To Better Meet the Donor's Goals:

Transfer of Donor Advised Fund from commercial sponsor to

Community Foundation

After receiving a recommendation from her mother's professional advisor, estate planning attorney Anna Holmberg, Katherine Funk consulted with Community Foundation staff about our philanthropic services. Katherine supports the charitable giving goals of her mother, Maralyn Fleming. They had started a donor advised fund with a national financial institution on her behalf. Once Katherine learned about our local knowledge of needs and deep relationships with mission driven organizations she felt that transferring that donor advised fund to Community Foundation would better meet her and her mother's goals. Katherine shared:

"Our family has deep roots in Tompkins County and our mother, Maralyn Fleming was a committed volunteer with numerous community organizations.  

We made the decision to move her DAF from a commercial investment firm to the Community Foundation in order to take advantage of their knowledge of community needs and opportunities. 

Working through the Foundation will help us to insure that Mom’s local gifting will have the most impact in her areas of interest."

If you already have a donor advised fund held elsewhere or at a commercial sponsor, you can also transfer the fund to us and benefit from our awareness of local issues. Our ability to offer designated funds for specific organizations as well as field of interest funds adds additional options.

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

Board Member Spotlight

WADE PICKREN

Wade Pickren holds a doctorate in psychology from the University of Florida. During his career he has held leadership positions at the American Psychological Association (Washington, DC), at Toronto Metropolitan University, and Ithaca College. He is also a leading author and editor in the field of psychology with thirteen books published. Although retired from active academic employment, Wade continues to serve in leadership roles in psychology and related fields. His current scholarship and activist practice is focused on the current crises of climate, food security, social/income inequities, and biodiversity, with special emphases on their impacts in terms of race, ethnicity, and indigeneity. His current project, Living Earthwise, is intended to help humans develop effective earth-oriented interventions to counter these

impacts.

CLICK HERE for Board Biographies.

Community Philanthropy

Business Sponsor

First National

Bank of Groton

Stephen Gobel, president, shares:

“At the First National Bank of Groton, we believe in the importance of making our community a better place for all of us. This belief is deeply engrained and is embodied in our active participation in the communities where we live and work. 

We choose to support the Community Foundation of Tompkins County, because like you, we recognize that by giving back, we’re not just investing in the present, but also in the future prosperity and well-being of our communities.” 

Learn about others who are making a difference, click HERE

DEI Corner

Embracing Diversity: Celebrating Heritage in the Month of May

As we enter the month of May, we’re excited to continue our journey of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and in our community. Celebrating the diversity within our staff, board members, and volunteers is a powerful affirmation of our commitment to inclusivity and equity. It signifies that we recognize and value the unique perspectives, talents, and experiences that each individual brings to the table.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Haitian American Heritage Month, and Jewish American Heritage Month. It’s a time for celebration, reflection, and action, as we recognize the importance of embracing our differences and working together towards a more inclusive future. There’s much to learn, honor, and appreciate as we come together as a community to honor the rich tapestry of traditions makes us who we are. We encompass many different cultures, different ancestries, and different identities that we are so very proud of!

We are committed to building bridges across divides, fostering understanding, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their best selves every day. We want to celebrate, honor, and acknowledge Pamela Tan, Board Member, and Gloria Coicou, Chief Equity, Engagement, & Grants Officer.

Pamela Tan shares a bit about her Filipino heritage: “[I celebrate my heritage] primarily through cuisine, which is such an important touchstone for my Filipino family. My husband’s parents...READ MORE.