CONTRIBUTIONS TO CENTRAL NEW YORK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DOUBLE

Donations Increase From Last Year; Grants Milestone Reached

The Central New York Community Foundation saw a 162% increase in donations from the same time last year, collecting $5.17 million between October 1 and December 31. That compares with $1.95 million in gifts during the same period last year, according to the Community Foundation, which is headquartered in Syracuse and funds charities throughout Central New York.

The new contributions included nearly 800 individual gifts of cash and stock, up from 570 during the same quarter in 2009, and the establishment of 20 new donor-advised, field-of-interest and scholarship funds.

The Community Foundation also reached a milestone this year in grants distributed out to the local nonprofit community. More than $100 million has been granted to nonprofits – most of which was distributed to local organizations in just the past twenty years.

The Community Foundation, established in 1927, serves as a charitable endowment, grantmaking organization and philanthropic advisor for the benefit of individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout Central New York. Comprised of more than 500 funds that are pooled and invested to grow over time, the endowment’s earnings are used to fund innovative charitable programs over five surrounding counties.

“These numbers reflect the growing confidence Central New Yorkers have in the Community Foundation and its ability to help them make a difference in the community during these tough times,” said Peter Dunn, President and CEO. “Our disciplined spending and investment philosophies allow us to carry out our donor’s wishes -- preserving our endowment and maintaining a high level of giving to local nonprofits -- despite volatile market conditions.”

The Central New York Community Foundation has served Central New York for over 80 years, receiving, managing and distributing charitable funds for the benefit of nonprofit organizations. Grants are awarded for programs in the areas of human services, arts and culture, education, environment, health, economic development and civic affairs. The region’s largest endowed philanthropic foundation, the Central New York Community Foundation awards more than $5 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually. The Community Foundation, of 431 East Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY 13202, can be reached at (315) 422-9538 or www.cnycf.org.

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