ALLEN SPEISER MEMORIAL FUND ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR GRANT OPPORTUNITY

February 9, 2021—The Allen Speiser Memorial Vocational Rehabilitation Fund is now accepting grant applications. Grant applications will be accepted from programs that promote the placement and retention of employees with disabilities in the workforce. The application deadline is March 5, 2021. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit, human service organizations that serve people with disabilities in Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cortland

Scholarship Recipient to Fraternal Brother -Starting the College Journey with Two Students at a Time

Keyshawn Blakes, a graduate student at Syracuse University, was first introduced to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Kappa) as a high school student while applying for his bachelor’s degree. Upon receiving a scholarship from Kappa to assist with the cost of his schooling, something more happened that he hadn’t anticipated – a fraternal bond developed. Kappa is a predominantly Black

More than $500,000 Awarded to Support Local Organizations

January 14, 2021- The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $539,877 in grants to nonprofit organizations in Onondaga and Madison counties through its Community Grantmaking program. The program funds projects in the areas of arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health, human services and the environment. A Tiny Home for Good Syracuse received $35,000 to restore property that will

Grant Opportunity Open to Cortland County Nonprofits

Cortland, NY (January 6, 2021) – The Central New York Community Foundation is offering a grant opportunity to Cortland County nonprofit organizations this winter. Nonprofit applicants are invited to submit their ‘bright idea’ for enhancing their organization to better serve the community if they were to receive a $5,000 grant. The simple online form can be accessed at cnycf.org/cortland and

More than $250,000 in Grants Awarded to Black-Led Organizations

The Community Foundation recently awarded a second round of grants from its new Black Equity & Excellence Fund. Grants from the fund support Black-led nonprofit organizations and projects that counteract systemic racism. Fifteen grants were distributed, totaling $252,194: 411 Publishing & Media (Fiscal Sponsor: On Point for College) received $11,000 to create the Syracuse Black Expo Business Online Directory that

Harold Bristol: Continued Family Giving

For my late wife Noni and me, philanthropy went way back. Both of my parents served as wonderful examples for lending a hand. So when Noni and I married at age 22, it was natural for us to begin giving right away. We were charitable to our church early on and later, as our careers grew, expanded our giving to

New Service in Madison County Helps Students Advance Educational Dreams

It can be especially hard for students living in remote rural communities to access transportation for college visits, receive information on available scholarships and get answers to financial aid questions. A new service expansion into Madison County will help students more easily find the healthy support system they need as they explore opportunities for a higher education. Since 1999, On

Community Foundation Announces New Hire

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired a new accountant. Kymberle Benderski joined the Community Foundation as an Accountant. She is responsible for day-to-day accounting activities and assists with the Community Foundation’s financial reporting. Kymberle, who is from Penfield, NY, received her accounting degree from SUNY Brockport. She lives in North Syracuse with her husband and two dogs, King

Pete’s Perspectives: Welcoming Say Yes Syracuse to the Community Foundation

Back in the summer of 2008, literally a month after I arrived in Syracuse to join the Community Foundation, I met with leaders of Say Yes to Education and the Syracuse City School District (SCSD). They presented the outlines of an emerging partnership to expand college access for SCSD students in collaboration with local partners, including the City of Syracuse,

Letty Murray: Subtly Extraordinary

There was nothing average about Letty Murray. She was subtly extraordinary and inspired many to mirror her generosity, kindness and responsibility. In her nearly ten decades of life, she created relationships which were woven into the fabric of giving. Before Laetitia ‘Letty’ Meachem Murray was born, her family was already known for greatness and generosity. She was a descendant of