Philanthropy Magnified - monthly impact report
2023 | May Issue
2023 Resilient Communities Spring Grant Cycle Grantees
$384,112 in 106 grants to 57 organizations
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Yay, to this cycle that provides flexible unrestricted support to organizations meeting community needs, some longstanding, some new, or revealed in the aftermath of the pandemic.

What is the amount? (Drum roll please...)

$384,112 was funded in 106 grants to 57 organizations.

How did this happen?

Tompkins Today and Tomorrow granted $157,775.

8 Donor Advised Funds supported requests at highest level ever for a total of $98,200.

6 Field of Interest Funds were available for support this year for a total of $84,287.

Howland Foundation (whose grants are administered by Community Foundation) granted additional amounts.

Congratulations to each organization and to BIG thanks to Grant Review Team volunteers!

Click HERE for specific funded agency detailed Info
Board Member Spotlight
Courtney Owens

A native of the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Courtney Owens serves as an Assistant Director for the Dean of Students, Student and Campus Life at Cornell University. She holds a Masters in Organizational Leadership & Development from Western Kentucky University. As a higher education professional, Courtney focuses on institutional retention and success, leadership development, and seeks to enhance local strategic partnerships within Greater Ithaca.

Within her role at the university, Courtney is responsible for allocating donor relative funds, deepening existing relationships between internal and external stakeholders, and provides equitable access for Ithaca residents to promote sustainable qualities of life. In addition, Courtney specializes in designing educational DEI Leadership trainings that influence future leaders for a better tomorrow.

Learn about other board members Click HERE
Fund Advisors Briefing
We were pleased to host about 30 fund advisors and contacts at our annual Fund Advisors Briefing in May. This event invites us to learn from each other and hear from Community Foundation staff. We celebrated how fund advisors continue to have meaningful impact.

Briefing by staff, included a special report: Ripple Effects Mapping [REM]: A Report from the Nine Stories of Donor Advisors.

Hear Susie Gutenberger, Lansing Community Library Director, share her experiences working with Community Foundation as both an agency fund contact as well as a grantee.
Donor Advisor Nancy Miller sharing how Community Foundation's Amy LeViere, Chief Philanthropic Services & Systems Officer, made a connection with her interest in the Gayogohó:nǫˀ Learning Project 
Donor Profile: Diane Bailey and Sushil Verma
“When we moved here about four years ago, we began exploring our local environment and ways to give to our community.

Community Foundation of Tompkins County was a natural choice for us: their values resonated with ours and we appreciated both the diversity of their funded programs and their strong stewardship.” Diane Bailey

Read More Donor Stories HERE

Updated Online Giving Tools
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Your Community Foundation seeks out ways to deliver a better donor giving experience with us. Thank you for your trust and faith in our work. Exciting changes have been made or will be made this summer:
  • switched to a new credit card processor to cut online giving fees by more than half to a low 3%
  • revamped our online giving page to make it easier and faster to review and select which funds to which you would like to designate your gift, see more HERE
  • coming soon...Cash App and Venmo for additional giving platforms

Click HERE to see all the options for types of gifts to donate. THANK YOU
Ann Shumate Bequest Supports Women's Fund
Ann Shumate made a gift to the Women's Fund nearly doubling its balance. She named the Women's Fund as beneficiary of her retirement assets. Our most active and one of our longest standing field of interest funds, the Women's Fund, now will have substantially more resources with which to make grants.

Thank you Ann for this amazing planned gift which forever documents your legacy as a leader, generous donor, educator and beloved community member.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Corner
June is Caribbean Heritage Month! It is that time where we dedicate our celebration to honoring the cultural richness, history, and contributions of the Caribbean nations. During National Caribbean Month, we have the opportunity to honor and explore the achievements of Caribbean people in various fields. It's a chance to delve into the cultural tapestry that has shaped the Caribbean identity and influenced the world at large.
 
The Caribbean, with its sun-kissed beaches, clear turquoise waters, and tropical landscapes, is a true paradise on Earth. But its beauty extends far beyond its stunning physical attributes. The Caribbean is a melting pot of cultures, with a fascinating history that intertwines African, European, Indigenous, and Asian influences.
 
The month provides an opportunity to appreciate the resilience and accomplishments of Caribbean communities, both at home and in the diaspora. The Caribbean diaspora has enriched countries around the world with its vibrant traditions, strong work ethic, and valuable contributions in fields such as politics, education, business, and healthcare. Let us take a moment to appreciate the resilience of Caribbean people. Despite historical challenges, they have triumphed over adversity and continue to shine, spreading their warmth, creativity, and spirit of togetherness wherever they go.
Making the Most of 2023
A number of charitable giving techniques look attractive in today's environment.

You can be a philanthropist at any age. Did you receive an inheritance, receive a windfall, sell a business, downsize your home, want to give a stock and repurchase it with higher cost basis?

Take time to speak with your trusted advisor or Nancy Massicci, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, Estate Planning Council of Tompkins County Board Member and Chief Development Officer who can assist you with answering questions, strategies and nuances.

  • Donor Advised Funds (DAF) continue to be popular.
  • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) up to $100,000 into a CGA can provide income.
  • Charitable gift annuities (CGA) rates have increased rate payouts (Minimum is 5%)
  • Noncash assets can fund gifts and make up a small % of one's net worth.
  • Charitable bequests (naming Community Foundation in a will, as beneficiary on retirement assets, insurance policy or transfer balance of DAF) are the fastest-growing source of gifts.

Are you seeking fixed income for life? A QCD into a CGA seems to be a wise choice.

Is it time for your charitable journey check up? We have the tools and knowledge to help you chart a path for the future...for the little ones growing up today.

Click HERE for more info

Place Your Order Now on our Engagement Menu

Learn more about the many ways in which you can partner with Community Foundation engages with our beloved communities.

View your menu HERE
Hear from our Cornell Workstudy Student
"Hi, I'm Emma Prantl and I am a senior at Cornell University, where I am studying Economics and Math. Coming from Atlanta GA, the freezing Ithaca weather was undoubtedly an adjustment. However, I have enjoyed exploring Cornell and the surrounding areas, and I have grown to appreciate outdoor activities and winter sports!

As I approach graduation, I have thought a lot about my future and was drawn to the Community Foundation because of the organization’s positive impact on the local community. I believe that this Data Analyst position is the perfect match for my skills in economics and math, and I look forward to contributing my talents to the Community Foundation."

We are so glad to have Emma on our team! Congratulations on your graduation and best wishes!
WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT?

We Hope to See You Soon!



Our Full 2023 Calendar
Community Foundation of Tompkins County
www.cftompkins.org