Central New York Community Foundation

Happy Juneteenth (Freedom Day)! Today we celebrate the triumphs of the past, recognize the challenges of the present, and commit to working toward a more equitable future for everyone.

We had a beautiful time celebrating Freedom Day at Sankofa Park and connecting with so many members of the community. Thank you to Ms. Jackie LaSonde for organizing today’s wonderful celebration and for reminding us that freedom is not just something we honor in history — it is something we must continue to protect, expand, and make accessible for all.

See you at the parade! ❤️🖤💚

🏠 We are proud to support A Tiny Home for Good’s Lead Freedom House through a grant from our LeadSafeCNY Fund. It was also a privilege to help prepare the home to welcome its first families. This new rent-free home away from home will provide families with a safe, supportive place to stay while their homes are being made lead-safe. Congratulations to A Tiny Home for Good, Families for Lead Freedom Now Inc and the many partners, funders, volunteers, and advocates who helped bring this important vision to life!

Please join us in welcoming Davine Bey of DKON Consulting Group, Cecelia Cannon of Bousquet Holstein PLLC, Ben Sio of CenterState CEO and Jeff Stoecker of Syracuse University to our board of directors! They will begin their first three-year term on July 1, 2026.

We’re grateful for their leadership and commitment to strengthening Central New York and helping build a more vibrant, inclusive future for all.

Learn more about our newest board members: https://cnycf.org/community-foundation-announces-new-board-members-3/

Madison County residents have shared their ideas. Now it's almost time to vote.

Help decide how $75,000 will be invested in your community by joining us in person for Voting & Celebration Night next Thursday.

Register & Learn more: cnycf.org/pbmadisoncounty

With a heartfelt thank you, we celebrated William H. Brower, III, Bea González, Kevin E. Schwab and Susan Furtney, MPH, FACHE (not pictured) at our board meeting today as they rolled off our board after years of dedicated service.

Their leadership, insight and commitment have helped strengthen our work and deepen our impact across Central New York, and we know their influence will continue to shape our community for years to come. We are so grateful for the time, care and expertise they shared with us.

As is tradition, we sent them off with artwork from the Syracuse Poster Project as a small token of our appreciation.

This isn’t goodbye — just see you later!

CenterState CEO, Syracuse University, MACNY, The Manufacturers Association

Two million books and counting! 📚

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has delivered its 2 millionth book in Onondaga County! County Executive Ryan McMahon hand-delivered the milestone book to a 2-year-old at the Liverpool Public Library to mark the occasion.

Pictured in celebration are our President & CEO Melanie Littlejohn and Carrie Large, executive director of the United Way of Central New York.

Every child in Onondaga County can sign up to receive a free book each month. We’re proud to support the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County in making this powerful early literacy program possible.

Pauline and Stacey Lippincott always showed up for their King Ferry neighbors with kindness and compassion. Now, their legacy helps nourish their community for generations through an endowment fund at the Community Foundation.

Learn how their family's gift is helping ensure the King Ferry food pantry can continue serving neighbors for years to come: https://cnycf.org/a-legacy-of-service-sustained-the-lippincott-familys-gift-to-king-ferry/

We were proud to attend the 2026 CNY Pride Parade and Festival at the Inner Harbor in Syracuse this weekend! 🌈 We had a wonderful time celebrating the power of love, community and inclusivity. Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

Want to make a difference in your neighborhood?

The Leadership Classroom (TLC) helps grassroots leaders across Central New York build practical skills, connect with peers and bring community-driven projects to life. Applications for the 2026 cohort will be accepted until August 14.

Learn more and apply: https://cnycf.org/receive/professional-organizational-development/tlc