Syracuse Parks Conservancy Seeking Small Grant Applicants

Syracuse, NY – As Central New York enjoys more hours of sunshine and hopes for warmer weather, the Syracuse Parks Conservancy (SPC) is gearing up on this First Day of Spring by seeking applicants for its Neighborhood Greening Grants Program. The program will award a series of $750 mini-grants to help organizations improve their communities through park and recreation center beautification projects.

Syracuse Parks Conservancy believes that well-kept community spaces contribute to the life and vitality of neighborhoods. By taking care of our neighborhood environment, we create places where residents can gather and interact, thus strengthening the neighborhood’s social fabric and improving its quality of life. SPC Vice President George Matthews said, “Increased citizen involvement with Parks programs is a primary purpose of this project.”

Applicants may be neighborhood associations, schools, park associations, faith-based organizations and other community groups in the city of Syracuse that hold a 501(c)(3) status. Non-qualifying organizations may seek a qualifying fiscal agent. Eligible proposals for projects are not permitted to have taken place already or currently have an open Neighborhood Greening Grant. 

Projects should be on vacant lots or property owned by the Syracuse Department of Parks, allow community member involvement and leadership, and occur where there is a need for financial assistance for the project proposed. Sample projects may include a community garden, rain garden, park beautification or the development of a trail.

Applications will be subject to a review process. All grants are awarded on a rolling basis in amounts not to exceed $750 per grant. Applicants can visit www.syracuseparksconservancy.com/neighborhood-greening-grants/ to view application guidelines and to download an application.

This program is funded by the Central New York Community Foundation.

Greater Pulaski Community Fund Annual Fundraising Campaign Begins

September  3, 2013 – The Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund will launch its annual fundraising match campaign this fall with a goal of reaching and surpassing $15,000 in donations to be matched by the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. The trust has pledged to provide a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $15,000, of contributions received on or before December 15, 2013 yielding a potential for $30,000 in funding to support local projects.

Last year, contributions totaled $10, 295. This year’s fall fundraising campaign seeks to meet the full $15,000 Snow match to continue growth of the fund and compound charitable dollars available to the community.

The permanent endowment fund supports town improvement programs and projects operated by nonprofit organizations in the Village of Pulaski and the Town of Richland. Projects such as the Salmon River Festival, the Pulaski Academy alternative energy afterschool program and the Rural and Migrant Ministry’s walkway improvements were all possible in part because of grants from the Fund.  Since its inception, the Fund has supported the arts & culture, community development, education, environment, health and human services programming of the area with more than $220,000 in grants.

To support the Fund’s growth and help maximize the opportunity of the matching grant, tax-deductible contributions can be sent to Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund, c/o Central New York Community Foundation, 431 East Fayette Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13202 or you may donate securely online at www.cnycf.org/pulaski. Click on the “Donate Now” button in the right sidebar. All contributors will be listed in a “Thank You” ad in the Salmon River News. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may indicate so when making your gift.

The Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund is a union of gifts contributed by the people of the Pulaski community that makes grants to support programs and projects of importance to the area. Since its inception in 1992, the Fund has provided more than $220,000 in grants to benefit the Pulaski community. People can learn more about the fund and contribute at www.cnycf.org/Pulaski. The Pulaski Fund is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of a permanent charitable endowment for the betterment of the region.  The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $143 million. It awarded $8.3 million in grants last year to nonprofit organizations and since its inception has invested more than $120 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and businesses through the administration of more than 600 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen nonprofits that address the region’s most pressing challenges. The Community Foundation, of 431 East Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY 13202, can be reached at (315) 422-9538 or www.cnycf.org.

Future Fund to Award 2013 Grantee at Awards Reception

May 8, 2013 (Syracuse, NY) – The Future Fund of Central New York will award The Salvation Army’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program a $5,000 grant at its annual Grant Awards Celebration on Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at PJ’s Pub & Grill in Syracuse. The Salvation Army was chosen from eight grant applications submitted to the fund’s focus area for 2013 – assisting veterans and their families.

The SSVF program is a collaborative effort between the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities of Onondaga County. The program helps homeless veterans and their families transition from emergency shelter into permanent housing. The Future Fund grant will allow the agency to purchase furniture for these families as they settle into their new homes.

To register for the grant awards event, go to futurefund2013.eventbrite.com. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

Each year, the Future Fund members vote on a focus area for its grant award. This year’s focus area was on projects that assist veterans and their families. When all applications were received, the Fund’s members voted to choose the top three projects. Members were then invited to visit the organizations, meet staff and learn more about the applicants before choosing the final award recipient.

The Future Fund is always looking for people interested in active philanthropy to become new members. Visit futurefundofcny.org or call (315) 422-9538 to join. Annual membership is $100.

Since its inception in 2004, the Future Fund has awarded nine grants, totaling $45,000 to Central New York organizations. The Future Fund of Central New York is a giving circle established to involve and empower emerging philanthropists to make the Central New York community a better place to live and work. Its members are involved in building a charitable endowment and providing grants in program areas that change each year based on the vote of the membership. According to the Washington, D.C.-based New Ventures in Philanthropy, giving circles are one of the fastest growing philanthropic trends nationwide.

For more information, visit futurefundofcny.org. The Future Fund of Central New York is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation. Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of a permanent charitable endowment for the betterment of the region.  The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $130 million. It awards close to $6.7 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually and has invested more than $100 million in the community since its inception. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and corporations through the administration of nearly 600 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen nonprofits that address the region’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit www.cnycf.org.

Community Foundation Hires Administrative Assistant

April 26, 2013 (Syracuse, NY) - The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Jan Hocker as Administrative Assistant. Hocker’s primary responsibility will be to serve as receptionist and provide administrative support to the professional staff, specifically assisting with board and donor activities.

Hocker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Studio Art, departmental high honors, from Binghamton University. Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Hocker served as Artist Liaison/Administrative Assistant at American Art Marketing, and Assistant at the Lana Santorelli Gallery.

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of a permanent charitable endowment for the betterment of the region.  The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $130 million. It awards close to $6.7 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually and has invested more than $100 million in the community since its inception. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and corporations through the administration of nearly 600 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen nonprofits that address the region’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit www.cnycf.org.

Women’s Fund Honored Grantees at Awards Reception

April 24, 2013 (Syracuse, NY) – Nine nonprofit organizations from Onondaga, Madison and Cayuga Counties were awarded grants at the Women’s Fund of Central New York’s annual grant awards reception, held on April 23, 2013. The organizations received grants totaling $25,005 to fund programs that support the advancement and full participation of women and girls in Central New York.

Boys & Girls Club of Syracuse received $2,000 to implement a SMART Girls program, which enhances girls’ physical and emotional health. The program combines informational and experiential learning activities to help girls develop the knowledge and skills necessary to practice healthy lifestyle choices.

Catholic Charities of Onondaga County (CCOC) received $3,750 to launch the new Ready, Set, Apply! program for residents of the Dorothy Day House. The program uses group meetings and one-to-one instruction to assist economically challenged women to apply for and secure employment.

Cayuga Community College received $1,875 to award tuition assistance to 15 students for the Direct Selling Women’s Entrepreneurship program. The program is a 30-hour training program that promotes personal leadership skills, entrepreneurial thinking and self-sufficiency for women.

Child Care Solutions received $1,180 to fund a one day mini-conference for women entrepreneurs to discuss the challenging issues of family childcare home business owners. The topics that will be covered include budgeting, establishing credit, workers’ compensation coverage, and wage and hour laws affecting assistants employed by the family child care providers.

Community Action Partnerships (CAP) for Madison County received $3,400 to implement the new Moms Moving Forward program. This program will consist of meetings for mothers to discuss issues such as self-care, healthy diet, financial issues, planning for the future, routine and disciplining, trying to meet needs of children, stress, anxiety management and resource development.

On Point for College received $2,000 to provide intensive, proactive outreach and financial assistance in the areas of retention and career development to 10 young women. The funding will also enhance their career development opportunities through professional networking, internships and permanent job placement.

Rescue Mission Alliance received $3,000 to send 10 girls in the Family Transitions program to Booker T. Washington Center’s summer day camp. The summer day camp offers a variety of activities to further the creativity, imagination and curiosity of children – including educational support, action-oriented learning, supervised games, dance and exercise programs, arts and crafts, field trips, sports and inspirational guest speakers.

Syracuse Northeast Community Center (NECC) received $3,000 to implement a teen parenting program that would provide a weekly skill-building meeting. The Teen Mom Time program would promote education, prenatal care and ensure pregnant and parenting teens have access to necessary resources for their children and themselves.

The Museum of Science & Technology Foundation (MoST) received $4,800 to support the new Women Scientist Summer Camp program. This program is focused on illustrating science concepts with hands-on, engaging activities, while inspiring learning and sparking interest in science.

The Women’s Fund of Central New York supports, empowers and recognizes the advancement and full participation of women and girls in Central New York through an endowment fund, grants and initiatives. Since its inception in 1998, the Women’s Fund has awarded 70 grants totaling nearly $156,000, and is in the midst of a three-year campaign to grow its endowment to $1 million. For more information or to make a donation visit: www.womensfundofcny.org.

The Women’s Fund of Central New York is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation. Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of a permanent charitable endowment for the betterment of the region. The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $130 million. It awards close to $6.5 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually and since its inception has invested more than $100 million in the community. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and corporations through the administration of nearly 600 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen nonprofits that address the region’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit www.cnycf.org.

Fund for Vocational Rehabilitation Awards Grants

April 3, 2013 (Syracuse, NY) - The Allen Speiser Memorial Fund for Vocational Rehabilitation, a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation, awarded $4,425 in grants to five local not-for-profit organizations.

Access to Independence (ATI) of Cortland County received $1,000 to support an expansion of its 8^th Annual Employment Conference. The conference is a multi-part series, held over a period of three weeks in October that promotes career exploration, work readiness and effective job search skills. The annual conference has grown to serve more people with disabilities and to connect them with local employers. This year, ATI expects to serve 50 individuals at the conference and another 200 people through ancillary events.

Aurora of CNY received $400 to purchase an iPad3 for its Placement Services department to use with job searches. The technology will help facilitate a comprehensive approach to workplace accessibility and success for job seekers.

ARC of Onondaga County received $1,000 to purchase one floor burnisher for training and skill development purposes. This burnisher will provide the opportunity to train individuals with disabilities to help them gain job specific skills. These additional skills will qualify them to earn additional wages as well as other competitive employment opportunities in the community.

Learning Disabilities Association of CNY received $325 towards the purchase of a computer used in Pathways, the agency’s employment program. Pathways provides support to individuals with learning disabilities, ADHD and related disorders. The laptops will be used in pre-vocational skill development, as well as job searches for clients.

Onondaga Case Management Services, Inc. received $1,700 to train auxiliary staff in the Benefit Planning and Assistance Work Incentive Training Certificate Program, provided by Cornell University. Staff trained in public benefit programs, entitlements and work incentives increase the probability disabled people will enter or re-enter the workplace. The training will help local disability community organizations provide Work Incentive Benefit Planning, a service that improves the ability to gain and keep meaningful work for the disabled.

The Allen Speiser Memorial Fund for Vocational Rehabilitation Fund has awarded $35,849 in grants since 2005 for programs that strengthen and support vocational rehabilitation services. Vocational rehabilitation is the process of assisting people with any disabling condition to acquire the social, educational and work skills that will lead to employment. The Fund offers grants to support special projects, make new investments, and provide additional staff training, filling in the gaps left by other funding sources.

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of a permanent charitable endowment for the betterment of the region.  The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $130 million. It awards close to $6.7 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually and has invested more than $100 million in the community since its inception. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and corporations through the administration of nearly 600 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen nonprofits that address the region’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit www.cnycf.org.

Community Foundation Awards Sabbatical Grants

April 1, 2013 (Syracuse, NY) – The Central New York Community Foundation announced this year’s Marsellus Sabbatical grant recipients. The John F. Marsellus Sabbatical Program awards grants to nonprofit executives seeking personal and professional growth. The program provides each executive with a stipend and support for professional development, as well as an additional award to the organization.

This year’s recipients are:

Michael Gilbert, Psy.D., Executive Director, It’s About Childhood and Family (IACAF)

Michael will conduct site visits to the Manchester Bidwell Center, Harlem’s Children Zone (HCZ), Dr. Patch Adams Free Clinic, and Volunteers in Psychotherapy (VIP). The visits will help Michael create programs at IACAF that support children and families in new and innovative ways.

“Our organization is in the beginning phases of transformation,” said Gilbert. “Our five year plan targets issues such as mental wellness, trauma and stress, education and poverty.”

In addition, Gilbert will attend training sessions exploring the topics of Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Social-Emotional Learning and Play.

“Dr. Michael Gilbert works incredibly hard on behalf of our organization,” said Glenda Criss, IACAF Board Member. “This sabbatical opportunity will be a tremendous value to our organization and our future direction.”

Pam Hyland, President and CEO, Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways

Pam will attend the LeadFORWARD leadership development course offered through Productivity Leadership Systems (PLS). The course is comprised of four distinct leadership intelligences: physical, intelligence, emotional, and spiritual.

“The learning and support I will find through the LeadFORWARD program will assist me in leading this council forward,” said Hyland. “I am deeply committed to leaving a strong legacy in this council.”

Key features of the leadership program include a holistic approach to influencing positive organizational change, the alliance of peers, and the assignment of an individual coach.

The Marsellus Sabbatical program was created in 2000 to provide nonprofit executives with a unique opportunity for reflection, revitalization and growth. It was established in memory of the late John F. Marsellus, president and owner of the Syracuse-based Marsellus Casket Company for more than 30 years, to honor his commitment to enhancing the leadership capacity of nonprofit organizations in Central New York. 

Applicants must have served in a management position of a nonprofit agency in Onondaga or Madison Counties for at least five consecutive years in order to qualify. Twenty seven executives have participated in the program since its inception. 

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of a permanent charitable endowment for the betterment of the region.  The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $130 million. It awards close to $6.7 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually and has invested more than $100 million in the community since its inception. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and corporations through the administration of nearly 600 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen nonprofits that address the region’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit www.cnycf.org.

Community Foundation Awards $42,705 in Grants for the Hearing and Visually Impaired

March 25, 2013 (Syracuse, NY) - The Central New York Community Foundation awarded $42,705 in grants to three charitable organizations for projects that serve the hearing- and visually- impaired.

Arc of Onondaga received $17,000 to improve the acoustic conditions in five classrooms at Parkside Children’s Center. The upgrades will provide an enhanced learning environment for children with hearing impairments.

Aurora of Central New York, Inc. received $11,405 to support the continuation of its low-cost hearing aid program for children with auditory impairments. Funding will allow the program to provide up to 15 hearing aids.

Syracuse University School of Education received $14,300 to support a physical activity program for children with visual impairments in Central New York. This program will work in partnership with the Syracuse City School District to enhance the frequency and quality of physical activity for these children and involve their families by offering workshops on ways to maximize recreational and sport opportunities.

These grants were awarded by the following field-of-interest funds, administered by the Community Foundation: J. Henry & Martha E. Deboer Fund, J. Daniel and Diane Pluff Fund, and Dorothy R. Shoudy Memorial Hearing Impaired Fund.

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of a permanent charitable endowment for the betterment of the region.  The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $130 million. It awards close to $6.7 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually and has invested more than $100 million in the community since its inception. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and corporations through the administration of nearly 600 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen nonprofits that address the region’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit www.cnycf.org.

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Community Foundation Invites Local Nonprofits to Learn About Partnerships & Collaborations

February 22, 2013 (Syracuse, NY) – The Central New York Community Foundation will be hosting a Nonprofit Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations Symposium from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Genesee Grand Hotel, 1060 East Genesee Street, Syracuse on March 27. This special one-day event will be presented by Jo DeBolt of LaPiana Consulting, David J. Watson of New York Council of Nonprofits, and other local nonprofit leaders.

The Community Foundation invited these national consultants to Syracuse, to help nonprofit leaders and board members explore and discuss well-planned strategic partnerships. With a well matched partnership, nonprofits can enhance their missions, build credibility, strengthen their brands, engage more individuals, create efficiencies, and making a bigger difference in the community. To register and see more details, visit www.cnycf.org or call 315-422-9538.

This event would not be made possible without the support of the sponsors: The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, Richard S. Shineman Foundation, the Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation, the Gifford Foundation, the Allyn Foundation and the Central New York Community Foundation.

About the Speakers

Jo DeBolt brings nearly 30 years of experience as a nonprofit executive and consultant. As a consultant and nonprofit leader, much of Jo’s work involves starting and growing organizations including designing and developing systems, building boards and staff, implementing new programs, translating vision into action, and ensuring that mechanisms were in place to measure the impact of these new ventures.

David J. Watson has been employed by the New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. since 1991. The proactive services provided by the Legal Accountability and Compliance Service division requires a sophisticated knowledge of and sensitivity to nonprofit issues as well as an ability to present complicated legal information to nonprofit managers and Boards of Directors.

About the Community Foundation

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of a permanent charitable endowment for the betterment of the region.  The Community Foundation is the largest charitable foundation in the region with assets of more than $130 million. It awards close to $6.7 million in grants to nonprofit organizations annually and has invested more than $100 million in the community since its inception. The Community Foundation serves as the steward of charitable legacies for individuals, families and corporations through the administration of nearly 600 funds. The organization also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of special initiatives designed to strengthen nonprofits that address the region’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit www.cnycf.org.