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You’re Invited: Our Signature Event
Annual Celebration
&
25th Anniversary
A Journey Together
Thursday, June 26 | 5:00–7:00 PM Celebrations, Ithaca
Remarks at 5:45 PM Tickets: $45
Come Celebrate in Casual Attire!
Enjoy delicious food, a cash bar, festive moments, and meaningful stories as we honor the incredible journey we’ve taken together.
✨ Highlights of the evening include:
- Stories from 25 years of Community Connections and Impact
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2025 Grant Awards: Empowering Resilient Communities to Thrive
- Take home our 2024 Annual Report
- Coming Together: Tompkins Today and Tomorrow Fund grantmaking for now and forever
Last Day to Register
Click HERE
| Pictured at our 15th Anniversary Gala are former Board Chairs: Alan Mathios, Robin Masson, Peg Hendricks, John Hinchcliff and Linda Madeo. | 25th Anniversary Look Back: Time Machine | |
Our April 2012 Newsletter
Written by George Ferrari
"I had the pleasure of joining my colleagues from New York State, including Triad Foundation's Joanne Florino (above lower right), for meetings in Washington DC last month. We met Congressmen Hinchey and Reed and staff members for Congressman Hanna to share how philanthropic investments are serving youth in libraries, building community in rural townships and making the arts more accessible in Tompkins County and why federal policies that support local philanthropic giving are critical to the programs' continued success.
The meetings were part of an annual, Foundations on the Hill, attended by more than 200 community, private, and corporate foundation grant making representatives from across the country. We communicated philanthropy's value to federal lawmakers-to show how the sector is using financial resources to provide innovative solutions to some of the nation's most pressing social problems and helping communities recover from the recent economic downturn.
We sought renewal of the popular IRA Charitable Rollover bill for charitable deductions which expired on December 31, 2011.
I am happy to report that Congressman Hinchey signed on to the important bill as a new co-sponsor. We thank him for his years of service and for supporting policies which encourage and increase philanthropy and charitable giving in our community which helps us help those who seek to help others."
Philanthropy Magnified since 2000.
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DEI Corner:
Juneteenth, a federal US holiday celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in Galveston, TX, in 1865. It is a time to reflect on the history of slavery and freedom and to celebrate the resilience and achievements of Black Americans. Juneteenth is a celebration, education, and unity day, with traditions including family gatherings, religious services, parades, festivals, and cultural events.
How to Celebrate Juneteenth:
Attend Events:
Many communities host festivals, parades, concerts, and other events to celebrate Juneteenth.
Learn and Educate:
Explore the history of Juneteenth, visit museums or cultural sites, and learn about the experiences of Black Americans.
Support Black-Owned Businesses:
Shop at black-owned stores, eat at black-owned restaurants, and support black-owned organizations.
Volunteer:
Offer your time and resources to support Black communities and organizations that align with your values.
Reflect and Discuss:
Have open conversations about the history of Juneteenth and its significance for Black Americans.
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Philanthropy
Leaving a Legacy
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Former board member, Howard Hartnett was well known throughout the Finger Lakes region for his tireless efforts on behalf of many local non-profits. In addition to being one of our incorporating Board members, he served as chair of the Board of Tompkins County Area Development (now IAED) and Finger Lakes Land Trust, Longview, Tompkins County Library Foundation and Powers Library in his hometown of Moravia, to name a few.
Before his untimely passing at age 51 in 2013, he laid the foundation for our first Donor Advised Fund. At his passing we received a bequest in his will that further fueled his wishes to help others.
Then this spring, Howard's legacy grew once more. He set up a trust to care for his parents and recently that trust provided a very generous unrestricted gift to support our operations.
Howard Hartnett, took care of his family and he took care of his community. Beautifully. Generously. Intentionally.
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Site Visit:
Inside Catholic Charities
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Catholic Charities (CC) is deeply embedded in the Tompkins and Tioga counties, driven by a mission to uplift the most vulnerable in the community. Through a range of social services—from food security and housing assistance to counseling and disaster relief—they function as a vital safety net for local residents. Their hallmark, though, is a commitment to holistic, person‑centered care, meeting people where they are.
A standout feature of our Site Visit was learning about their robust Refugee & Immigrant Services. This program supports newly arriving families in several critical ways. They assist clients in finding housing, enrolling in schools, accessing public benefits, and navigating healthcare systems—offering continuous guidance for the first 90 days and sometimes longer. The staff emphasized their commitment to ensuring newcomers land on their feet and empowering them to actively contribute to our community.
"What I love most is the clothing closet." said Gloria Coicou. In 2015, she was a fulltime student and single mom, and Catholic Charities was her first stop. CC provides services and referrals and is a trusted partner for all their clients—anchored in compassion, action, and collaboration. For all stakeholders—from residents to local leaders—it’s clear: by standing together, the region becomes stronger.
| GIAC and Southside Community Center Endowment Fund Continues to Strengthen Community | |
Established in 2013, the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) and Southside Community Center Endowment Fund was created to ensure that two of Ithaca’s most vital community institutions would have ongoing, sustainable support for essential programming. Today, the fund has granted over $450,000 to each organization, helping to sustain food access and expand technology resources—two cornerstones of community well-being.
This fund was envisioned as a permanent investment in community. Endowments are unique because they provide annual support in perpetuity, allowing organizations to plan for the future while continuing to meet immediate needs. For GIAC and Southside, this means they can count on reliable funding every year to strengthen their food programs and bridge the digital divide.
Rather than short-term fixes, this fund supports long-term resilience—ensuring children have meals after school, families stay connected to resources, and community members can access the tools they need to thrive in a digital world. Food programming at both centers offers more than just nourishment. It creates safe, welcoming spaces for youth and families to gather, share culture, and foster wellness.
Technology-related programs empower students with tools for academic success, help adults improve digital literacy, and connect elders to their loved ones. These are the everyday essentials that allow people not only to survive, but to grow, lead, and build stronger neighborhoods.
GIAC continues to be a vibrant center for youth development, civic engagement...READ MORE.
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Recap: Chamber
Business After Hours
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Our Unique Partners
in Local Philanthropy
We extend our sincere thanks to all who attended Tompkins Chamber Business After Hours when we hosted at GIAC Rec Center on May 14, 2025. We truly appreciate your time and participation in making our 25th anniversary kick-off event a success.
It is always wonderful to connect with engaged members of our community, and we hope you found the event valuable for networking, learning, and fostering new opportunities.
Special thanks to Suzanne Brache, winner of our grant raffle prize. She designated her gift to the Tompkins Today and Tomorrow Endowment Fund. She said, "I can't think of a better place to support!"
Well thank you, Suzie! (Pic. below left)
| Questions we can help answer | |
Every week, the team at the Community Foundation works with individuals and families who are looking to organize their giving and better understand local needs. We also talk with attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors as they work alongside their clients. Advisors are telling us that summer’s slower pace allows clients to get a jump on 2025 tax planning and estate plan updates.
Talk to your advisor about how the Community Foundation can serve as the hub of your philanthropy by administering a wide range of charitable giving vehicles, including:
–Donor-advised funds, which are frequently a better fit for your family than a private foundation.
–Field-of-interest funds and designated funds, enable you to support specific causes and organizations.
-Transfer your QCD, if you are 70 ½ or older, to receive a tax-savvy “Qualified Charitable Distribution” from your IRA to us.
–Bequests (aka legacy gifts, often named in your will) help ensure that the causes you’ve supported during your lifetime can continue to benefit from your generosity for years to come.
-Charitable Gift Annuity provides income to you for life, tax deduction now and estate tax savings later.
–Annual gifts without restrictions support the Community Foundation’s work today to improve the quality of life in our county, especially as community needs evolve.
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