Philanthropy Magnified Impact Report
July 2017
Partnering with Donors and Organizations
Four Endowments Created at Community Foundation 


In 2006 Tom and Maria Eisner created their donor advised fund named the Butterfly Fund. Over the years many grants were nominated by the couple to support local nonprofits. They also added to their fund with generous gifts. Changes in their circumstances brought about by Tom's passing in 2011 and more recently by Maria's moving out of the area invited a reconsideration of these charitable assets. Community Foundation Philanthropic Services staff met with Maria to create customized plans for how to transform their fund to better meet  current needs. The results are four designated funds for specific organizations. These new funds are endowed to ensure support in perpetuity.  Each new fund comes with a quote from Maria describing her intentions and motivations.
  • Finger Lakes Land Trust 
    • "The Finger Lakes Land Trust was Tom's preferred group of people who showed their love for and dedication to nature around our town.  With tenacity and respect for our natural world they have done an amazing job helping us all to preserve some of the natural world around Ithaca. And they are still working on preserving more . . .  This is to Tom's memory."
  • Ithaca Health Alliance 
    • "Ithaca Health Alliance, or what I rather call the "Ithaca Free Clinic", is one of my favorite organizations in Tompkins County.  To my mind it is one of the best examples of what Ithaca stands for, a place for all people to live in good health or - at least - being cared for and helped by their neighbors. And it reminds me of the good time Tom and I had, living in Kendal at Ithaca, our last few years together."
  • Loaves and Fishes 
    • "Ever since Loaves and Fishes opened its doors to hungry people, I have made a point in supporting this group of selfless helpers.  Having lived through a war and many hungry days myself, this charity is very close to my heart.  I am dedicating this fund to honor the good ladies of the League of Women Voters of Tompkins County."
  • Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes 
    • "Planned Parenthood, to my mind, always stood for "caring people".  I was personally involved and helping it in its beginning stages.  My three daughters were its clients in their own growing years and I am dedicating the fund for this organization to Yvonne, Vivian and Christina,  my three daughters."

Thank you to Tom and Maria Eisner

Contact Philanthropic Services Officer Amy LeViere to seek assistance in customizing your charitable plans.


  State of the Art Gallery Chooses to Partner with Community Foundation

Artwork by Ileen Kaplan, SOAG Member

Each year, in celebration of its connection to this community, State of the Art Gallery (SOAG) collaborates with a local non-profit. Artists donate original artwork to raffle, 20% of the money raised goes to support local philanthropic work, and this year we are the recipient. 
 
View area artist's fine art located off the Commons at 120 W. State Street. Mark your calendar -August 11, 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Artists Market (Ithaca Farmer's Market, 545 E 3rd St.), and at "First Friday Gallery Night" shows September 1, October 6 and November 3. 

Please join 200-300 visitors to stroll gallery spaces and walls lined with beautiful and unique fine artistry, by many dedicated artists and to win local art buy a $10 art raffle ticket that supports both State of the Art Gallery and Community Foundation's Arts & Culture Fund. Each event is free and open to the public!

After August 11, Community Foundation will have raffle tickets available at our office for purchase.
 
State of the Art Gallery is also a public non-profit, and we thank them for helping us meet needs in Tompkins County.  P.S. Yes, sales of artwork are encouraged. 


 
Grants with Community Wide Impact 
Thanks to Our Partners
 


GIAC

Community Foundation has an endowed designated fund which makes an annual grant to GIAC. Would you like to learn more about GIAC? Come join us for an in-depth visit to learn more about how they are transforming the lives of young people.  We'll be hosting a site visit on Monday, July 31 from 10:30am-noon.  Please RSVP to by email to  Janet Cotraccia or call 272-9333.





Click here to hear Cornell student, Zsofia Szegletes talk about the power of Camp Kesem for kids who have lost a parent to cancer.  Camp Kesem is supported by the Community Foundation's Children and Youth Fund and the Helen T. Howland Foundation.




A $14,588 grant from the Bernard Carl and Shirley Rosen Library Fund of the Community Foundation supported a special tour to encourage  youth reading, bringing critically-acclaimed author Sean Fay Wolfe to 15 libraries in the region.

This grant resulted from the inspiration of Sara Knobel, Library Director at the Groton Public Library. Sara invited other libraries to participate and coordinated their efforts to join in a collaborative application to leverage grant funds to bring a big name author to libraries that could otherwise not afford such a visit. Click here to see a special video: The Amazing Finger Lakes Library System Author Tour! 

Sean Fay Wolfe was met by an enthusiastic group of fans who were inspired by his story and excited about the free books they received at the event.  
 
5th Annual Just Be Cause Party on July 30 
and Community Foundation's Just Because Philanthropy Fund  

 

Come enjoy a great party for a wonderful cause with live music, dancing, delicious food and local beverages. More info and tickets at gvgb.co/jbcparty5 

This year's event will benefit The Village at Ithaca celebrating 15 years of advocating for excellence and equity in Ithaca's public schools by developing strategic community relationships, programs, and services to ensure that students, particularly Black, Latino, and low-income students, consistently meet or exceed local and New York State standards of achievement.

Community Foundation's Just Be Cause Philanthropy Fund s upports local not-for-profit organizations.
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