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Philanthropy Magnified - monthly impact report

2024 | May Issue - Stories of Generosity and Learning

A Word From Eileen Driscoll,

Founder of our new Sustainability Fund

"Climate change is a critical global issue that affects us all. Locally we may see it in the terrible smoky sky from Canadian wildfires, in damaging flooding from heavy rainfalls or being in the epicenter of local drought , in too early springs that mean fruit trees bloom too soon, in excessive growth of poison ivy and ticks, or in the number of days in summer that reach 90 degrees. We cannot do much about these big changes in climate here in Tompkins County but we can find many interesting projects and ideas that promote climate resilience and sustainability. 


The sustainability fund supports local initiatives that teach people to grow their food, to reuse or make your own instead of buying, to look at how we can cut down on waste and to examine what we do with waste, to consider the long term effects of chemicals and materials we add to our environment, to look at who is affected by decisions to allow development and to consider if our decisions today are the best decisions for the future."

Community Data Analysts (CDAs) Spotlight

Thank You CDA Interns!


Community collaborations bring together academic knowledge with civic expertise creating environments of expanded learning. Community Data Analysts (CDAs) worked closely with Amy LeViere on several projects. Learn more from Ying, Kevin and Gabriella (excerpts).


Kevin Huang

"During my time as a CDA, I immersed myself in the intricate world of data integration and profile completeness. Each day brought new challenges and opportunities to refine my skills. Whether it's in the realm of business analytics, data engineering, or even academia, the lessons learned as a CDA will undoubtedly serve as a solid foundation for navigating complex data landscapes and driving meaningful outcomes."


Gabriella Prantl

"My role involved diving deep into the data related to social justice grants and transforming it into meaningful insights. This required a meticulous approach to data analysis, as well as a strong understanding of the broader context of social justice issues. I frequently collaborated with various people, including community leaders, and other analysts, to ensure the data was accurate, relevant, and reflective of the community's needs. Presenting this information was equally crucial—I prepared detailed reports and visual presentations to communicate our findings to the board and community members. This role not only enhanced my technical skills but also deepened my commitment to social justice and community development."


Ying Lin Zhao

Upon joining the Community Foundation during my freshman year, I brought with me a background in computational data analytics and data management. I was eager to engage in more hands-on projects and to learn from others. Throughout my time in this role, I found myself constantly challenged by Amy to explore new avenues for providing valuable insights about the foundation and approaching problems that I faced."


CLICK HERE  to learn more about our Community Data Analysts and their work.

Celebrate Juneteenth

Join us at our annual collaborate event at Southside Community Center on June 19th, 11:00am-3:00pm. We will come together in the spirit of unity and shared purpose. Let’s strengthen community bonds and foster a sense of belonging. For our foundation, it is a chance to demonstrate our commitment to supporting Black communities and to stand in solidarity in the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.


As a community foundation dedicated to fostering inclusivity and equity, celebrating Juneteenth holds profound significance. This day, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans on June 19, 1865, is more than a historical milestone; it is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.


Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in their quest for freedom. By celebrating this day, we honor the history and heritage of Black communities, acknowledging the profound impact of their contributions to our community. Recognizing this day helps us remember the injustices of the past while celebrating the progress made and the resilience of those who fought for equality. It is a time for reflection on our collective past and an opportunity to assess the present. It invites us to consider the progress we’ve made towards racial equity and the work that remains. This reflection is crucial for growth, both individually and as a community foundation, as we strive to implement policies and practices that promote justice and inclusion.

Will You Engage With Us?

Spring Grant Cycle Has Sprung!

We are pleased to announce the completion of our spring grant cycle, a journey marked by both challenges and triumphs. This grant cycle has been incredibly difficult, as the needs of our community far exceed our capacity to grant. We awarded $506,750 to 74 organizations through 115 grants. This cycle, we made a commitment to prioritize racial and social justice organizations, as well as those led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); 100% of these organizations were funded. This focus acknowledges the systemic inequalities that have long marginalized certain communities and recognizes the unique strengths and perspectives that BIPOC leaders bring to addressing these issues.


By prioritizing these communities in grantmaking, we take a proactive step towards rectifying historical injustices and leveling the playing field. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also invests in long-term structural changes that promote fairness and equity. Our BIPOC-led organizations, here in Tompkins County, are deeply rooted in our community and intimately understand the challenges and needs of their constituents. When racial and social justice are prioritized, and BIPOC-led organizations are supported, the entire community benefits. Addressing the needs of the most marginalized strengthens the social fabric and promotes a sense of shared responsibility and solidarity.


We were honored to review READ MORE

Fund Advisors Briefing

We were pleased to host about 30 fund advisors and contacts at our annual Fund Advisors Briefing on May 1st. This event invites us to learn from each other and hear what is happening in our community. We celebrate how fund advisors continue to have meaningful impact.

Find out more: Program Slides


Entrepreneurs Bring Economic Benefits

Keynote Speaker, Tom Schryver, Rev: Ithaca Startup Works, Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA), shared more around an entrepreneur mindset and the ways that philanthropy is centered around resource use. Tom brought forward thinking around how to recombine resources; resulting in additional conversations.

Find out more: Presentation Slides

Contact Chief Philanthropic Services & Systems Officer Amy LeViere at aleviere@cftompkins.org to explore your choices and benefit from our knowledge and expertise.

It’s graduation season, and that means education may be on your mind! The community foundation can help you make a difference in the lives of young people by funding education. Certainly establishing a scholarship fund at the community foundation is one way to accomplish this goal. But that’s not the only way. Here are three ideas to consider as you explore ways to make an impact through education. 


Establish a designated fund for educational institutions.


A designated fund provides support for specific organizations of your choice. So, for example, if you want to ensure that a particular college or university receives funding each year, you can set up a designated fund to accomplish this. For instance, if your family has supported the same local college for generations, you may want that support to continue. At the same time, you want to be sure that your funds are used effectively.

 

Establish a field-of-interest fund to support specific aspects of education.


Through a field-of-interest fund at the community foundation, you can establish parameters for grant making according to your wishes. If education is your priority, perhaps over the years you’ve supported a variety of local organizations that provide students with courses, tutoring, mentorship, and social services, ranging from grassroots charities to well-established trade schools and higher education institutions. Establishing a field-of-interest fund activates the community foundation’s expertise and research by delegating grant making decisions to the community foundation team. This helps donors like you ensure that their dollars will have the greatest impact.


Seek the advice of the community foundation for your donor-advised fund grant making.


If you have established a donor-advised fund at the community foundation, you’ve likely used it over the years to support your alma mater and perhaps other educational institutions. The community foundation team would welcome the opportunity to help you think broadly about education, beyond simply four-year institutions. Community colleges, trade schools, vocational programs, and out-of-the-box learning experiences may be a better fit for some students. The community foundation can also help you identify charities that support teachers, classrooms, and school districts, all of which need resources to deliver the best possible education to students.

New Summer Hours

We have sought out innovative ways to improve our staff well-being and productivity. From May 31- August 30, Community Foundation staff is piloting a four-day work week. Implementing a four-day work week offers numerous benefits and underscores the importance of taking care of our staff. 


The extra day off provides a better work-life balance, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and greater commitment to achieving organizational goals. A four-day work week allows our staff to have more time to rest, recharge, and pursue personal interests. We believe this improved work-life balance can reduce stress and burnout, leading to better mental and physical health. 


When employees feel valued and cared for, their morale and job satisfaction increase. Recognizing their hard work and providing a supportive environment fosters a positive workplace culture. Happy employees are more engaged, motivated, and likely to go above and beyond in their roles.


The office will be closed on Fridays. The best way to reach staff is by email. We strive to respond to your emails within 24 hours of the next business day during a M-TH week. Thank you for your understanding.


WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT?


You Are Invited! Our 2024 Calendar of Events


> Annual Celebration - Engage, Trust, Thrive - JUN 18 5-7pm HERE


> Let's Talk - The Black Family with GIAC and Southside Community Center *SAVE the DATE* July 9 at 12:00pm


> Site Visit: Habitat for Humanity July 12 at 12:00pm HERE



Additional Grantee Site Visits info available HERE

Community Foundation of Tompkins County
www.cftompkins.org
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