 12 pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 in order to receive a 2024 gift date.


Gifts made by credit card, Stock or IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), crypto or something else?

CLICK HERE to learn more

WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT?


> Site Visit: Women's Opportunity Center Jan. 10th at 12pm EST HERE


> Let's Talk: To Be Young, Black, & Dope Feb. 11th at 12pm EST HERE


> Site Visit: Racker Feb. 14th at 12pm EST HERE


> Stay tuned for the Door Opener Award Announcement in January


Community Foundation of Tompkins County
www.cftompkins.org
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