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Community Foundation provides urgently needed support to
United Way's 211 ALICE Program
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United Way’s 211 ALICE Program, in partnership with the Human Services Coalition, has recently received critical funding thanks to collaboration with Community Foundation.
As community needs have increased this year, funding for programs providing households with support to address rent arrears, utility shutoffs, car repairs, and insurance cancellations has been exhausted. United Way of Tompkins County funds the program which addresses immediate needs to retain safe housing and continue to work or learn for Tompkins County households living under a sustainable income when other resources are unavailable. However, with this year’s economic impact, the funding budgeted through June 30 was nearly expended and the program faced interruption until United Way moved through its budget process for funding programs as of July 1, 2024.
United Way made this need known as part of regular bi-monthly conversations with the Tompkins County Funders Group. This resulted in grants totaling $42,500 to United Way from Community Foundation’s Lane Family Fund as well as its Tompkins Today and Tomorrow Fund.
The Lane family shares:
"For many in Tompkins County, life has more bills to pay than paychecks to cash. The 2-1-1 ALICE 211 provides needed help for those moments and we are pleased to help provide resources to that program. We urge all in Tompkins County to take the opportunity to run towards helping our fellow citizens."
The program now has enough funding to remain in place without interruption. Community Foundation CEO George Ferrari said, “When local funders can match community needs with donors’ interests we can together deliver the resources needed so that all can thrive.”
United Way of Tompkins County President & CEO Michael Ramos shares, “We cannot thank enough the funding sources that through our partnership with Community Foundation have been able to assist community members to meet urgent needs and keep the promise of thriving alive in challenging times. Thank you, Community Foundation, for your partnership!”
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JONATHAN CULLER
Jonathan Culler grew up in North Haven, Connecticut, and after college spent 11 years studying and then teaching in England. In 1977 he and his wife, Cynthia Chase, moved to Ithaca, where he spent 43 years as Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Cornell, focusing on literary theory, French literature, and lyric poetry. Among his publications, his most popular book is Literary Theory: A Very Short Introduction, which has been translated into 27 languages! His latest book is Theory of the Lyric.
At Cornell he took on various administrative responsibilities: directing the Society for the Humanities, chairing various departments, and working (briefly) as a dean. Beyond Cornell, he served as chair of the New York Council for the Humanities (now Humanities New York) and as secretary of the American Council of Learned Societies and in these and other academic contexts he spent a good deal of time evaluating grant proposals.
A long-time supporter of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing and other local organizations, he has, since retiring in 2020, become more directly involved, and he particularly enjoys volunteering at Loaves and Fishes.
CLICK HERE for Board Biographies.
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Community Philanthropy
Business Sponsor
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David Fernandez shares, "Cayuga Landscape is proud to have been a business sponsor for the Community Foundation for many years because of the philanthropic focus on groups in our city and county most in need of support.
As an employer of about 50 people, I see the many needs of families with children, for example, who may be pulled in many directions and be financially stretched. It's surprising to meet people in our midst who may not have a single person in their family circle from whom they could borrow a modest sum from in an emergency. Women, who bear the largest burden in child care and keeping homes together, have a diverse set of needs. We have supported the Women's Fund within the Community Foundation, as a result.
Overall, giving and support within our own community provides business owners a feeling that they are truly giving back to the very community that supports them. The Community Foundation fits this role better than any other charitable organization in Tompkins."
Learn about others who are making a difference, click HERE
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Philanthropy Magnified Story
Behind every gift there's a story. Generous individuals and their charitable gifts can be inspiring and certainly do contribute to a meaningful and deeper quality of life.
Read about Bill Maxwell (Pictured above), Mike Zak and Xavier Bourne and their relationship to GIAC.
Link to Tompkins Weekly page 11
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You may have missed our Women's Fund Equity for All in NY State event on March 18. But there's another opportunity:
True or False:
The Equal Rights Amendment. It’s important, right?
The ERA got passed in the 1970’s.
The ERA is for women only.
All New Yorkers rights are protected already, at least.
If you guessed “yes, no, no, and no” – congratulations!
If you missed any of these, and want to hear about how New York Voters can ensure equal rights for ALL please WATCH the event recording below.
Several inspiring leaders of intersectional, intergenerational feminist movements speak about efforts to get the federal level ERA signed into law, and about language on the New York State Ballot that will codify equal rights for all, regardless of: “race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed [or], religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.”
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What can you do? Take action by sharing this information with others and learning more with these links:
Shout for ERA
CNY NOW
Sign 4 ERA
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Tompkins County Community Recovery Fund
Annual Report
and Video Published
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Tompkins County published an annual report and video highlighting grant recipients of the $6.53 million Community Recovery Fund.
The report details how the American Rescue Plan Act provided the county with grant funding and the priority areas of nonprofits and businesses who gained support through the County's funding process. The video tells the story of some of the work the County provided.
Read the 2023 Annual Report online.
Watch the video below.
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Silver Sponsors:
Bousquet Holstein
Community Foundation of Tompkins County Express Employment Professionals
Ithaca Area Economic Development
We are proud Silver Sponsors for the upcoming Tompkins Chamber Economic Summit. This networking event includes important discussions about the health of our community.
Breakout Topics:
Downtown Plan - City of Ithaca & DIA
A Healthy Community - Cayuga Health
Equity & Inclusion in Tourism - Visit Ithaca
Workforce Development - IAED
To Register for the March 28 event (seats often fill) and Learn more, click HERE.
| Amplifying Voices: A Visit to WRFI, Ithaca Community Radio |  | |
In a world dominated by mainstream media, there exists a beacon of hope and empowerment: WRFI, Ithaca Community Radio. Recently, we had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the transformative impact of community radio during a site visit to WRFI’s humble, yet vibrant station.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Ithaca, WRFI embodies the essence of grassroots media, serving as a powerful platform for amplifying diverse voices. From local news coverage to Big Scoob’s show featuring eclectic sounds from around the world, WRFI offers a unique blend of programming that reflects the rich tapestry of the community it serves, the place we call home.
WRFI’s commitment to inclusivity and equity is more than just a slogan—it’s a guiding principle. Recently, the studio designed a more accessible work space for their DJ with mobility differences. Walls were lined with vinyl records and musical posters, signs, and stickers from back in the day. It was a refreshing sight to see.
Like many other small mission-aligned organizations, WRFI faces capacity challenges. As a...READ MORE...
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WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT?
You Are Invited! Our 2024 Calendar of Events
>Spring Grant Cycle Applications: Due APR 10 by 5pm HERE
> Site Visit: King Ferry Food Pantry
APRIL 26 at 12:00pm HERE
> Annual Fund Advisor Briefing
MAY 1 at 8:30am HERE
Additional Grantee Site Visits info available HERE
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