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Philanthropy Magnified - monthly impact report

2024 | February Issue - Celebration, Connections and Community

OVER $500,000 AVAILABLE

$588,000 of funding is available from Community Foundation endowment funds for 2024. Grants from endowment funds, available through applying to our Grant Cycles, provide critical funding for many important services, ranging from basic needs to the environment, defeating hunger to libraries and reading, to the ballet and community chorus to health, education and social justice.

Endowments provide permanent resources of local funding to meet our community's needs. Find out more about creating a fund CLICK HERE

Board Member Spotlight

CHRIS KELLY

Christopher Kelly is a Sr. Vice President and Manager of the Retirement Services Group at Chemung Canal Trust Company. In this role, Chris leads a team that provides administration and investment management of employer sponsored retirement plans to businesses and organizations across central New York. Throughout his career, Chris has spent time helping businesses design retirement benefit plans and advise employees on the importance of saving and investing for the future. In addition, Chris is the Market Team Executive for the Finger Lakes Region of Chemung Canal Trust Company.

Chris received his bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Illinois and an MBA in Risk Management & Insurance from Georgia State University. Before moving to Ithaca in 2011, Chris had the opportunity to spend parts of his career in Atlanta (GA), Madison (WI), and Dallas (TX).

CLICK HERE to learn more about Chris and for additional Board Biographies.

Community Philanthropy

Business Sponsor

Chemung Canal Trust Company

"As a community bank, Chemung Canal believes strongly in providing support, both personally and financially, to the people and organizations in the regions we serve.

It's our way of giving back and giving thanks to the many who make our region such a special place to live and work."

Join us in thanking and recognizing the work and charitable impact of financial institutions like Chemung Canal Trust Company.

Learn more about others who are part of the HEROES Circle CLICK HERE

IN CELEBRATION

Black History Month

Every February, we come together to honor and celebrate Black History Month, a time to recognize the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black individuals throughout history.

As we commemorate this important month, it is crucial to reflect on the role of philanthropy and community building in advancing social justice and equality.

Community foundations play a pivotal role in empowering Black communities by providing resources, funding, and support for initiatives that address systemic challenges.

From educational programs to economic development projects, philanthropic efforts contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities. We are intentional in funding projects and organizations led by Black organizers and advocate to ensure the narratives and experiences of the Black community are heard and respected.

By actively supporting initiatives that uplift and empower Black communities, we contribute to a legacy of positive change that extends beyond the month of February. Together, we can build a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

CLICK HERE for how you can make a difference

Our visit with

Black Hands Universal

On a crisp sunny, yet snowy, afternoon, our CEO, two board members, and a volunteer joined me for a site visit to Black Hands Universal, an innovative organization dedicated to empowering the community through rehabilitation rather than punishment, as well as creating and maintaining a platform for the disenfranchised. The purpose of this site visit is not only to gain insight into the organization’s mission and operations, but to bridge the knowledge gap and build trust within our community.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the founder, “Mr. Legendary” himself, Harry O’ Smith. The visit began with a comprehensive overview of Black Hands Universal’s diverse programming as he took us through a historical journey. From educational initiatives to community outreach projects, the organization demonstrated a commitment to addressing various needs within the community. We were particularly impressed READ MORE

Everything Grant Cycle!

You think your grant application needs a boost? Have trouble deciding what information to include in your responses? Are there other funding opportunities out there? We got you covered!

Be sure to join us on March 5th at 12pm for this special opportunity to strengthen your grant writing skills and learn from the experts. Learn more and register HERE.

Writing grants is tough, but we are here to support you in this endeavor. Join us to review our granting guidelines, provide technical support, and answer your questions. We can't wait to see you!

This cycle will provide unrestricted support to organizations meeting community needs. The Spring Grant Cycle makes grants from the Community Foundation’s Tompkins, Today, and Tomorrow Fund as well as varied donor-advised and field-of-interest funds.

To Register and Learn more, click HERE.

For a one-on-one grant consultation meeting with Gloria, click HERE.

We are currently building our review team for our spring grant cycle, and we need you! Whether you are a returning participant or new to the grant review process, you are guaranteed to gain a deeper understanding of the fabric of our community and the inner workings of the community foundation. We are looking to engage you, a valued member of our community, into our grant review process. On the spectrum of community engagement, our grant review team process goes beyond just involving our community. We collaborate with you; we enable you to participate in the planning and decision-making process as members of a grant review team. We are asking you to partner with us and be a key, active, and present player to build social capital across our community.

We are looking for individuals from all backgrounds, who are all colors, from all nations/municipalities and with differing abilities. Ideally, our review teams will be representative of our community’s demographic characteristics. Will you answer the call? Spots are limited and going quickly.

Click HERE to learn more!

EQUALITY FOR ALL IN 2024 - Are Your Rights Protected?

Come learn about the Federal and NY State ERA

March 18th, 11am-12pm. Join us online! You are invited to our Women’s Fund Spring Educational event. Learn about efforts to protect rights for all and your involvement come election day November 5, 2024. Online, virtual, free event. Registration now open!

Janet Schwenke, 1st Vice President, Central NY NOW

Nia Alvarez-Mapp, Organizing Director, New Yorkers for Equal Rights

Belan Yeshigeta, Co-Founder and Director, Young Feminist Party (formerly Generation Ratify)

Carolyn Maloney, former Member of Congress and cosponsor of the ERA ratification bill, current president of NY State NOW

More information, CLICK HERE

Big Or Small, Every Gift Matters

Simplicity, efficiency, and effectiveness have long been cornerstones of working with your Community Foundation to carry out charitable goals. We see how easily donors who’ve established a donor-advised or other type of fund are able to not only fulfill your big-picture charitable goals, but to act quickly to respond to critical needs in our beloved communities..

Indeed, the flexibility of working with us allows you to support the causes you love at a financial level that meets your charitable giving budget. Early in the year, many of our fund holders donate highly-appreciated stock to their donor-advised fund, so that they are prepared to activate their annual giving right away.

Consider that small donations from a large number of people can make a huge difference. This is especially true for building our discretionary grantmaking funds. In so many ways, whether gifts are large or small or somewhere in between, philanthropy creates the margin of excellence that helps communities, families, and individuals thrive.

Reach out to contact us because we are here at your Community Foundation to help you achieve satisfaction and impact with your giving at any level.

Contact Chief Development Officer Nancy Massicci at nmassicci@cftompkins.org

WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT?

You Are Invited! Our 2024 Calendar of Events

Plus Event Resources

> Grant Review Team member recruitment HERE

> Library Grant Cycle application deadline FEB 22 at 5pm EST HERE

> Spring Grant Cycle Q&A MAR 6 at 12pm EST HERE

> Site Visit: Sciencenter

MARCH 8 at 12:00pm EST HERE

Previous Let's Talk recorded conversations are available HERE

Additional Grantee Site Visits info available HERE

Community Foundation of Tompkins County

www.cftompkins.org