As we emerge from yet another election season, the divisions within our nation and region are becoming more evident. Political and social issues have highlighted our differing perspectives, leading to an increasing sense of polarization. These challenges, though difficult, also open the door for courageous conversations that can help us forge a path forward, rooted in respect and shared purpose.
At the Community Foundation, we recognize the need for unity during these uncertain times. Like many of you, we are aware of the divides that exist, but we also believe deeply in the power of community and collaboration to bridge those gaps. Healing often begins when we listen to one another, even through disagreement, and engage in open, respectful dialogue.
Our aim is to be a convener of good, helping bring people from all walks of life together to address the most pressing issues facing our region. Increasing workforce demands from new, incoming employers present an opportunity for us to lock arms, lean in and ensure there is room at the table for all. We believe that everyone — regardless of race, ability, sexual orientation, religion, gender, age, geographic location or background — deserves to be valued, and much of our work centers on ensuring that no one is left out or overlooked.
All of this is made possible through our shared commitment to kindness, empathy and mutual respect. Building a stronger, more connected community requires not only grand gestures but also the everyday acts of kindness and compassion that often go unseen. It is in these small, meaningful efforts — reaching out to a neighbor, offering help, or simply listening to someone’s story — that we begin to create a better, more caring world. Each of us can contribute to fostering an environment where everyone feels included and valued.
Together with your partnership, we can continue to be a force for good. Through strategic grantmaking, thoughtful community engagement, and the generosity of our
donors, we will continue to bring people together, advocate for inclusion, and inspire the change we wish to see.
Thank you for your continued trust and commitment to this work. Now, more than ever, we must stand united in our efforts to create a future where compassion and understanding lead the way.
With gratitude,
MELANIE LITTLEJOHN President and CEO
Members of our team stand with Clear Path for Veterans staff in front of their new Canine Mobile Unit Van. We provided the organization with a $50,000 Community Grant to outfit the van.
GIVING MATTERS
THE NEW MYGIVING PORTAL FOR FUNDHOLDERS IS LIVE!
MyGiving is the Community Foundation’s new online fund management portal. It allows you to interact with your charitable funds via a secure, password-protected platform that’s mobile friendly and easy to use. If you have a fund at the Community Foundation, or are authorized to access information about a fund, you should have received an email on Oct.9 with a link and instructions to set up your account in this new version of the portal.
PLEASE CONTACT DONORSUPPORT@CNYCF.ORG IF YOU NEED US TO RESEND THAT EMAIL TO YOU.
It is important that you set up your MyGiving account because it is how we will provide you with your annual fund statements moving forward and it gives you 24/7 secure access to information about your fund. Annual statements will be uploaded to the portal after the close of the calendar year, and we will notify you when they are available to view, save or print. The first 2024 calendar year statements will be uploaded in February 2025. Nonprofits that have agency funds with us will still have the option to request statements that coincide with their fiscal year-end reporting, beginning in 2025.
Be sure to bookmark the how-to page on our website, which provides step-by-step instructions for logging in, guidance for navigating the site and answers to frequently asked questions:
CNYCF.ORG/MYGIVINGGUIDE
Our team is also ready to assist with any questions you might have as you explore this new system. Call our office at 315.422.9538 and ask for a member of the Philanthropic Services team or email us at:
DONORSUPPORT@CNYCF.ORG
SOME HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Fund Statements will now be published once a year, directly to your portal account.
Grant Recommendations from donor-advised funds are easier than ever with a streamlined grant request form, grant summary by organization, the ability to “copy” a previous grant to a charity (instead of re-entering all of the required information) and scheduling recurring grants from your fund to your favorite charities.
Donation Reports can be easily exported so you can see contributions you’ve made into your fund, and those made by others.
Mobile-Friendly Design means that you can view your account on various devices with ease.
“THEY COME, THEY DELIVER THE MEALS, THEY SIT AND WE CHITCHAT FOR A FEW MINUTES, ... IT’S THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY DAY.”
PETER WONG
MEALS ON WHEELS DELIVERS
NUTRITIOUS, PERSONAL INTERACTIONS
Peter Wong has a standing appointment on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. That’s when a North Area Meals on Wheels driver stops by to deliver prepared lunches and dinners.
“They come, they deliver the meals, they sit and we chitchat for a few minutes,” he said. “It’s the highlight of my day.”
Wong, 63, worked for 36 years in the airline industry, most recently in customer service for an airline at Syracuse’s Hancock International Airport. “My work was my life,” he said. In 2014, he fell ill, experiencing the first of five strokes that left him with multiple physical challenges. He now has vision problems, weakness on his left side and balance issues. He wears a brace on his left ankle and uses a cane when he leaves the house.
“I can’t jump out of bed and go to the store and walk around,” he said. “It’s a horrible thing to lose your independence.”
The several changes that come with physical aging can often hinder a senior’s ability to function independently. In addition, many face age-related discrimination and bias, which can lead to feelings of isolation and create barriers to accessing quality healthcare. These challenges may result in seniors receiving lower-quality care or even discourage them from seeking the care they need altogether.
In recent years, Wong divorced, and his adult son and daughter moved away. A gregarious man born in Hong Kong, his isolation and limitations were further exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was so depressed, I was not eating,” he said. “I was down to one Tupperware of Jell-O a day, sometimes with fruit. I was losing weight and muscle.”
His declining condition alarmed caregivers. They suggested Meals on Wheels, and he became a client in 2021. At first, he struggled to eat the meals daily. But now the deliveries are part of his routine.
“I had literally been by myself for so long,” he said. “But now knowing I have to be ready at 11 o’clock because Meals on Wheels will be here makes a huge difference.”
Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals to about 500 clients a year in seven zip codes in northern Onondaga County. It operates with 12 paid staffers and upwards of 300 volunteers, who prepare food and drive 25 delivery routes. Meals are prepared to meet each individual clients’ needs; Wong is diabetic, so his food is low in sodium and sugar.
We provided Meals on Wheels with a $66,100 Community Grant to expand and upgrade its North Syracuse facility to add space for meal preparation and distribution.
“The expansion of our facility will greatly improve operational efficiency, reducing energy costs, allowing us to serve even more seniors,” said Randy LaMance, executive director of North Area Meals on Wheels. “We expect to double our client base over the next ten years.”
In addition to delivering nutritious food and well checks, Meals on Wheels provides case management to help with needs such
as transportation, nutrition services, mental health counseling, shopping services or home health aides. Wong loves to talk with volunteers about the day’s news headlines, and he looks forward to visits from his caseworker. “Just the physical interaction is huge,” he said.
He also makes a point of letting the Meals on Wheels kitchen staff know when they prepare something he especially likes. Recently that included a chocolate chip brownie muffin and “an incredible breaded pork chop”.
Wong looks forward to the human contact as much as the meals.
“It gives me a reason to get up,” he said. “It puts some order to my day. It gives me the ability to live a life.”
Pictured: Peter with his case manager and friend, Kate Carlson, at his home in Liverpool, N.Y.
Pictured: Peter and Kate stand on the front steps of his home
COUPLE SHARES ‘RHAPSODY IN BLUE’ — AND GREEN
Sue Stred and Hal Husovsky
Their first date was a Doobie Brothers concert at Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati while they were in medical school. On the last day of their honeymoon, they enjoyed an outdoor music festival that featured Al Jarreau, George Benson, Herbie Hancock and Maynard Ferguson. They spent their 40th anniversary at the Doobie Brothers 50th Anniversary Tour concert at The Amp.
Music plays in their home all the time. Sometimes it’s Mahler, sometimes it’s the The Who, sometimes it’s “The Blues Brothers” soundtrack.
So it took Harold L. Husovsky, M.D., and Susan E. Stred, M.D., just a few minutes to come up with a name for their donor-advised fund at the Central New York Community Foundation: Rhapsody in Green. “‘Rhapsody in Blue’ is my favorite composition ever, and George Gershwin my favorite composer,” said Stred, a lifelong singer. Husovsky loves Gershwin’s piece as well.
It didn’t take much longer for the DeWitt couple, both of who are physicians retired from SUNY Upstate Medical University, to realize that their donor-advised fund perfectly suited their current needs and their future philanthropic legacy after Husovsky attended a Community Foundation program about giving options. “I am not well-versed in economic affairs. The logic sounded too good
to be true, except it wasn’t,” Husovsky said. “It fit right into our lifestyle. It fit into our life plan.”
“It sounded like a good idea to facilitate annual donations to the same beneficiary organizations,” he continued. “It just makes it easier. We do not have to write the checks, which is one less thing to do.”
Husovsky played cello and upright bass in junior high. In college, he developed a huge fascination with jazz. “Now I like practically everything,” he said. He has served on the board of CNY Jazz Arts Foundation.
Stred has been singing since she was 9. While in college and medical school, that was pretty much restricted to singing along with records in her dorm room. She now sings with the Syracuse Pops Chorus and has been singing with the Syracuse University Oratorio Society for over 30 years. She also served on the board of the former Syracuse Symphony.
Stred and Husovsky established their fund at the Community Foundation in 2013. When they pass away, the Community Foundation will disperse the remaining balance of their fund evenly among charities that reflect their charitable interests — including The Syracuse Orchestra, CNY Jazz Arts Foundation and On Point for College. They also have named the Community Foundation as a beneficiary in their wills to support our Community Fund, which provides funding to address
the greatest needs of the Central New York community.
The couple frequently looked at each other and smiled at each other as they spoke. At one point in the interview, Husovsky kissed Stred on the cheek. Throughout the interview they referred to musical styles and performances including Motown, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Billy Joel and 1970s oldies.
“We’re retired physicians with no children and no expensive hobbies,” Husovsky said. “We have been very lucky and blessed in life. Making donations was something we’ve always done.”
Stred grew up with that tradition, too. “In my family, that was front and center,” she said. “My father was on the board of the local United Way and worked for nonprofits. Philanthropy was big.”
They said they are heartened to watch how the Community Foundation “is moving forward for equity and diversity.” “We knew we could leave a portion of our estate to the Community Foundation to do what they reason is best for the community,” said Stred.
“We are reassured that capable people will manage this when we’re gone,” she added.
DONOR STORY
Pictured: Sue and Hal stand in the backyard of their home in Fayetteville, N.Y.
VOICES RISING DOCUMENTARY PREMIERES
On Friday, Sept. 6, we premiered a short film produced by Black Cub Productions that documents our first participatory budgeting project, held in support of the LeadSafeCNY initiative. The film is a compelling documentary highlighting the transformative power of community engagement through participatory budgeting to address the injustice of childhood lead poisoning in Syracuse.
Nearly 300 attendees met on the outdoor plaza of the Everson Museum of Art on the warm summer evening to enjoy food trucks, music and informational tables before viewing Voices Rising: Syracuse’s Fight Against Lead Poisoning.
In 2022, we held our first participatory budgeting project, which is a community engagement tool that gives residents the power to decide how to allocate funding through a process of democratic deliberation and decision-making. Filming took place during the project’s nine months of convening, during which Syracuse residents, community leaders and nonprofit organizations designed solutions to increase childhood lead testing. A total of 165 resident delegates participated in the planning sessions. This culminated in a citywide one-day vote in May 2023 to determine which project we would support with a $150,000 grant.
Those interested in watching the documentary or learning more information about LeadSafeCNY can visit:
CNYCF.ORG/VOICESRISING
We believe it is our responsibility as a community leader to protect and nurture local children, who will carry forth the legacy of Central New York for the benefit of future generations. That is why we are committed to eradicating lead poisoning in Central New York and why this documentary is so important — it captures the resilience and determination of Syracuse residents as they took collective action to stop this injustice to move the community towards a safer future. While recognizing the need for substantial additional resources, the documentary emphasizes giving the community a voice in shaping their future and driving impactful, sustainable change.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
In June, our board of directors approved $1,381,547 in grants to 31 nonprofit organizations through our Community Grantmaking program
CULTURE & HUMANITIES
EVERSON MUSEUM OF ART
Host programs, events, artist talks and classes about the decline of print journalism
ERIE CANAL MUSEUM
Hire an education & visitor service coordinator
ENVIRONMENT & ANIMALS
CORTLAND COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Purchase an aquatic vegetation harvester to remove invasive species in local lakes
ONONDAGA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
Install environmental controls throughout its building
JOWONIO SCHOOL
Purchase two vans that can accommodate car seats and mobility devices
OTISCO LAKE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Hold three summer concerts featuring local artists
ONONDAGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION
Expand the English for Medical Professions preparation course
FINGER LAKES LAND TRUST
Purchase 98 acres of land to help conserve the quality of the drinking water in the city of Syracuse
NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
Expand the Next Generation of Conservationists Program for Onondaga and Cayuga county students
REDHOUSE ARTS CENTER
Purchase an LED marquee to enhance visibility of events
THE READING LEAGUE
Grow the Professional Development SchoolBased Partnership Program
RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY
Improve habitat health in a forest block across southern Onondaga and northern Cortland counties
$5,910
13THIRTY CANCER CONNECT
Launch a four-session program addressing the sexual health of young adults with cancer
DEAF NEW AMERICANS ADVOCACY
Purchase farming supplies to help empower farmers who are deaf through agriculture
NORTH AREA MEALS ON WHEELS
Expand its facility to add space for meal preparation and distribution
Support the Westside Community First overdose prevention and harm reduction program
GIRL SCOUTS OF NYPENN PATHWAYS
Support the Beyond Program, which provides support for LGBTQIA+ youth and their caregivers and families
Host a trauma-informed breath work workshop program for LGBTQIA+ adults
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Replace the roof of its building on West Genesee Street
THE UPSTATE FOUNDATION
Hire a pediatric mental health nurse practitioner
PEACE, INC.
Support the Early Childhood Career Pathways Program
WOMEN’S OPPORTUNITY CENTER
Hire a personal assistance navigator to help women who experience abuse
SALVATION ARMY OF SYRACUSE
Replace the roof of its building on West Genesee Street
JOSEPH’S HOUSE FOR WOMEN
Replace the roof of its building on Court Street
SMOKEY HOLLOW COMMUNITY
Hire a strategic development consultant to help with fundraising
STONE QUARRY HILL ART PARK
Renovate the Artist Lodge’s garage and the Dorothy Riester House and Studio
Create the town’s first public park
TOWN OF RICHLAND
Build a new park at Fireman’s Pond and expand the Hamlet Park
TOWN OF GRANBY VILLAGE BIRTH INTERNATIONAL
JUBILEE HOMES OF SYRACUSE
Expand its perinatal health and doula programs for refugees and New Americans Provide farm supplies and stipends for youth participating in the Urban Delights Community Learning Farm
$24,200 $75,000 $58,400 $38,261 $44,100
SYRACUSE NORTHEAST COMMUNITY CENTER
Grow the Food Foundations Program health awareness efforts
THESE GRANTS WERE MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING FUNDS
5forCNY Fund
Anonymous #33 Fund
Anonymous #34 Fund
Shirley M. Aubrey Fund
Ellen T. & David R. Bacon Fund
Charlotte & Donald Ball Fund
William D. Barnet Memorial Scholarship Fund
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
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
Solly & Belle Cohen Fund
William & Sylvia Cohen Community Fund
CNYCF Community Fund
Mary Frances Costello Fund
DeBenedictis Community Fund
Alfred & Grace DiBella Fund
John S. & Julia G. Dietz Fund
Olga Dietz Turner Fund
DMC Memorial Fund
M. Harold Dwyer & Frances M. Dwyer Fund
Margaret J. Early Fund
Education Endowment Fund
Steven A. Endieveri Memorial Fund
Carlton R. Estey Fund
John M. & Mary L. Gallinger Fund
Alice M. Gaylord Trust
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
I. A. Hotze Fund
Iaconis, Iaconis & Baum Fund
Leo & Natalie Jivoff Fund
Robert H. Kemper & Norma E. Kemper Charitable Foundation
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
LFM Fund
Maier Family Community Fund
L.C. Maier Community Fund
Candace & John Marsellus Community Fund
Gay D. Marsellus Fund
John F. Marsellus 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
Carol W. & Emiel D. Palmer Fund
P-D Family Fund
John R. Pelkey Community Fund
Theodore & Marjorie B. Pierson Fund
To learn more about these funds and many others that make our grantmaking possible, visit:
CNYCF.ORG/FUNDS
Robert & Anne Pietrafesa Fund
Robert A. & Winifred S. Pond Family Fund
Maggie & Roger Reid Fund
Brian Cole Retan Memorial Fund
Dorothy Retan Irish Fund
James A. & McDowell Smith Reynolds Fund
Lawrence E. Root Fund
Rosalind & Seymour Rudolph Fund
Elizabeth Salisbury Brooks Fund
Robert & Dorothy Salisbury Fund
Durston Sanford & Doris Sanford 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
Syracuse Dispensary Fund
Walter A. Thayer Fund
Frances M. Thompson Fund
William & Mary L. Thorpe Charitable Fund
Dr. Robert J. Vitkus Fund
Donald & Hilda Watrous Fund
Virginia Wendel Fund
Carolyn V. West Fund
Westminster Presbyterian Northside Concerns 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
Pictured: Everson Museum
GRANTING MATTERS
HEY NONPROFITS, HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT OUR NEW CNYCF GRANTS PORTAL? IT’S LIVE!
CNYCF Grants Portal is the Community Foundation’s new online grants portal. It gives you access to a listing of open funding opportunities, and any funding requests currently in progress, still requiring action, or awaiting a decision.
All applicants must register in the new portal before submitting an application. You can register now or wait until you are ready to start your first application. Even if you already had a profile in our previous grants portal prior to July 15, 2024, you will need to create a new account.
If you or someone at your organization has already registered your organization in the new portal on or after July 15, 2024, do not create a new account. Please contact our Community Investment Team at grants@cnycf.org if you need the login information.
Some opportunities require meeting with staff before you can apply. For a full list of our funding opportunities visit:
CNYCF.ORG/RECEIVE
To learn more and create an account on the new portal, visit:
CNYCF.ORG/GRANTSPORTAL
Our next community grants deadline is Feb. 28, 2025. Questions? Email us at:
GRANTS@CNYCF.ORG
SOME HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
All grant applications are now conveniently located in one place.
Users can save their progress, return to applications later, and benefit from an autosave feature.
Grantees can easily track the payout status of their grants.
01
ADDITIONAL $1 MILLION TO BLACK EQUITY & EXCELLENCE
In August, we announced our commitment of an additional $1 million to our Black Equity & Excellence Fund (BE&E). BE&E is designed to support community-based projects that promote self-sufficiency and address the physical and economic conditions that impact the quality of life for Black residents. Since its inception in 2020, BE&E has distributed 95 grants totaling more than $1.6 million, and it has welcomed nearly 200 first-time applicants to the Community Foundation. To date, 234 grant applications have been received.
IMPACT INVESTMENT DEAL OPENS NEW LINE OF CREDIT FOR LOCAL LEGAL AID
Our local impact investing program recently closed on a $750,000 deal to secure a low interest line of credit for Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, Inc. The funding will allow the organization to continue its legal aid services until funding from state grant contracts are fulfilled. This was the first project to receive funding from a new Certificate of Deposit (CD) funding program we established in partnership with NBT Bank.
Over the past year our staff worked diligently to facilitate the migration of our databases to a newly integrated software. Our new online MyGiving portal for fundholders and our new grants portal for grant applicants provide exciting new features to better serve our community. See page 2 for more information about MyGiving and page 9 for more information about our grants portal.
TORNADO EMERGENCY RELIEF SUPPORT
Our hearts remain with our friends and neighbors in Canastota and Rome who were impacted by the devastating storms during the summer. In Canastota, which is within our five-county service area, we worked to provide immediate emergency response funding to organizations that were helping residents in need. In August, we provided a grant from our Community Response Fund to support the Rome Community Foundation’s emergency relief efforts.
Black Girls Don’t Get Love
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR MAKING WAVES IN HIP-HOP
GRANTEE STORY
Good Life Youth Foundation
Pictured: Azory Infinite sits in the music recording studio at Good Life Youth Foundation
Sixteen-year-old Azory Infinite hopes to one day make music that is as vast and singular as his last name.
“I WANT TO MAKE SOMETHING THAT NO ONE ON THIS PLANET HAS MADE BEFORE, ... I WANT MY NAME TO BE REMEMBERED AND FOR PEOPLE TO KNOW I MADE SOMETHING NEW AND THAT I WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO DO IT.”
Infinite is one of the “unexpected entrepreneurs” currently participating in the Good Life Youth Foundation’s (Good Life) HipHop-preneurship program. The program uses hip-hop, music, entrepreneurial education and culture to engage youth living in under-resourced neighborhoods through interactive workshops, boot camps and learning opportunities.
Growing up in the Bronx, Hasan Stephens, founder of Good Life, was acutely aware of the risks associated with living in a highpoverty neighborhood. With schools largely funded by property taxes, children living in those neighborhoods often lack access to quality education and resources. When their ability to succeed is undermined, they face increased rates of violence, incarceration or even death.
To combat these systems, Stephens launched HipHop-preneurship, a program designed to break the cycles of poverty and combat systemic disparities by using hip-hop culture as a tool for understanding, identity, purpose and entrepreneurship.
“During the first three years of our program, none of our participants were arrested,” said Stephens. “Incorporating hip-hop helps
engage youth in a relatable way, ultimately providing them the tools they need to succeed in both their personal and professional lives.”
The yearlong program, designed for youth ages 13-24, culminates in a summer intensive where budding entrepreneurs gain hands-on experience in nine business sectors. This includes areas like music, content creation, marketing, cosmetology, lawn care and more. For instance, Infinite spends his time in a “mock” professional music recording studio and has the chance to mow lawns and learn about lawn maintenance.
Throughout the school year, as participants narrow their focus on a preferred sector, they engage in intensive workshops on financial literacy, leadership and project management. With guidance from Good Life mentors, they also develop a mock business plan which they have the opportunity to pitch at the end of the year.
Winning proposals receive startup funding to bring their ideas to life — opening the door to future opportunities for youth like Infinite.
“My personal opinion is if I live in the trenches and you grew up in a mansion, the only problem is the environment,” he said. “The HipHop-preneurship program has given me mentors, materials and skills that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Growing up, Infinite said he was surrounded by a lot of examples of “what not to do.” He’s seen the personal impacts of gun violence and crime — but he won’t let his circumstances hold him back. Through the support of extended family, he’s been able to beat the odds by using common sense.
“I surround myself with people who are also focused and motivated to create better lives for themselves and their families,” he said.
“People thought I was going to end up in the street, but I’ve turned out to be the complete opposite.”
For 10 years, Good Life has designed anti-poverty and mentorship programs for Black and Latino youth living in low-income or under-resourced neighborhoods around Syracuse. We provided the organization with a $50,000 grant from our Anti-Poverty Initiative Fund for HipHop-preneurship to continue making opportunities accessible for youth, like Infinite.
Infinite recently listened to some of the first music he created and says he’s gotten “insanely better” with guidance from Good Life mentors. He has advice for those that might be interested in joining the program:
“It doesn’t hurt to try,” he said. “Whether it’s for music, photography or content creation. You might be the best person here. You might see things that normal people don’t see. You might find a mentor. So why not just give it a shot?”
Pictured: Participants of the HipHoppreneurship program in the media studio at Good Life Youth Foundation
Pictured: Azory Infinite and other HipHop-preneurship participants in the recording studio
OUR PEOPLE
New Staff Members
LEILA MOGHADASI
Communications Associate
Moghadasi was hired as communications associate. She is a recent graduate of Syracuse University, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in writing, rhetoric and composition. In her role, Moghadasi provides communications support to attract and deepen relationships with nonprofit organizations, scholarship seekers and civic leaders. Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Moghadasi worked at the Moroccan Institute of Policy Analysis in Rabat, Morocco. She is deeply committed to amplifying the voices of community members across Central New York.
Out & About
DERARETU ABUBEKER
Scholarships & Student Success Manager
Abubeker was hired as scholarships & student success manager. She is passionate about helping the community where she grew up and is eager to continue supporting students through their post-secondary planning journeys. In her role, Abubeker provides information and support to students, families, community partners and schools while helping to manage our various scholarships. Before joining the Community Foundation, she served as a program manager and tutor counselor, guiding young people through career exploration, college applications and entrepreneurial development.
STEAM at Dr. King Elementary School
Challenger Baseball Superfield of Dreams at Carrier Park
CNY Pride Festival and Parade
Light a Candle for Literacy Parade and Children’s Book Festival
United Way Day of Caring at the Mary Nelson Youth Center
2024 Annual Report Arrival
Indigenous People’s Day Festival
Essential Conceptions Consulting’s The Power of Sisterhood Conference
GRANT DEADLINES
FEBRUARY 28, 2025
Community Grants
APRIL 11, 2025
Cayuga Community Fund
MAY 16, 2025
Greater Pulaski Community Endowment Fund
JUNE 13, 2025
Women’s Fund
JUNE 27, 2025
Black Equity & Excellence
JULY 18, 2025
Oswego County Community Foundation
AUGUST 4, 2025
The Leadership Classroom (TLC)
CNY PHILANTHROPY CENTER
431 EAST FAYETTE STREET SUITE 100 SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 13202
315.422.9538
If you do not wish to continue receiving our mailings, please email us at: info@cnycf.org.
PRESIDENT & CEO
MELANIE LITTLEJOHN, MBA
COMMUNICATIONS
KATRINA M. CROCKER
Vice President of Communications
JULIET R. MALOFF
Senior Communications Officer
LEILA R. MOGHADASI
Communications Associate
CORY SCHAD
Senior Events & Communications Manager
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
FRANK M. RIDZI, PHD
Vice President of Community Investment
DARRELL D. BUCKINGHAM Program Officer
COLBY CYRUS, CAPM
Senior Program Manager
ELISIA GONZALEZ Grants Manager
DANIELLE M. JOHNSON
Senior Director of Grants and Programs
KANISCHA MILLER Program Associate
QIANA WILLIAMS Program Officer
DEVELOPMENT
THOMAS M. GRIFFITH, AEP®, CAP®, CHFC® Vice President of Development
ELIZABETH GAGNÉ
Philanthropic Services Officer
TORI HART
Philanthropic Services Officer
JAN L. LANE, CAP® Senior Philanthropic Advisor
MONICA M. MERANTE, CAP®
Senior Director of Philanthropic Services
PRAGYA S. MURPHY, CAP®, MBA
Senior Philanthropic & Impact Investment Advisor
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
KIMBERLY P. SADOWSKI, CPA Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
GERIANNE P. CORRADINO, SHRM-CP Human Resources & Operations Officer
TERRI M. EVANS
Administrative Associate
DANA C. FIEL
Finance Manager
JENNY E. GREEN
Senior Information Systems Officer
ELIZABETH T. HARTMAN, CPA
Senior Director of Finance
DAVONA LAWRENCE
Finance Associate
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
