Cover: Vera, who is blind, stands in her home in Syracuse, N.Y., where support from Aurora of CNY helped her regain confidence and independence. Read her story on page 3.
As we look ahead to the Community Foundation’s 100th year in 2027, I’ve been spending time reflecting on what it really means to reach a milestone like this — not just marking the years behind us, but being intentional about what we are building next.
The first 100 years of the Central New York Community Foundation mattered. They mattered because people showed up. Because generosity took root. Because, over time, we became part of this region’s story.
The next 100 years matter even more.
Here’s where that leads us. Our Centennial is not about a single celebration or a look back frozen in time. It’s about using this moment to strengthen the foundation beneath us. That means listening more deeply, opening more doors, and making sure more people see themselves as part of shaping Central New York’s future. It’s about reintroducing ourselves to parts of this region that may not know us well yet. And showing, in very real ways, that the tent is big enough for all of us.
You’ll see us centering voices that haven’t always been centered. You’ll see us creating more opportunities for residents, nonprofit leaders and young people to share their ideas, their creativity and their hopes for the next generation. And you’ll see us leaning into what we do best: bringing people together around shared purpose, with compassion, humility and resolve. Some of that work is already beginning.
This spring, we’re expanding our partnership with Resilia to launch a fivecounty capacity-building ecosystem for nonprofit and grassroots organizations. This means practical, day-to-day support — tools to strengthen operations, clarify impact, plan for the future and connect with peers locally and nationally. It’s about helping organizations not just survive, but grow with confidence and sustainability.
And in 2026, we’ll once again invite residents to help decide how community dollars are invested through a multicounty participatory budgeting process. This is democracy at the local level. Neighbors will come together to surface ideas, shape solutions and vote on what matters most where they live. Real voices. Real decisions. Real impact.
These are early signals of a much larger commitment. Into 2027 and beyond, you’ll see us tell our story in new ways, engage people of all ages, and create space for learning, creativity and shared decision-making — all grounded in the belief that everyone has something to give.
It sounds big, because it is. Sleeves rolled up. Hearts open wide. Bringing everyone along.
If you would like to sign-up for our participatory budgeting process, please visit:
CNYCF.ORG/PBFORM
MELANIE LITTLEJOHN President and CEO
Photo Credit: Ben Cleeton
USING YOUR DONOR-ADVISED FUND TO PLAN YOUR ANNUAL GIVING
USING SPENDING POLICY TO CREATE A GIVING BUDGET
One of the most common questions donor-advised fundholders ask is: How much should I give? While philanthropy is driven by passion and purpose, effective grantmaking also benefits from a clear plan. The Community Foundation’s spending policy offers a helpful framework for creating an annual grantmaking budget that is both impactful and sustainable. And voluntarily adhering to that spending rate is a tool for donor-advised fundholders who want their fund to last for a long time.
WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION’S SPENDING POLICY?
Community foundations design spending policies to ensure the long-term viability of their endowments. Each year we determine how much we can spend from our endowed funds by calculating the average balance of a fund over the past 20 quarters of time. Then, our annual spending rate — which is typically 4-5 percent — is applied to that average. This prevents overspending in periods when the market is up or underspending when the market is down.
For donor-advised fundholders, following this spending policy is not a requirement unless it was mandated in the fund agreement or succession plan. But it is a trusted guideline that provides a more stable, predictable basis for planning.
HOW THE SPENDING POLICY HELPS WITH BUDGETING
CREATES A CLEAR STARTING POINT
Following our spending policy allows you to estimate the amount available for grantmaking from your fund from year to year. This removes uncertainty and makes it easier to plan your giving in advance rather than responding to requests as they arise.
MINIMIZES THE IMPACT OF MARKET VOLATILITY
Because the policy is based on a five-year average, it helps smooth out short-term market fluctuations. This allows you to stay focused on your charitable goals rather than reacting to annual investment performance.
SUPPORTS SUSTAINABLE GIVING
Following spending policy helps balance generosity today with the ability to give in the future. It reduces the risk of unintentionally spending too much too quickly, or holding back out of concern about long-term impact.
ENCOURAGES STRATEGIC DECISIONS
With an estimated grantmaking budget in mind, you can be more intentional about how you give. Fundholders often use this tool to decide how much to allocate to longstanding nonprofit partners, new opportunities, multi-year commitments, or responsive grants for emerging community needs.
FLEXIBILITY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK
The spending policy is a guide, not a limit. Some years may call for more or less giving based on personal circumstances or urgent community needs. The policy simply provides a thoughtful baseline for planning and conversation.
The Philanthropic Services team is available to help you apply the spending policy to your donor-advised fund and develop a grantmaking plan that aligns with your values and philanthropic goals.
FINDING INDEPENDENCE, ONE STEP AT A TIME
Aurora of CNY
Pictured: Vera stands with her white cane, a mobility tool that supports safe, independent travel by helping detect obstacles and orientation cues.
Photo Credit: Ben Cleeton
When Vera arrived in Central New York in 1993, she was nearly blind, newly immigrated from Ukraine and raising two young children — in a language she did not yet speak.
What she found, alongside medical care, was Aurora of CNY (Aurora), an organization that provides hope, empowerment and support to people who are deaf, blind, visually impaired or hard of hearing.
“Aurora helped me learn how to live,” Vera said.
Vera began losing her vision in her mid20s after a series of surgeries failed to stop damage to her optic nerve. By the time she settled in Syracuse, she could no longer recognize faces. Through referrals from her doctor, she connected with Aurora, which provided orientation and mobility training, instruction on using a cane and critical translation services.
That early assistance helped Vera regain confidence and independence at a moment when isolation could easily have taken hold.
Over time, however, her vision loss progressed. In 2016, following the death of her husband after a prolonged hospitalization, Vera lost the remainder of her sight. The combination of grief, blindness and aging brought new challenges — many shaped by persistent stigma and systemic barriers people who are blind or visually impaired
routinely face, from assumptions about their capabilities to limited access to transportation, technology and social connection.
“I was afraid,” Vera said. “Afraid to go places alone. Afraid to try new things.”
In 2022, encouraged by her doctor, Vera reconnected with Aurora and enrolled in its Social Work and Support Services program. Through personalized, at-home support, Aurora staff helped her navigate
transportation, reconnect with peers and rebuild confidence.
Today, Vera cooks, bakes, gardens, does laundry, travels independently and stays connected with family and friends using adaptive technology — from talking watches and money readers to a smartphone she once feared but now uses daily for email, social media and video. With Aurora’s help, she also learned how to use Centro’s Call-A-Bus service to travel independently to its weekly peer support group.
“Aurora has provided me with what I need to take care of myself,” Vera said. “That means everything.”
Stories like Vera’s are why Aurora exists — and why continued investment in its work matters.
In June we provided the organization with a $50,000 Community Grant to expand its Social Work and Support Services program, supporting increased staffing, more in-home assessments and expanded access to essential assistive devices — all designed to help individuals with sensory loss remain safely and independently in their homes.
“Sensory loss doesn’t just affect vision or hearing,” said Kate Weidman, executive director of Aurora of CNY. “It affects access — to transportation, healthcare, technology and community. Without support, people are at real risk of isolation.”
Pictured: Vera scans a label with a PenFriend device, which reads aloud voice messages she records after placing special labels on clothing, food and other household items.
Photo Credit: Ben Cleeton
Pictured: Vera uses a liquid level indicator, a device that helps prevent overpouring.
DONOR STORY
Pictured: Doug and Andrea Lippincott stand inside the King Ferry Food Pantry located in Cayuga County.
Photo Credit: Ben Cleeton
Some legacies are built not in a single moment, but across a lifetime of quiet, consistent care for others.
For generations in southern Cayuga County, Pauline and Stacey Lippincott embodied that kind of steady, neighborly service — and now, their values will continue to nourish their community through the Pauline and Stacey Lippincott Endowment Fund, established at the Community Foundation by their son, Doug, and daughter-in-law, Andrea.
With a $25,000 gift, the family created a permanent source of support for the King Ferry Food Pantry, an organization that was deeply close to Pauline’s heart.
“My parents grew up during the Great Depression and understood the challenges of food insecurity and were keenly aware those threats exist today in their own community,” Doug said. “The mission of the King Ferry Food Pantry is ‘to provide access to healthy food and resources for neighbors in need.’ That mission fits perfectly with mom and dad’s lifetime mission of service above self.”
Pauline and Stacey were high school sweethearts who graduated from King Ferry Central School in 1943 and were married in 1944, just before Stacey was deployed to serve in World War II in the Pacific. After his return home in 1946, the two built a life rooted in family, hard work and community — a partnership that lasted 79 years until Pauline’s death in 2023 at 98, followed by Stacey’s passing in 2024 at 99.
Pauline, who operated Pauline’s Beauty Shop in King Ferry for 25 years, was far more than a small-business owner. Around town, she was known as someone you could call when you
needed a ride to a doctor’s appointment, help watching children or simply a listening ear.
“Mom once said, ‘I enjoy helping people; I couldn’t turn anyone down,’” Doug shared.
A consummate community activist, Pauline volunteered with the King Ferry PTA, Our Lady of the Lake Church, the King Ferry Historical Association and many other local groups. She was also a founding volunteer of the King Ferry Food Pantry when it opened in 1996.
“The pantry was near and dear to her heart,” Doug said.
Stacey, a 1950 graduate of Ithaca College and a longtime employee of NCR before retiring in 1984, stood alongside Pauline in much of her community work. He also served as a Little League coach and umpire and helped found several local golf leagues.
Together, they lived the values of duty, service, love of family and responsibility to others.
Today, that legacy continues through the fund that will provide lasting support to the King Ferry Food Pantry, which served more than 7,500 people and provided nearly 160,500 meals in 2024 alone.
Across rural communities like southern Cayuga County, food insecurity is often driven by systemic challenges — including limited access to affordable groceries, transportation barriers and economic inequities — making trusted, community-based food pantries essential anchors of stability and care.
“Receiving perpetual distributions from the Pauline and Stacey Lippincott Endowment Fund ensures that we can
continue to serve our neighbors in need well into the future,” said Debbie Patrick, executive director of the King Ferry Food Pantry.
For Doug, creating the fund was about both honoring his parents and giving back to the community that helped shape them.
“King Ferry and southern Cayuga County are special to me,” Doug said. “My parents were great role models, but I also reaped many benefits from the guidance and support of the good folks of King Ferry and surrounding communities.”
By establishing this fund at the Community Foundation, the Lippincott family ensured their gift will grow and provide support not just today, but for generations.
“Mom and dad made the most of their longevity, living full and caring lives,” Doug said. “Andrea and I hope this gift will inspire others to support the remarkable work of the pantry and ensure its permanence in the community.”
If you are interested in learning more about how you can support the community you love, please contact a member of our Development Team:
Pictured: Pauline and Stacey Lippincott, Doug Lippincott’s parents.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
In December, our board of directors approved $765,000 in grants, supporting 21 nonprofits through our Community Grantmaking program.
Purchase and install commercial kitchen equipment for workforce training
Stock Upstate University Hospital pantry with nutritious food
Install ADA-compliant doors in the Doug Klepper Community Center
Support an apprenticeship program for licensed practical nurses
Operate summer literacy program for K–8 students
Introduce young children to live theater
van to expand youth program access
Provide housing navigation and case management
Replace the roof at the Shonnard Street Club
Train counselors for youth substance use program
Provide equineassisted Memory Care Corral sessions for individuals living with dementia
Install security upgrades to improve participant safety
Upgrade HVAC and install air conditioning
Support driver education, testing and licensing costs for Latino residents
Train service dogs to support veterans’ recovery
Deliver youth entrepreneurship workshops and pitch competition
Replace HVAC units to improve air quality
Purchase accessible bus for older adults
Host monthly LGBTQIA+ community gatherings
Hire a full-time housing coordinator
Host community food access listening sessions
Pictured: Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse.
THESE GRANTS WERE MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING FUNDS
To learn more about these funds and many others that make our grantmaking possible, visit: CNYCF.ORG/FUNDS
5forCNY Fund
Richard & Marilyn Alberding Charitable Fund
Dianne Apter Fund
Shirley M. Aubrey Fund
Ellen T. & David R. Bacon Fund
Charlotte & Donald Ball Fund
Harry & Helen Barnes Jewell Fund
William D. Barnet Memorial Scholarship Fund
Elizabeth A. Bathke Fund for Madison County
Peter & Barbara Baum Fund
Benji Fund
Besse Family Fund
Bilford Family Fund
Borer Family Fund for Education
Charles F. Brannock Fund
Shirley M. Brennan Fund
William L. Broad Fund
Bucci-Deserio Family Foundation
Kenneth P. & Charlotte C. Buckley Fund
Cabasino Fund
Patricia M. & Vincent H. Callahan Fund
Carriage House Foundation Fund
Philip R. & Elizabeth Chase Fund
Clarke Family Fund
Laurie J. & Dr. William R. Clark, Jr. Community Fund
James & Eileen Clinton Community Fund
Cohen Fund for Early Childhood Development & Literacy
Solly & Belle Cohen Fund
William & Sylvia Cohen Community Fund
Ruth J. & Robert J. Colvin Fund
Community Council on Careers Fund
CNYCF Community Fund
Community Literacy Fund
Community Public Art Fund
The Coon Fund
Mary Frances Costello Fund
DeBenedictis Community Fund
J. Henry & Martha E. DeBoer Fund
Alfred & Grace DiBella Fund
John S. & Julia G. Dietz Fund
Olga Dietz Turner Fund
Divot’s Fund
DMC Memorial Fund
Mary Louise Dunn Fund #2
M. Harold Dwyer & Frances M. Dwyer Fund
Margaret J. Early Fund
Education Endowment Fund
Harold & Marian Edwards and O. M. Edwards Company Fund
Steven A. Endieveri Memorial Fund
Paul M. Engle Community Fund
Environmental Fund
Carlton R. Estey Fund
Future Fund of Central New York
John M. & Mary L. Gallinger Fund
Joseph C. Georg Fund
Minnie O. Goodman Fund
Viola M. Hall Fund
Frances E. & John S. Hancock Fund
Carroll A. Hennessy Fund
Anthony A. & Susan Henninger Memorial Fund
Hills Family Fund
Laurence A. Hoefler Community Fund
Holstein Family Fund for Citizen Engagement
I. A. Hotze Fund
Ursula T. Hubby Fund
John H. & Mary P. Hughes Fund
Iaconis, Iaconis & Baum Fund
Jelly Bean Angel Fund for Innovation
Leo & Natalie Jivoff Fund
Kay/Sneider Literacy Fund
Martha A. & Eugene F. Keppler Fund
Marjorie D. Kienzle Fund
David Kilpatrick Memorial Fund
Faith T. Knapp Memorial Fund
Frances C. & Albert C. Knight Charitable Fund
George & Luella Krahl Fund
Ruth E. Krull Fund
Alicia A. & George W. Lee Fund
Leonard Family Endowment
Martha, Gracia & Robert Leopold Fund
Lewis-Trinity Fund
LFM Fund
John Linderoth Fund
MacAllister Fund
Madison County Aging Enrichment Fund
Maier Family Community Fund
L.C. Maier Community Fund
Candace & John Marsellus Community Fund
Gay D. Marsellus Fund
John F. Marsellus Fund
Marsellus Nonprofit Leadership Endowment
The Martha Fund
Flora Mather Hosmer Fund
Helen Hancock McClintock Fund
Lucy McLean Community Fund
Anne L. Messenger Community Fund
James & Aileen Miller Charitable Fund
Pauline M. Monz Fund
H. Gillis & Letty M. Murray Fund
Donald C. & Marion F. Newton Fund
Peggy Ogden Community Fund
Dorothy M. Olds Fund
Onondaga Citizens League-Syracuse
20/20 Fund
Pages’ Potluck Fund
Carol W. & Emiel D. Palmer Fund
P-D Family Fund
John R. Pelkey Community Fund
Theodore & Marjorie B. Pierson Fund
Robert & Anne Pietrafesa Fund
Robert A. & Winifred S. Pond Family Fund
Maggie & Roger Reid Fund
Nicholas and Agnes Renzi Fund for Cortland County
Brian Cole Retan Memorial Fund
Dorothy Retan Irish Fund
James A. & McDowell Smith Reynolds Fund
Lettie H. Rohrig Fund for Music
Lawrence E. Root Fund
Lynne Ross Scheer Fund
Tiny Rubenstein Animal Welfare Fund
Rosalind & Seymour Rudolph Fund
Elizabeth Salisbury Brooks Fund
Robert & Dorothy Salisbury Fund
Durston Sanford & Doris Sanford Fund
Ralph Myron Sayer & Sophrona Davis Sayer Endowment Fund
Helene C. Schroeder Fund
Daniel & Jeanne Schwartz Fund
Frederick B. & Laura B. Scott Fund
Dorothy R. Shoudy Memorial Hearing
Impaired Fund
Shuart Family Fund
Adelaide Louise Silvia Community Fund
Virginia C. Simons & Dr. C. Adele Brown Fund
Frances Singer Hennessy Fund
Winifred & DeVillo Sloan, Jr. Family Fund
The Lee & Alice Smith Fund
Spanfelner Fund
Allen Speiser Memorial Vocational Rehabilitation Fund
Staff Advancement Endowment Fund
Syracuse Dispensary Fund
Syracuse SIDS Prevention Fund
Walter A. Thayer Fund
Frances M. Thompson Fund
Dr. Robert J. Vitkus Fund
Donald & Hilda Watrous Fund
Virginia Wendel Fund
Carolyn V. West Fund
Westminster Presbyterian Northside Concerns Fund
Robert & Patricia Williams Fund
Jerome M. & Dorothy A. Wilson Family Fund
John Winter Family Fund
Dorothy C. Witherill Fund
The Witherill Fund
Forrest H. Witmeyer Fund
Arthur W. & Mabel P. Wrieden Memorial Fund
Peter Zerebny Community Fund
Peter Zerebny Fund for Animal Care
Pictured: Graduates of Loretto’s one-year apprenticeship program.
COMMUNITY INSIGHTS FORUM: WHERE YOU FILL IN THE GAPS
(Formerly called State of the Community: Community Voices Forum)
Our inaugural Community Insights Forum (formerly called State of the Community: Community Voices Forum) on November 5, 2025 gathered residents, community-based organizations, grassroots and nonprofit organizations to share their insight and reflections on our community’s most pressing needs while identifying areas we should be investing in. Attendees were residents who we met through our community engagement, participatory budgeting and participatory grantmaking projects, nonprofit and community based organizations, and board members and advisory councils. An estimated 50 attendees participated in person and 50 attendees listened in virtually.
The purpose of the forum was to share an overview of the resources that we offer and listen to the community’s thoughts on their greatest needs and
TOP GAPS PER PRIORITY
EDUCATION
Increase literacy rates & wrap around services for student success
hopes. We intend to use what we heard to guide our Community Grantmaking process, discern focus areas for our participatory budgeting process and seek greater charitable donations in areas of greatest need.
During the session, our Community Investment team reported on community engagement data and facilitated an immersive session that engaged attendees around our Community Grants priorities. Attendees were assigned a table and tasked with identifying one gap in each of this spring’s grant round priority areas: arts and culture, civic engagement, education, environment and animals. A “wild card” need was also submitted to consider for future grants and participatory budgeting projects.
Each table discussed and deliberated the priority areas and developed ideas
ARTS & CULTURE
Increase FREE arts & culture programs for all
for the rest of the attendees to consider and vote on in a mini-dotmocracy activity. Facilitators posted each table’s top need on poster paper and each attendee was given three stickers for each priority area to vote on the needs that resonated with them the most. Attendees identified the gaps (seen below) in each priority area.
Additionally, attendees identified the top three wild card needs as safe affordable housing, food security and unrestricted funding for community needs.
This feedback will inform our due diligence during the spring Community Grant round as well as our future impact investments, initiatives, participatory budgeting projects and development efforts.
ENVIRONMENT & ANIMALS
Safe drinking water & protection of natural resources (remove the lead pipes in Syracuse)
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Increase youth civic engagement and education
Pictured: Participants connect and collaborate during our Community Insights Forum.
GRANTMAKING IN CORTLAND COUNTY
Earlier this year, we received a $12 million bequest from the estate of Nicholas and Agnes Renzi to provide lasting charitable support for Cortland County residents. This transformational gift enabled us to expand our Community Grants program into Cortland County for the first time. Beginning with our Fall grant round (opening July 6, 2026, and closing August 28, 2026), Cortland County nonprofits will be eligible to apply for Community Grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, with approximately $600,000 available annually from the Renzi Fund.
Learn more at:
CNYCF.ORG/COMMUNITYGRANTS
CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF IMPACT THROUGH PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING
As we approach our 2027 centennial, marking a century of impact, we are hosting participatory budgeting projects across our five-county region: Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oswego and Onondaga counties. The initiative is now underway in Oswego County.
In each county, community members are invited to partner with nonprofits and grassroots organizations to identify a priority funding area, co-design a project idea and vote on the projects they believe best address local needs. One winning project in each county will be selected and awarded funding.
If you are interested in participating, please visit:
CNYCF.ORG/PARTICIPATORY
SINCERELY, CNY PODCAST LAUNCHED
Central New York is more than a location — it’s our home. Our new podcast, Sincerely, CNY, is a love letter to this region, told through its most inspiring voices. Hosted by our President & CEO Melanie Littlejohn, each episode features intimate conversations with the quiet champions and visionary leaders shaping the future of Central New York. Be on the lookout for new episodes of Sincerely, CNY — where we’ll explore the passion and purpose driving our community forward.
Learn more at:
CNYCF.ORG/PODCAST
This fall, Community Foundation staff and board leaders played a key role in national conversations on equitable economic development. Melanie Littlejohn, president and CEO, served as an “Illuminator” at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Making Missing Markets convening, where Syracuse was one of four communities selected to explore how markets can better address unmet needs — a timely discussion as Micron’s investment brings new opportunity to CNY. Frank Ridzi, vice president of community investment, and board member Kevin Schwab of CenterState CEO represented Syracuse at the initiative’s Communities Roundtable. They were joined by Mayor Sharon Owens and MACNY CEO Randy Wolken, demonstrating strong regional leadership and a shared commitment to ensuring future growth translates into inclusive investment, community ownership opportunities, and lasting quality-of-life improvements for Central New Yorkers.
Pictured: JM Murray at Lime Hollow Nature Center in Cortland County.
RESILIA
Strengthening Central New York Nonprofits Through Free Capacity-Building Support
As we approach our 100-year anniversary in 2027, we are marking this milestone by investing more deeply in the organizations that strengthen our communities. This spring, we expanded our partnership with Resilia, a national organization that helps nonprofits grow stronger, tell their stories more clearly and increase their impact.
Through this expanded partnership, we launched a new five-county Capacity Builder Ecosystem, offering free support to up to 250 nonprofit and grassroots organizations across Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oswego and Onondaga counties. Participating organizations join a regional cohort and receive access to Resilia’s online platform, designed to meet nonprofits where they are and support day-to-day organizational needs.
ORGANIZATIONS IN THE 2026-27 COHORT HAVE ACCESS TO TOOLS AND RESOURCES TO HELP THEM BUILD SKILLS, PLAN FOR THE FUTURE AND SECURE FUNDING, INCLUDING:
Support to measure and communicate impact
A live online learning lab and peer community with other local nonprofits, including group coaching and connections to a national cohort
Quarterly check-ins to track progress and goals
Access to a grants database with more than 60,000 funders and 750,000 past grant awards Evaluation and planning tools
Enrollment opened Feb. 2, 2026, and nonprofit and grassroots organizations in Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oswego and Onondaga counties enrolled at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. The cohort runs June 1, 2026, to May 2027.
This is the largest Resilia offering we have made to date, both in number of organizations served and geographic reach. We have partnered with Resilia since 2022, supporting 59 local nonprofits through earlier cohorts.
This expanded program is one of the ways we are celebrating our upcoming centennial, ensuring nonprofits across Central New York have the tools, support and connections they need to continue serving our communities for the next 100 years.
Organizations can still apply at:
CNYCF.ORG/RESILIA
Pictured: Vietnamese Community of Syracuse, a former Resilia cohort participant.
OUR PEOPLE
NEW BOARD MEMBERS
PARIS BABERS
Events & Communications Manager
Paris plans and executes events and supports communications for Say Yes Syracuse and our affiliate funds.
REBECCA BALARA
Communications Manager
Rebecca supports our storytelling, marketing and digital outreach.
KATE DOWNES
Program Manager
Kate supports our grantmaking, capacity-building and community initiatives and leads our grantmaking in Cortland County.
ISABEL FOSS
Program Associate
Isabel supports our Community Grants, strategic priority funding and capacity-building programs.
SALMA MUSE Scholarships and Student Success Manager
Salma assists with the administration of our scholarship program and Say Yes Syracuse.
STAFF PROMOTIONS
COLBY CYRUS, CAPM
Program Officer
Colby Cyrus has been promoted to program officer after serving as senior program manager for two years.
DANA C. FIEL
Senior Finance Manager
Dana Fiel has been promoted to senior finance manager after serving as finance manager for three years.
THOMAS M. GRIFFITH, AEP®, CAP®, CHFC®
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Tom Griffith has been promoted to chief philanthropy officer after serving as vice president of development for eight years.
JAN L. LANE, CAP® Director of Philanthropy
Jan Lane has been promoted to director of philanthropy after serving as senior philanthropic advisor for four years.
DAVINE BEY
CEO of DKON Consulting Group
Davine is a talent management executive with more than 25 years of experience in recruitment, workforce strategy, and organizational leadership. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles with institutions including Syracuse University and Cornell University, where he led efforts to strengthen hiring, retention, and overall workforce effectiveness.
CECELIA CANNON
Attorney and Managing Member at Bousquet Holstein PLLC
Cecelia Cannon is a litigation attorney who focuses her practice on trust and estate disputes and commercial litigation. She represents clients in complex matters involving estate and trust administration, guardianships, business valuations and conflicts among partners in closely held businesses. Cecelia is known for working closely with her clients to develop practical, thoughtful strategies that take into account both legal and personal considerations.
BEN SIO
President of CenterState CEO
Ben Sio oversees CenterState’s day-to-day operations, including managing revenue and executing the organization’s growth strategy. Most recently, he served as CenterState’s chief of staff and senior vice president of strategy, policy and planning. During his tenure with the organization, he has worked on a wide range of initiatives, including downtown revitalization, workforce development and entrepreneurship. Sio is committed to strengthening the region’s economy and expanding opportunities for businesses and communities throughout CNY.
JEFF STOECKER
Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Syracuse University
Jeff Stoecker oversees executive and internal communications, media relations and Syracuse University’s overall communication strategy, and serves as its primary spokesperson. Previously, he was a vice president at FleishmanHillard, advising clients including Harvard University, Bose and Massachusetts General Hospital. Before entering communications, Jeff spent nearly 13 years as a journalist, earning two Emmy Awards, several AP Awards and contributing to a Peabody Award-winning team covering the Newtown school shootings. A native of Cazenovia, he is a graduate of Le Moyne College.
NEW BLACK EQUITY & EXCELLENCE COUNCIL MEMBER
MICHAEL JENNINGS
Wealth Consultant at Brackens Financial Solutions Network, LLC
Michael Jennings is a wealth consultant at Brackens Financial Solutions Network, LLC and a lifelong Syracuse resident with a strong commitment to financial empowerment and community service. He has worked in the financial industry since 2019 and is a 2016 graduate of Syracuse University. Jennings also serves in leadership and volunteer roles with several Central New York organizations, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to the Black Equity & Excellence Fund advisory council.
OUR PEOPLE
Community Investment Team tours INSPYRE Innovation Hub
CNY Women’s Network 2026 Summit
Melanie Littlejohn serves as the keynote speaker at Crouse Health’s Moving Forward MLK Day celebration
Tabling at Syracuse Community Connection’s Black History Month Bazaar
Omega Psi Phi Dennis Dowdell Awards Dinner
Syracuse Community Connections 2025 Black Men’s Mental Wellness Summit
Staff visit the 1890 House in Cortland
Darrell Buckingham speaks at Advance Student Resource System’s Community Engagement Reception
UPCOMING DEADLINES & EVENTS
GRANT DEADLINES
OPEN: APR 20, 2026 / CLOSE: JUNE 18, 2026
Women’s Fund of Central New York
OPEN: MAY 4, 2026 / CLOSE: AUG 14, 2026
The Leadership Classroom (TLC)
OPEN: JUNE 2, 2026 / CLOSE: JULY 14, 2026
Marsellus M.A.D.E. to Lead
OPEN: MAY 18, 2026 / CLOSE: JUL 17, 2026
Oswego County Community Foundation
OPEN: JULY 6, 2026 / CLOSE: AUG 28, 2026
Fall Community Grants (Onondaga, Madison & Cortland county nonprofits)
Priority Areas: Health, human services, economic development projects
OPEN: NOV 30, 2026 / CLOSE: JAN 29, 2027
Black Equity & Excellence Fund
For more information, please visit: CNYCF.ORG/DEADLINES
EVENTS
JUNE 2026 | DATE TBD
CNYCF Current & Former Board Reception
JUNE 23, 2026 | TIME: 9:00AM – 11:00AM
N.E.W.S.: AI for Fundraising (Virtual)
AUGUST 4, 2026 | TIME: 2:00PM – 4:30PM
Legacy Donor Social
AUGUST 14, 2026 | TIME: 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Black Equity & Excellence Social
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 | TIME TBD
N.E.W.S.: Claim Your Career for Entry-Level Professionals
OCTOBER 20, 2026 | TIME: 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Annual Professional Advisor Continuing Education Seminar (Virtual)
OCTOBER 22, 2026 | TIME TBD
N.E.W.S.: Human Resources for Nonprofits
NOVEMBER 19, 2026 | TIME: 6:00PM – 8:00PM
TLC Awards Dinner
To view event dates as they are added, please visit: CNYCF.ORG/EVENTS
Pictured: 2025 TLC Awards Dinner
Photo Credit: Light to the Darkness Photography
CNY PHILANTHROPY CENTER
431 EAST FAYETTE STREET SUITE 100 SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 13202
315.422.9538 | INFO@CNYCF.ORG
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PRESIDENT & CEO
MELANIE LITTLEJOHN, MBA
NIKKI POLES Executive Assistant
COMMUNICATIONS
KATRINA M. CROCKER Vice President of Communications
JULIET R. MALOFF Director of Communications
PARIS BABERS Events & Communications Manager REBECCA BALARA Communications Manager
CORY C. SCHAD Digital Communications Officer
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
FRANK M. RIDZI, PHD Vice President of Community Investment
DANIELLE M. JOHNSON Senior Director of Grants & Programs
DARRELL BUCKINGHAM, MBA Senior Program Officer
COLBY CYRUS, CAPM Program Officer
KATE DOWNES Program Manager
ISABEL FOSS Program Associate
ELISIA GONZÁLEZ Grants Manager
QIANA WILLIAMS Senior Program Officer
DEVELOPMENT
THOMAS M. GRIFFITH, AEP®, CAP®, CHFC® Chief Philanthropy Officer
MONICA M. MERANTE, CAP® Senior Director of Philanthropic Services
JAN L. LANE, CAP® Director of Philanthropy
PRAGYA S. MURPHY, CAP®, MBA Director of Philanthropy & Impact Investment
ELIZABETH GAGNÉ
Philanthropic Services Officer
TORI HART Philanthropic Services Officer
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
KIMBERLY P. SADOWSKI, CPA Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
LIZ HARTMAN, CPA Senior Director of Finance
JENNY E. GREEN Director of Information Systems & Strategy
CARLY CHRISTIAN Office Manager
GERIANNE P. CORRADINO, SHRM-CP Human Resources & Operations Officer
DANA C. FIEL Senior Finance Manager
DANA E. LYONS-CANTY Special Projects Officer
YEISHA NÚÑEZ-DENSON Accountant
SCHOLARSHIPS AND STUDENT SUCCESS
AHMEED H. TURNER Vice President of Scholarships & Student Success; Executive Director of Say Yes Syracuse
