2024 Annual Report: Community Rising

|2O24 ANNUAL REPORT

COMMUNITY RISING

HELPING OUR | COMMUNITY FOUNDATION STAFF ASSIST ONONDAGA EARTH CORPS

CONTENTS

WITH CLEARING INVASIVE VEGETATION AT KIRK PARK IN SYRACUSE

COMMUNITY RISING 3

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT 6

OUR PARTNERS 15

FINANCIAL INFORMATION 18

YEAR IN REVIEW 4

SPECIAL PROJECTS 11

NEW FUNDS 16

STAFF & BOARD BACK COVER

| COVER: STEM FROM DANCE

Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards by the Community Foundations National Standards Board

2 | C E N T R A L NE W YORK COM M UNITY FO UND ATI ON 2024 ANNUA L REP OR T

COMMUNITY RISE

| BEA GONZÁLEZ, DAN FISHER AND MELANIE LITTLEJOHN

DEAR FRIENDS, What does lead abatement have to do with funding for literacy, the arts and economic development? At first glance, it might be hard to find a common thread. But the reality is that these are all elements of a thriving community. We all have a role to play.

Just as each grant and investment represents a piece of a larger puzzle, each of us has the ability to help create the framework for a brighter future. Take, for example, our first Participatory Budgeting project that culminated last year. We started with questions rather than answers.

We relied on the power of collaboration and community engagement — working alongside neighborhood residents, leaders and nonprofit partners — to design solutions and decide how funding should be allocated to increase childhood lead testing.

We listened to each other’s stories and experiences. We shared ideas and built connections. We sat, side by side, with hard truths and uncovered more questions. We learned, grew and forged a path forward — together. This process, fueled by community generosity and collective wisdom, provides a template for how we can approach all big challenges and opportunities. Community participation is essential for community prosperity.

Together, we can make Central New York a place where success and resiliency reside in every home, a place where all the issues that have historically held us back or weighed us down — poverty, lead poisoning, illiteracy, hunger, homelessness, mental illness, racism, all the –isms — no longer live. When we combine compassion, integrity, funding and resources with the full potential and diversity of our community, we become unstoppable.

Thanks to the contributions of our many supporters over the past nine decades, we have built a solid foundation. As our community continues to grow, we must be prepared to grow with it. As the pipeline of opportunities expands, so, too, will the needs. We are committed, as always, to rise to meet the moment. Let’s create the community we all deserve to live in. Together.

We know the answers are within all of us. The question is: Which part will you play?

Bea González Chair, Board of Directors

Daniel J. Fisher Immediate Past Chair, Board of Directors

Melanie Littlejohn, MBA President & CEO

C OMMU NIT Y R ISING

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YEAR IN REVIEW

| ATTENDEES AT THE COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION AT SALT CITY MARKET

NEW PRESIDENT & CEO LISTENING SESSIONS

GRANTS ADDRESS LOCAL TENSIONS FROM MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT

In December 2023, our board of directors named Melanie Littlejohn our new president & CEO beginning March 1, 2024, following an eight-month nationwide search. Throughout Melanie’s first three months, we held a series of community listening and networking events, providing an opportunity for residents to contribute to the conversation surrounding Central New York’s shared future.

In October, we distributed $15,500 in crisis response grants to address local safety and security concerns within the community amid the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East.

Recipients included the Jewish Federation of Central New York; the Mosque of Jesus, Son of Mary; Al Huda Mosque and Furqan Weekend School; InterFaith Works; and Hendricks Chapel.

LAUNCH OF IMPACT INVESTING AND BRIDGE LOAN FUND

LEADING FOR ALL: 2023-2028 STRATEGIC PLAN

This year our board of directors approved a policy that allows us to use up to 5% of our main investment pool for the purpose of local impact investment. Our impact investing program also closed on a $500,000 deposit to Cooperative Federal to launch a nonprofit bridge loan program.

Pg. 9, Impact Investing

After multiple feedback efforts, including surveys and community forums with donors, grant recipients, partners and community leaders, we released our five-year Strategic Plan, created to help grow and deepen our existing work within the community. cnycf.org/strategicplan

$650,000 FOR LEADSAFECNY Last September, our LeadSafeCNY initiative received $500,000 from Onondaga County to replace windows and doors in 40 affordable rental units. In December, it received $150,000 from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to put toward the cost of hiring a coordinator for the LeadSafeCNY Coalition. leadsafecny.org

4 | Y E A R I N RE VIE W

| AUBURN PUBLIC THEATER, A CAYUGA COMMUNITY FUND GRANT RECIPIENT

YOUTH STEM FUNDER COLLABORATIVE The Youth STEM Funder Collaborative, comprised of the Community Foundation, Micron Foundation, United Way of Central New York, Gifford Foundation and Allyn Foundation, was launched and provided support for STEM from Dance to run in Syracuse for two years. The national dance program integrates technology with performing arts through project-based, hands-on experiences. Pg. 7, STEM From Dance story

| MEMBERS OF OUR PARTICIPATORY GRANTMAKING INITIATIVE’S ASIAN ADVISORY GROUP

| RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY, A DR. ROBERT J. VITKUS FUND GRANT RECIPIENT SERVING CORTLAND COUNTY

NEW AGREEMENT HELPS STUDENTS WITH COLLEGE HOUSING COSTS Say Yes Syracuse and Onondaga Community College (OCC) teamed up to form the Preferred Partners Program to help Syracuse City School District graduates who attend OCC with their housing costs.

Say Yes Scholars can receive up to $2,500 in housing assistance per semester. Of that, $1,500 comes from the Say Yes Opportunity Grant and $1,000 comes from the OCC Housing Development Corporation. sayyessyracuse.org

LAUNCH OF IDEA PROGRAM We launched the Internal Diversity Equity & Action (IDEA) grant opportunity to encourage organizations to take the next steps in their journey to operationalize diversity, equity and inclusion. Grants support cultural competency work, leadership consultation, training for managers and incorporation of DEI into strategic and financial planning. cnycf.org/idea

DR. ROBERT J. VITKUS FUND EXPANDS TO FIVE-COUNTY REGION When Bob Vitkus died in 2020, his estate named the Community Foundation as the recipient of a $10 million legacy gift to support outdoor parks and recreation areas and programs that involve youth, hunting and fishing, or conservation efforts to improve wildlife habitats and open spaces. Since the establishment of the fund, $1,080,187 has been granted to 24 organizations in Onondaga and Madison counties. In March, we expanded grantmaking from the fund to support additional communities across our five-county region, including Cayuga, Oswego and Cortland counties.

PAYMENT PENDING ISSUE PAPER Delayed payments to nonprofits from New York state contracts has been an issue since the 1980s. In our Payment Pending issue paper, we examined how often this occurs, what steps nonprofits are forced to take to make up the difference, and recommend a new solution that may be helpful in some circumstances. cnycf.org/papers

PARTICIPATORY GRANTMAKING Last fall we launched our Participatory Grantmaking initiative to provide a space for members of historically marginalized communities to collaboratively identify the biggest needs of their individual communities, co-design projects and receive funding for implementation. A total of $125,280 funded four projects to address needs in the Latino, LGBTQIA+ and Asian communities as well as people with disabilities.

Pg. 8, Participatory Grantmaking story

CNY PHILANTHROPY CENTER UPDATES Over the past four years, we have taken measures to ensure the safety and accessibility of our building for our staff and visitors. This year we installed new audio-visual equipment in our ballroom, accessibility buttons in our second floor bathrooms and updated panic and lockdown alarms at the front desk.

AFFILIATE FUNDS Our four Affiliate Funds had an outstanding year of fundraising and grantmaking to support nonprofits across the region. In partnership with the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, the Greater Pulaski Endowment Fund distributed $35,100 in grants; in addition, the Cayuga Community Fund distributed $85,780 in grants, the Oswego County Community Foundation distributed $33,910 in grants and the Women’s Fund of Central New York distributed $55,000 in grants.

Y EAR IN R E V IE W

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A YEAR OF

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS BETWEEN APRIL 1, 2023, AND MARCH 31, 2024, WE RECEIVED $24.7 MILLION IN GIFTS AND BEQUESTS AND DISTRIBUTED MORE THAN $23.4 MILLION IN GRANT SUPPORT TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN CENTRAL NEW YORK AND SURROUNDING AREAS.

BLACK EQUITY & EXCELLENCE FUNDING Our Black Equity & Excellence Fund was designed to help reverse patterns of historic underinvestment by funding Black-led community-based projects that promote and encourage self-sufficiency and address physical and economic conditions that affect quality of life. The Fund also encourages dialogue that will strengthen race-related matters and support social and educational growth in the community. This year we distributed 31 grants totaling $238,200.

COMMUNITY GRANTMAKING We offer a wide variety of funding opportunities, the largest of which is our Community Grants program. We provide grant funding to nonprofit organizations in Onondaga and Madison counties for projects in the areas of arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health, human services and the environment. This year we distributed 46 grants totaling $2,139,310.

RURAL POVERTY SUPPORT The Madison County Rural Poverty Fund is our effort to support poverty-related issues and organizations in Madison County. This year we distributed two grants totaling $23,568.

ADDITIONAL GRANTMAKING This year we also distributed 35 small grants totaling $215,217; 23 literacy grants totaling $218,541, including operational support for Imagination Library; three IDEA grants totaling $23,690; 11 Cortland County Bright Ideas grants to support nonprofits in Cortland County totaling $55,000; and two Strategic Partnership Fund grants to support nonprofit mergers and affiliations totaling $32,113.

TO VIEW A LIST OF ALL OUR GRANTS, VISIT CNYCF.ORG/GRANTS.

6 | COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

WITH LEAPS & LIGHTS, PROGRAM LINKS STEM & DANCE

Josie Addai, a middle schooler from Jamesville-DeWitt, eagerly joined last summer’s STEM From Dance program, blending her interests in math and dance.

Initially unsure how these fields would connect, she quickly adapted to combining dance movements with programming and lighted costumes. She joined about 40 middle school girls, primarily from underrepresented communities in tech careers, in a three-week program that integrates STEM with performing arts through hands-on projects.

“I like math because it makes my brain think in ways other things do not,” said Addai. “Dance lets you show who you are without talking or writing anything down.”

Yamilée Toussaint, founder and CEO of STEM From Dance, brought the program to Syracuse to address the underrepresentation of women and people of color in STEM. With a background in engineering and dance, she experienced societal influences that discouraged her from pursuing tech careers.

By merging dance and STEM, the program aims to empower girls to expand their knowledge and pursue high-paying STEM careers.

Dance, Toussaint said, is “a powerful way to help girls experience joy and encouragement and empowerment.”

She added, “STEM From Dance allows girls to have a space where they can comfortably explore their potential and future in STEM. Dance is very cultural, so it’s very reassuring to see their culture in a space that they have historically been excluded from.”

The program in Syracuse was funded by the Youth STEM Funder Collaborative, which includes the Community Foundation, Micron Foundation, United Way of Central New York, Gifford Foundation and Allyn Foundation, with additional support provided

by OneGroup and Community Bank and Dr. James Rolling and Me’Shae Rolling.

Reflecting on her experiences, Toussaint noted that dance made her feel confident and capable as a teen, a sentiment she hopes to instill in the program participants. Addai found the program inspiring, helping her express herself and think differently through the integration of math and dance.

Together, she said, dance and STEM activities “help me express myself and make me think differently.”

40 girls participated in the first year of the STEM From Dance program.

| JOSIE ADDAI

Read the full story at cnycf.org/2024 or scan the QR code.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

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| CARRIE VALENZUELA STANDS NEXT TO A VINTAGE LETTERPRESS IN HER STUDIO.

INCREASING ACCESS TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Carrie Valenzuela’s life is busy. As a single parent of a child with special needs, and an entrepreneur, artist and business owner, Valenzuela’s schedule is packed with appointments and commitments. Managing her packed schedule, she said, would be a nightmare without reliable transportation.

“It’s major,” she said. “Can you imagine having a child and having to take your kid to school and then get groceries and then go pick up your kid? How are you going to do that on a bus?”

For many of her neighbors, lacking cars and driver’s licenses limits their educational and employment opportunities. To address this, a $30,000 grant from our Venture Fund supported the Center for Justice Innovation’s Driving Toward Equity project, which helps Latino families obtain driver’s licenses by covering permit fees, licensing costs and driving courses. This project aims to

8 | COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

improve access to economic opportunities and community resources, partnering with Branch’s Driving School to overcome language barriers.

making it difficult to access resources and job opportunities in Syracuse. This project addresses an immediate need and fosters long-term equity and access.

Driving Toward Equity was selected during our 2023 Participatory Grantmaking initiative that addresses inequities in marginalized communities. Valenzuela appreciated the democratic process of participatory grantmaking, which included voices from historically marginalized communities. “It was not just the people in the boardroom,” she said. “People care. They really do.”

Valenzuela envisions more Latino-owned businesses emerging with increased access to driver’s licenses, and she believes everyone should have equal opportunity to obtain a driver’s license. “Having a license and reliable transportation is life-changing,” she said.

Four groups, including Asian, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities, identified their community’s highest needs through data presentations and discussions. The Latino group voted for Driving for Equity with 78% support. Many in the Latino community arrive in the U.S. without a driver’s license,

A total of $125,280 was distributed to four groups through our Participatory Grantmaking project.

Read the full story at

cnycf.org/2024 or scan the QR code.

INVEST FOR IMPACT Impact investing allows us to use our financial resources to make investments that generate both financial returns and positive social outcomes. In 2023, our board of directors approved a policy that allows us to use up to 5% of our main investment pool for the purpose of local impact investment. By leveraging financial resources and investing in organizations and projects that align with our mission, we are able to make the most of our capital assets while contributing to the long-term well-being and development of our community.

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO Community Foundation capital

$3,460,000

95.8%

$150,000

4.2%

$3,610,000

100%

Donor capital Total Investments

Portfolio represents funded investments as of June 30, 2024

$3.61M INVESTED IN REGION $25.9 M LEVERAGED FOR HOME LOANS FOR HOME, PERSONAL, $37.6M LEVERAGED BUSINESS & OTHER LOANS

INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT Nonprofit Bridge Loan Program In February, we partnered with Cooperative Federal (Coop Fed) to launch a nonprofit bridge loan program. The bridge loan fund will help nonprofit organizations continue essential community services while awaiting the receipt of approved grant funding. It is common for government agencies and other funders to require awardees to draw down funds on a reimbursement basis, often taking several months and even up to a year to process reimbursements.

A Community Foundation survey of more than 50 local nonprofit organizations found that 58% have experienced funding delays from New York State grant contracts.

Loans will be fully secured by Community Foundation funds on deposit at Coop Fed. Nonprofit organizations and unincorporated organizations working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor are eligible to borrow an amount equal to their first anticipated disbursement under a fully executed funding agreement, ranging from $25,000 to $150,000. The Community Foundation will be responsible for intake, loan application packaging and preliminary due diligence review. Applications that meet the Community Foundation’s internal standards will be recommended to Coop Fed. Learn more at cnycf.org/ImpactInvesting

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

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room. Organizers aimed to create a boutique-like environment, leveraging the popularity of thrifting. Students stop by to pick up snacks or shampoo, or to browse clothing racks. Staff have helped outfit students for prom and provided one student with a summer wardrobe. In its first eight months, The Den gave away over 2,000 items.

| GABBY IBRAHIM

We provided a $7,068 grant from our Madison County Rural Poverty Fund to Chittenango High School to support The Den’s infrastructure. The funding was used to purchase new coat hangers, mannequins and other storage supplies.

Ibrahim, who graduated in June, reflected on the impact of The Den. “It feels good to see how many students we helped in just a few years,” she said.

“I already miss it!”

Students benefiting from The Den can ease their family’s tight budgets and fill unmet needs, leading to improved self-esteem and better school performance, Klucznik noted.

Ibrahim has seen the benefits, too.

CHITTENANGO HIGH SCHOOL SHOP HELPS STUDENTS LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD, DO GOOD

“Some days I’d pass by kids in the halls with their heads down, avoiding eye contact,” she said. “But on other days, when I’d see those same people wearing something from The Den, their head was up, they were talking with other people in the hallway, and they had a smile on their face.”

In its first eight months, The Den gave away more than 2,000 items.

For the past few years, Gabby Ibrahim spent her free periods at Chittenango High School helping out at The Den Thrift Shoppe, sorting and hanging clothing, labeling items, and restocking health and beauty products. The Den provides a space where students can access clothing, hygiene supplies and snacks for free. For Ibrahim, it was a safe space to escape the stress of high school.

“The Den helped me feel more comfortable while I was in school,” she said. “If I felt overwhelmed or needed a break, I just headed down the hall.”

The Den was launched on April 22, 2022, by school staff and faculty when students returned to in-person classes after the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, many families from under-

10 | C O M M U N I T Y I N V E S T M E N T

resourced neighborhoods faced increased unemployment, job insecurity and housing instability, making it hard to meet basic needs for their children.

Mary Klucznik, the school’s library media specialist, said, “We just kept thinking kids could use a little something more all the time — food, clothes, depending on their unique situation. When you look good and feel good, you do good.”

The Den, fully managed by students, helps unite the student body by building morale through participation. Students develop concrete skills that help set them up for success with future employment.

To reduce stigma and normalize its services, The Den has a separate entry and a bathroom that serves as a changing

Read the full story at

cnycf.org/2024 or scan the QR code.

SPECIAL PROJECTS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES Realizing that responsive grant funding alone cannot address our community’s complex challenges, our Strategic Initiatives focus on one common goal — to make a demonstrable impact on our community.

Through our Local Impact Investing, we make investments that generate both financial returns and positive social outcomes for nonprofits.

| DAVID NGUYEN, A SAY YES SYRACUSE SCHOLAR

cnycf.org/impactinvesting Our LeadSafeCNY initiative works to decrease the region’s alarming childhood lead poisoning rates through funding, impact investing, collaboration and improved public policy. This year we distributed seven grants totaling $450,000 to support lead-safe housing construction, existing home renovations, community outreach and training and workforce development. So far, 1,743 windows and 165 doors have been replaced to eliminate lead-dust-producing high-friction surfaces in rental units and 226 safe and affordable rental units have been constructed or renovated. leadsafecny.org

Say Yes Syracuse provides opportunities and scholarships to remove financial barriers for Syracuse City School District students to attend college.

Say Yes Syracuse is independently governed and administered by the Community Foundation. A total of 6,256 scholars have attended college with the help of Say Yes since 2009. sayyessyracuse.org

| LEADSAFECNY | BABY B.A.C.K., A LEADSAFECNY GRANT RECIPIENT

SPECIAL PROJECTS

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PROFESSIONAL & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT For many decades we have been a leading sponsor of initiatives to strengthen our region’s nonprofit sector.

NEWS/Nonprofit Essentials Workshop Series is an ongoing training series designed for nonprofit professionals to gain knowledge on a variety of tools for professional and organizational development. This year, 391 attendees from more than 100 organizations participated in virtual workshops.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE & KNOWLEDGE Building on our commitment to collecting and analyzing local data as well as the experience we have accumulated for nearly 100 years of service to our region, we serve as a resource to residents seeking insights on social and community issues.

cnycf.org/workshop Our Staff Advancement Initiative is a development and advancement program for non-management or entry-level management nonprofit staff members. This year, 21 participants received funding for professional development.

cnycf.org/staffadvance

The Leadership Classroom (TLC) helps residents or grassroots groups to learn practical skills that make stronger, more effective neighborhood and grassroots leaders. This year, 21 individuals representing five organizations graduated from TLC. cnycf.org/tlc |CARAGH FAHY, A 5FORCNY DONOR, WITH HER SONS

5forCNY educates individuals on how they can play a vital role in enriching the future of the Central New York community through legacy giving. 5forcny.org The Community Data Group is comprised of nonprofit and government sector members who gather to share ideas and data and coordinate efforts to help our community improve more effectively. cnycf.org/

communityresource

CNY Vitals & CNY Vitals Pro are state-of-thecommunity websites that provide a common source of data and interactive visualizations on critical topics that affect the health and progress of our region. cnyvitals.org

|MICHAEL SISTO, ASSISTANT MANAGER OF ACCESS CNY’S DAVID CLARK LEARNING CENTER, RECEIVED STAFF ADVANCEMENT FUNDING TO ATTEND THE 2023 CEREBRAL

The Life Needs Assessment helps nonprofits and their partners utilize free and low-cost software to enhance their performance management capabilities, including needs assessment, program evaluation, datadriven collaboration, resident engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion analysis.

PALSY ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK STATE’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE

To view a full list of our strategic initiatives and collaborative community efforts, please visit cnycf.org/initiatives

12 | S P E C I A L P R O J E C T S

| DR. EMAD RAHIM AND CJALA SURRATT IN THE BLACK CITIZENS BRIGADE | PAT AND GWYN MANNION

A COMMITMENT FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT

Dr. Emad Rahim and Cjala Surratt spent about three years living in Chicago before deciding to return home to Central New York in 2014. Easier commutes, a lower cost of living and good schools helped lure them back to Syracuse, where they met, married and started their professional and civic lives.

Dr. Rahim, a former Community Foundation board of directors member and graduate of Syracuse’s Fowler High School, operates the Syracuse Surge Accelerator at The Tech Garden, which is part of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship portfolio of CenterState CEO. Surratt, a member of our Black Equity & Excellence Fund (BE&E) advisory council, graduated from Syracuse’s Nottingham High School. A longtime advocate for the arts, she now owns the downtown Syracuse vintage store Black Citizens Brigade.

The couple supports our BE&E Fund for the same reason they decided to return to Syracuse from Chicago — they want to support the community that nurtured and provided opportunities for them to create fulfilling lives.

And they want to create conditions that offer the same opportunities for others.

Dr. Rahim, who joined our board of directors in 2017, said that serving as a board member “allowed me to participate and have a voice.

I came on with several other people of color and had the opportunity to help influence important programs and policy decisions on lead, literacy and black equity.”

Surratt joined our BE&E advisory council in February 2024. The council “is participatory,” she said. “It has people in the room, including previous grants recipients, helping make the decisions.” Black Artist Collective, which Surratt co-founded, was the recipient of grants from the BE&E Fund prior to her joining the council.

The national reckoning over racial inequity that followed George Floyd’s May 2020 murder created a pivotal moment, Surratt said. “What I saw was a desire for systemic change and societal change. How do we put money into the hands of people who are seeking it?”

Our commitment to funding Black-led community-based projects through the BE&E Fund gives her hope that organizations will continue to be held accountable to their commitments to reverse historic inequity and provide opportunities for historically underrepresented and underfunded communities to thrive. “We can see the real impact the fund has had and continues to have on our community through measurable metrics and outcomes,” she said.

“It’s important that people of color see themselves in those board and committee positions and not pushed in the corner,” Dr. Rahim added. “They need to be part of the community conversation.”

The couple, who have two daughters, have deep connections to community organizations.

Surratt has played roles with a number of organizations including the Urban Video Project, Light Work photography center, the Everson Museum of Art, Community Folk Art Center and Redhouse Arts Center.

Dr. Rahim has served on the boards of Good Life Philanthropic Foundation, Upstate Minority Economic Alliance, Onondaga Community College Scholarship Foundation, Syracuse Model Neighborhood Corporation and others.

The busy couple is grateful for the ways the Syracuse region allows them to pursue interconnected professional, civic and philanthropic interests.

“We feel it’s important for us to give back to this community that gave us so much love and support,” Surratt said. “And we need to leave the door open and leave a brick in the doorway to make room for our youth to enter.”

And, Dr. Rahim added, “by partnering with the Community Foundation through board service and support of its initiatives, we know we can make a difference here and contribute to meaningful impact.”

This year, our Black Equity & Excellence Fund distributed 31 grants totaling $238,200 to Black-led organizations.

Read the full story at

cnycf.org/2024 or scan the QR code.

DONOR STORY

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| NICOLE KUNZMANN IN THE MECCARIELLO CENTER FOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AT ST. JOSEPH’S HEALTH COLLEGE OF NURSING

SYRACUSE NURSING STUDENT HAS THE HEART FOR HEALTHCARE

Twice a week, Nicole Kunzmann drives 10 minutes from her Northside home to St. Joseph’s Health Hospital. By 7 a.m., the Le Moyne College and St. Joseph’s dual enrollment student is ready for a day of hands-on nursing education. She has gained experience in various departments, including medical/surgical, cardiac, obstetric, oncology, gastroenterology, the outpatient clinic and the operating room.

“They ensure we are well prepared for all experiences,” Kunzmann said. A Henninger High School graduate, she will become a registered nurse with an associate’s degree from St. Joseph’s in 2025 and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Le Moyne in 2026.

Her passion for nursing started early, inspired by her grandmother, an operating room nurse. The Heart of Healthcare Nursing Scholarship fund, created to address the local nursing shortage post-COVID-19, is helping her pursue this dream.

14 | D O N O R S T O R Y

This scholarship fund, established by Onondaga County in partnership with the Community Foundation and the Allyn Family Foundation, removes financial barriers and encourages diversity, ultimately enhancing health equity. Scholarships were provided to first-year nursing students enrolled in local programs.

In announcing the scholarship at his 2023 State of the County address, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon highlighted the local nurse shortage, emphasizing the urgent need for action. “We know we need to act and act now,” he said. “Nurses serve as the front line of any medical facility, and it is our nurses that provide that calm and compassion many need during the stress of a medical visit.”

Kunzmann is uncertain about her nursing specialty but knows she wants to work in a hospital. Her grandmother’s stories and work ethic were significant influences. The pandemic reinforced her desire to become a nurse and help solidify her career path.

The dual-degree format and Heart of Healthcare scholarship made the Le Moyne-St. Joseph’s program ideal for her. Additionally, as a Say Yes Syracuse scholar, she receives grants that help cover tuition. “Avoiding debt and staying local were important factors,” she said. “Not worrying about finances has alleviated my stress and opened up further educational opportunities.”

At St. Joseph’s, she feels fully supported, saying, “If you are willing to put in the work, you can do it.”

During the 2023-2024 academic school year, a total of $1,404,768 from the Heart of Healthcare Scholarship fund was distributed to 114 students.

Read the full story at

cnycf.org/2024 or scan the QR code.

OUR PARTNERS COMMUNITY FUND DONORS ANONYMOUS (5)

KATHIE & GUY GARNSEY

LEYLA & JOSEPH MORGILLO

ROBERT R. & ALICE E. ANDREWS

ASHLEY GOUGER

RICHARD & CHRIS MOSESON

JEAN BEERS

MR. RICHARD GREEN & MRS. DOLORES GREEN

PRAGYA & MICHAEL MURPHY

STEVEN & LAURIE BERKOWITZ

MRS. STEWART F. HANCOCK, JR.

MARILYN M. BITTNER

WILLIAM A. & DEBRA M. HILLER

NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTHY HOUSING SOLUTIONS INC.

THE BREUER FAMILY

MARY BETH E. HINTON

ELLA BRIAND

JOSEPH J. & DONNA J. HIPIUS

PETER E. BRYANT

MADELYN H. HORNSTEIN & DALE H. HORNSTEIN

FRANK G. & DORINDA CAPELLA

JEANNE F. JACKSON

CAROL & CHARLES CLEARY

ELAINE & STEVEN L. JACOBS

COMMUNITY TEMPLE

LEWIS AND JULIE JOHNSON

DR. & MRS. JEFFREY M. DESIMONE

GORDON E. KAPLAN & LAURA KAPLAN

DEBORAH DONAHUE & MICHAEL LEE

DANIEL J. KINSELLA & JOAN M. KINSELLA

ETFIDEA, LLC

JAN & PATRICK LANE

THERESA M. EVANS & MARK G. EVANS

JOHN LOUGH & KATY J. LOUGH

MARK L. FELDMAN & CHRISTINE RILEY

GERALD M. MAGER

EDWARD A. FOGARTY

CANDACE & JOHN MARSELLUS

GERALDINE FORBES

SANDY & DAN MASTERPOLO

STEPHEN D. FOURNIER & ELISABETH FOURNIER

GEORGE & DOROTHY R. MATTHEWS

KATE & NATHAN FRANZ

DORA M. MONROE

ALLEN E. & NIRELLE GALSON

MARY H. MORAN & JORDAN E. KERBER

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL - SYRACUSE SHIRLEY & LARRY NOVAK MARION R. NYDAM JEFF & JULIE RUBENSTEIN PAT SCHISA MARTIN A. SCHWAB PHYLLIS HOTCHKISS SCHWARTZ JANE SLABOWSKI & PETER MCCARTHY JOHN & KATJA SODJA THE SOLOMON FAMILY RICK STEUL JAMES & DEBORAH TIFFT ALEXANDER J. & CYNTHIA A. TORELLI MARTHA B. VIGLIETTA & ANTHONY VIGLIETTA

IN MEMORY OF

IN HONOR OF

SHANNON H. GALSTER

SUSAN BLAIR

CHARLES & CINDY HENDERSON

SANFORD STERNLICHT

DARRELL BUCKINGHAM

LINDA MILLER

WALTER & THERESE DANCKS

LEYLA MORGILLO

DERRENBACKER-SHIELDS FINANCIAL GROUP

DEBORAH OSTRANDER

PETER DUNN KATE FRANZ

ELAINE RUBENSTEIN DAVID WICKS

COMMUNITY FUNDING PARTNERS ALLYN FAMILY FOUNDATION

KEY BANK FOUNDATION

THE BONADIO GROUP

MACKENZIE HUGHES LLP

CREWCIAL PARTNERS LLC

MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC. AND MICRON FOUNDATION

THE RULISON GROUP, MSSB

MOTHER CABRINI HEALTH FOUNDATION

SYRACUSE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

NATIONAL GRID

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

NBT FINANCIAL GROUP

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL NEW YORK

DERMODY, BURKE & BROWN, CPAS, LLC ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL OF CNY FINANCIAL PLANNING ASSOCIATION OF CNY THE GIFFORD FOUNDATION HEALTH FOUNDATION FOR WESTERN & CENTRAL NEW YORK

THE DOROTHY AND MARSHALL M. REISMAN FOUNDATION THE JON BEN SNOW FOUNDATION

ONONDAGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE ONONDAGA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

CEO WELCOME EVENTS SPONSORS ANONYMOUS DONOR

LEE M. GATTA & JOE REDDICK

OCC FOUNDATION

BOND SCHOENECK & KING

BEA GONZÁLEZ & MICHAEL E. LEONARD

PATHFINDER BANK

THE BREUER FAMILY

MADELYN H. HORNSTEIN, CPA

SUNY UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

CANDACE CAMPBELL-JACKSON

JEFF & HETA KNAUSS

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

DAN FISHER

MICRON FOUNDATION

MARK & POLLY FULLER

MICHAEL E. O’CONNOR, ESQ.

BRETT VANANTWERP, PRUDENTIAL MANAGING DIRECTOR

The donors listed in this section made their contributions between April 2023 and March 2024.

OUR PA R T NE R S

| 15

NEW FUNDS We gratefully acknowledge the generous community-minded individuals, families and organizations that established 42 new funds at the Community Foundation this year. They will benefit the community now and for generations to come.

BALTIMORE WOODS NATURE PRESERVE STEWARDSHIP Baltimore Woods Nature Center fosters enduring stewardship of our natural world by offering immersive programs and a place in Central New York for everyone to cultivate appreciation and personal connections to nature through environmental education, recreation, play and research. This fund was established to ensure the organization has a permanent source of income to meet future needs.

PAULINE M. MONZ FUND Pauline “Polly” Monz was born April 2, 1931, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Henry and Susanne Monz and was named after her maternal grandmother.

Polly was a graduate of Penn State University with a bachelor of science degree and earned her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania in 1956. She continued her education at Syracuse University, where she received her master of library science in 1976. Polly retired in 1988 as the acting head of the science libraries at Syracuse University. In her leisure time Polly enjoyed lecturing at the Cazenovia Library, the Friends of Lorenzo and the Stone Quarry Art Park, sharing her knowledge about nature and preservation. Her weekly article “Neighborhood Naturalist,” which was published in the Cazenovia Republican for 20 years, was a favorite among Cazenovians. Polly, who died in 2022, created this fund through a planned gift to address the evolving needs of the community and support innovative responses through the Community Foundation’s grantmaking and initiatives.

FOR A FULL LIST OF OUR FUNDS, PLEASE VISIT CNYCF.ORG/FUNDS. The donors listed in this section made their contributions between April 2023 and March 2024.

16 | N E W F U NDS

AGENCY FUNDS BALTIMORE WOODS NATURE IN THE CITY PROGRAM FUND

HOW TO GIVE

BALTIMORE WOODS NATURE PRESERVE STEWARDSHIP FUND CENTRAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND AGENCY FUND CINCINNATUS AREA HERITAGE SOCIETY AGENCY FUND CNY DIAPER BANK FUND JOSEPH’S HOUSE FOR WOMEN AGENCY FUND LAKER TRANSPORTATION PROJECT, INC. FUND SKANEATELES LIBRARY ASSOCIATION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FUND SYRACUSE POSTER PROJECT FUND

COMMUNITY FUNDS

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY BOTH NOW AND BEYOND YOUR LIFETIME. LET US BE YOUR PARTNER.

LUCY MCLEAN COMMUNITY FUND PAULINE M. MONZ FUND

DESIGNATED FUNDS ANONYMOUS FUND FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SYRACUSE LEGACY FUND NANCY FRADENBURG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND THOMAS W. HALL MEMORIAL FUND

YOUR GIVING CAN BE MADE EASIER Since 1927, generous Central New Yorkers have relied on the Community Foundation to help achieve more with their giving. Together, we can help transform your giving passions into lasting, measurable impact.

HEART OF HEALTHCARE NURSING SCHOLARSHIP PETER ZEREBNY FUND FOR ST. MICHAEL CEMETERY

DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS ANONYMOUS FUND STEPHANIE KOERNER AYER FUND LOIS BELL WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE FUND LOIS BELL WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE FUND #2 THE BONOMO FUND

YOU CAN CONTINUE YOUR CHARITABLE GIVING IN PERPETUITY There is no time like the present to think about how you want to deploy a portion of your assets for community benefit after you are gone. Our legacy planning services focus on helping you transmit your values, identify the issues you care about and capture your personal life story.

CAPPARELLI CHARITABLE FUND JIM & CHELSEA FRANCE CHARITABLE FUND JENKINS FAMILY CHARITABLE FUND KATHERINE & GARY JOHNSON FUND KOERNER-PEARSON CHARITABLE FUND LESLEY KOERNER LEPINE FUND LIVE LIKE LIAM FUND WYATT LUCHSINGER MEMORIAL FUND JACK, LUE, & PATRICIA ANN MCCULLEY FUND DR. XANDRIA SUTHERLAND-POLLARD MEMORIAL FUND KAREN M. & LAWRENCE P. SCHUNCK FAMILY FUND

YOU CAN GIVE FLEXIBLY THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFETIME Donor-advised funds are simple to set up and easy to operate. They allow you to address a wide variety of issues and fulfill your charitable interests as they evolve over time. The flexibility of the donor-advised fund makes it a convenient option to manage your giving and enjoy hands-on involvement.

JOHN & CECILIA SINDONI FUND LILLIAN C. WENBORNE MEMORIAL FUND WETZEL CAZENOVIA AREA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION FUND

FIELD-OF-INTEREST FUNDS ELIZABETH A. BATHKE FUND FOR MADISON COUNTY JOHN LINDEROTH FUND

INTERESTED IN EXPLORING OPTIONS FOR YOUR PERSONAL GIVING? CALL US AT 315.422.9538 OR VISIT CNYCF.ORG/GIVE.

ONONDAGA CITIZENS LEAGUE-SYRACUSE 20/20 FUND SYRACUSE ROTARY FOUNDATION PETER ZEREBNY FUND FOR ANIMAL CARE

SCHOLARSHIP FUND JIM & HARRIET KEYSOR LECHANDER EDUCATIONAL FUND

NE W F U ND S

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FINANCIAL INFORMATION $434.0

$24.7

$23.4

TOTAL ASSETS

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS

TOTAL GRANTS

MILLION

MILLION

MILLION

7.3% INVESTMENT RETURN (SINCE 1994)

SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE CFO As we reflect on the past year, I am pleased to share our financial achievements and insights with you. Our total assets rose 11%, reaching $434 million. This increase is a testament to the trust you place in our organization and our steadfast commitment to an investment management strategy focused on long-term performance. Asset size is only part of our story. We are proud to have distributed a record-breaking $23 million in grants this year, supporting projects and organizations that address critical needs in our community. In addition to our grantmaking activities, we continued to invest in Central New York by nearly tripling local impact investing and utilizing over 17% of our operating budget on projects with minority and women-owned business partners.

As we look to the future, we remain focused on our mission to foster a thriving and equitable Central New York region. We will continue to seek new opportunities for growth, innovation and collaboration, which will allow us to enhance our community investments. We remain committed to prudent financial management as well as to the promise we have made to our donors — past and present — of stewarding their charitable dollars and honoring their intentions.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to our donors, partners, board members and staff. Your unwavering support and dedication have been the cornerstone of our success. It is an honor to serve as your chief financial officer and to work alongside a passionate and inspiring team that is driven to make a lasting impact in our community. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in Central New York and I am confident that with your continued partnership, we will continue to be a community rising.

Thank you for your continued support.

BALANCE SHEET ASSETS

Investments $ 407,878,173 Receivables & Other 26,141,014 Total Assets $ 434,019,187 LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS

Funds Held for Other Agencies $ 29,231,705 Grants Payable 2,454,798 Other 7,494,354 Net Assets 394,838,330 Total Liabilities & Net Assets $ 434,019,187 STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES REVENUES

Contributions $ 24,727,042 Net Return on Investments 40,598,116 Other 336,094 Total Revenues $ 65,661,252 GRANTS & EXPENSES Grants $ 23,362,106 Program Support 2,344,382 Operating Expenses 2,815,183 Total Grants & Expenses $ 28,521,671 CHANGE IN NET ASSETS

Kimberly P. Sadowski, CPA Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

18 | F I N A N CIAL IN F ORM AT ION

Net Assets Beginning of Year Net Assets End of Year

$ 37,139,581 357,698,749 $ 394,838,330

The Community Foundation’s audit is conducted by The Bonadio Group.

The complete Consolidated Financial Statements, with accompanying footnotes, as well as Form 990, are available for inspection at the Community Foundation office and online at cnycf.org.

INVESTMENT POOL ASSET ALLOCATION

Non-U.S. Equity

Fixed Income

U.S. Equity

38%

28%

16%

ASSETS BY FUND TYPE

Private Equity & Real Estate

Hedge Funds

9%

9%

ASSETS BY YEAR

$434,019,187 $434,019,187

$400,000,000

n Donor-Advised

$164,667,222

300,000,000

n Community

$91,447,478

n Scholarships

$55,882,106

$434,019,187

n Field-of-Interest

250,000,000

TOTAL ASSETS

$50,738,609

200,000,000

n Designated & Special Projects

$42,052,067

n Nonprofit Agency

150,000,000

$29,231,705

100,000,000

CONTRIBUTIONS BY FUND TYPE

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

NET ASSET BRIDGE DOLLARS IN MILLIONS

n Donor-Advised

$10,303,603

40.6

$1,523,323

$357.7 2023 Net Assets

n Scholarships

$1,092,455

GRANTS BY FUND TYPE

(2.3)

$394.8

(2.8)

PROGRAM SUPPORT

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS

(23.4) GRANTS

$5,707,654

n Community

$24,727,042

25.0 INVESTMENT RETURNS

n Designated & Special Projects

CONTRIBUTIONS & OTHER INCOME

$6,100,007

2024 Net Assets

OPERATING EXPENSES

n Field-of-Interest

GRANTS BY YEAR $23,688,106

$25,000,000

$23,362,106

n Donor-Advised

$11,776,366

20,000,000

n Designated & Special Projects

$5,900,813

n Community

$2,414,052

n Field-of-Interest

$23,362,106

15,000,000

TOTAL GRANTS

$1,736,777

10,000,000

n Scholarships

$1,534,098

5,000,000

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Graphs represent financial information for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.

FI N A N C I A L I N F O R M A T IO N

| 19

CNY PHILANTHROPY CENTER 431 EAST FAYETTE STREET, SUITE 100 SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 13202

LISA D. ALFORD JAIME ALICEA* CATHERINE BERTINI WILLIAM H. BROWER III KARIN SLOAN DELANEY, ESQ.** MARTIN T. DURKIN, JR.*

STAFF

BOARD

315.422.9538

COMMUNICATIONS KATRINA M. CROCKER

Vice President of Communications

JULIET R. MALOFF

MARK A. FULLER, CPA** SUSAN FURTNEY, MPH , FACHE LEE GATTA, CLU®, CHFC®, AEP®** LISA S. GERMAIN* BEA GONZÁLEZ

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FRANK M. RIDZI, PH.D.

JOSEPH LAZZARO, CFP®, CLU® LEYLA Z. MORGILLO, CFP® DUANE B. OWENS* REBECCA BRONFEIN RAPHAEL KEVIN E. SCHWAB

PRAGYA S. MURPHY, CAP®, MBA

Senior Philanthropic & Impact Investment Advisor

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION KIMBERLY P. SADOWSKI, CPA

COLBY CYRUS, CAPM

Human Resources & Operations Officer

ELISIA GONZALEZ

Administrative Associate

DANIELLE M. JOHNSON

Finance Manager

KANISCHA MILLER

Senior Information Systems Officer

QIANA WILLIAMS

Senior Director of Finance

Grants Manager

Program Associate Program Officer

MARTIN A. SCHWAB, ESQ.

MONICA M. MERANTE, CAP®

Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Senior Director of Grants & Programs

DR. EMAD RAHIM, PPMP, OMCP, CSM, CM, CKF, CCPM**

JAN L. LANE, CAP®

DARRELL D. BUCKINGHAM

Senior Program Manager

DR. WARREN HILTON

Scholarships & Student Success Manager

Philanthropic Services Officer

Senior Director of Philanthropic Services

Program Officer

MARK S. HALL*

TORI HART

CORY SCHAD

Vice President of Community Investment

GERIANNE P. CORRADINO, SHRM-CP TERRI M. EVANS DANA C. FIEL

JENNY E. GREEN

ELIZABETH T. HARTMAN, CPA DAVONA LAWRENCE

Finance Associate

KATHLEEN L. WIESE*

DANA E. LYONS-CANTY

Special Projects Officer

YEISHA NÚÑEZ-DENSON

*Term commenced July 1, 2024 **Board service completed June 30, 2024

| OUR STAFF STANDS ON STEPS WITHIN KIRK PARK READY TO ASSIST ONONDAGA EARTH CORPS Deraretu Abubeker, Elisia Gonzalez and Dana E. Lyons-Canty not pictured

AHMEED H. TURNER

Vice President of Scholarships & Student Success; Executive Director of Say Yes Syracuse

Philanthropic Services Officer

Senior Philanthropic Advisor

Senior Events & Communications Manager

SCHOLARSHIPS AND STUDENT SUCCESS

ELIZABETH GAGNÉ

LEILA R. MOGHADASI

Communications Associate

KATE FELDMEIER FRANZ**

MARY ANNE CODY, ESQ.

DEVELOPMENT THOMAS M. GRIFFITH, AEP®, CAP®, CHFC® Vice President of Development

Senior Communications Officer

DANIEL J. FISHER** STEPHEN D. FOURNIER

GENERAL COUNSEL

PRESIDENT & CEO MELANIE LITTLEJOHN, MBA

Accountant

DERARETU ABUBEKER