Central New York Community Foundation Inc
Central New York Community Foundation Inc is a public charity based in Syracuse, New York. Established in 1927, it receives and manages charitable contributions and distributes funding for community needs in Central New York.
Central New York Community Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Central New York Community Foundation Inc gave $23.6M across 436 grants in 2025 (avg $54K), mostly in New York. 41% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $23,588,992
- Grants made (2025)
- 436
- Average grant
- $54,103
- Median grant
- $16,000
- Total assets
- $458,328,795
- +7.8% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 41% first-time grantees (169 of 412, 2025)
- Primary geography
- New York (94% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Central New York Community Foundation Inc
- Review Cycle
- The website lists a February 26, 2026 deadline for the Spring Community Grant round and an August 29, 2026 deadline for the Fall round. Both dates have passed. The Spring round’s priorities were arts and culture, environment, animals, civic engagement and education projects; the Fall round’s priorities were health, human services and economic development projects.
- Deadline
- The website lists a February 26, 2026 deadline for the Spring Community Grant round and an August 29, 2026 deadline…
- Contact
Mailing address: 431 E Fayette Street 100, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 422-9538
Website: https://cnycf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
30 open opportunities from Central New York Community Foundation Inc
Alpha Kappa Alpha Fund Grant
Central New York Community Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Carol Hansen & Ethel Bauder Fund Grant
Central New York Community Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Cayuga Community Fund Grant
Central New York Community Foundation Inc
Amount
Up to US $10,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Central New York Community Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Manlius Pebble Hill School ($2.5M). Together the top 10 received $8.8M.
Organizations only. It also paid 25 grants to individuals ($1,196,365), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
1,635 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,330 grants of 1,635 (81%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s Community Grants program serves organizations working with residents of Onondaga, Cortland and Madison counties. The Vitkus Fund covers eligible outdoor parks and recreation projects in Onondaga, Madison, Cortland, Cayuga and Oswego counties. In 2025, 94% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York; reported shares also included Florida at 2% and Pennsylvania at 1%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 436 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Central New York Community Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
41%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 169 of 412 grantees (41%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $40K; repeat grants $69K. How we count
Medians: $12K first-time, $20K repeat.
- Giving grew 40% from 2022 to 2025. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $16.9M (2022) to $23.6M (2025). In 2025 it made 436 grants totaling $23.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Manlius Pebble Hill School Syracuse, NY | General Support; Program/Project Support | $2,462,750 |
| Onondaga Countydepartment of Child & Family Services Syracuse, NY | General Support | $1,500,000 |
| Skaneateles Lake Association Skaneateles, NY | General Support; Program/Project Support; Sponsorship Support | $1,061,350 |
| Cortland Memorial Foundation Inc Cortland, NY | Program/Project Support | $1,005,000 |
| United Way of Central New York Syracuse, NY | Campaign Support; General Support; Program/Project Support; | $661,300 |
| 2 grants to individuals Recipients not named | — | $681,823 |
| Everson Museum of Art Syracuse, NY | General support; event support; student support; program/project support; sponsorship support | $542,188 |
| St Mary's Church of Auburn Auburn, NY | Program/ Project Support | $450,000 |
| Road to Emmaus Ministry Syracuse, NY | General Support; Program/Project Support | $427,800 |
| Syracuse Universityadvancement & External Affairs Syracuse, NY | General Support; Student Support; Literacy Support; Program/Project Support | $348,247 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $458,328,795 | $50,696,520 | $31,016,629 | $23,588,992 | 436 | $10,528,895 |
| 2024 | $425,141,081 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | $389,455,496 | $34,290,952 | $25,334,728 | $19,615,587 | 383 | $4,687,610 |
| 2022 | $395,864,792 | $49,020,873 | $22,148,773 | $16,896,528 | 370 | $14,388,137 |
| 2021 | $363,941,689 | $37,517,618 | $24,296,183 | $19,058,359 | 446 | $10,164,262 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated mission is to foster a thriving and equitable Central New York region by leading and inspiring a community culture of giving, celebrating legacy, and stewarding charitable resources for today and tomorrow.
Its Community Grants program supports innovative projects in arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health, human services and the environment. The foundation also lists programs for Black Equity & Excellence, rural poverty efforts in Madison County, neighborhood greening, strategic partnerships and outdoor parks and recreation. Its 2024 filing describes programs that support nonprofits across their lifecycle, including organizational development and professional development.
Examples of grantee organizations illustrate the range of recipients. Manlius Pebble Hill School describes its mission as providing college-preparatory education for students from pre-K through grade 12. Cortland Memorial Foundation says it supports an individual recipient Medical Center through philanthropy, stewardship and education. Road to Emmaus Ministry describes its work as volunteer-centered, faith-based outreach serving poor, isolated and homeless people, with meal service and groceries on Syracuse’s South Side. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own missions.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 436 grants totaling $23,588,992. Grant amounts ranged from $5,100 to $2,462,750, with a median of $16,000.
Among the largest reported grants were $2,462,750 to Manlius Pebble Hill School for general and program/project support; $1,500,000 to Onondaga County Department of Child & Family Services for general support; $1,061,350 to Skaneateles Lake Association for general, program/project and sponsorship support; and $1,005,000 to Cortland Memorial Foundation for program/project support. Other large grants included $661,300 to United Way of Central New York and $542,188 to Everson Museum of Art.
Community Grants are available to eligible tax-exempt nonprofits, publicly supported organizations such as schools and municipalities, and organizations using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. The program serves organizations working with residents of Onondaga, Cortland and Madison counties; the foundation’s website notes that Cortland County nonprofits can begin applying in the Fall 2026 round. Applicants must not have received a Community Grant in the previous 12 months and must have submitted reports for previously funded completed programs. Prospective applicants are required to discuss their request with foundation staff before applying. Applications are submitted through the foundation’s grants portal.
The foundation’s Dr. Robert J. Vitkus Fund offers capital and programmatic grants of $10,000–$150,000 for outdoor parks and recreation projects in Onondaga, Madison, Cortland, Cayuga and Oswego counties.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Bethaida Gonzalez as chair, Susan Furtney as vice chair, Joseph Lazzaro as treasurer and Martin A. Schwab as compliance officer. It also lists Lisa D. Alford, Jaime Alicea, Catherine A. Bertini, Rebecca Bronfein Raphael, William H. Brower and Martin T. Durkin Jr. as members.
Central New York Community Foundation Inc is led by Melanie Littlejohn, President & CEO on the 2025 filing; 8 of 26 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Melanie Littlejohn
President & CEO
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$331K (2025)
Bethaida Gonzalez
Chair
Vice Chair → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Monica Merante
Senior Director of Philant
Senior Director of Philanthropic Services → Senior Director of Philant, 2025
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$110K (2023) → $120K (2025)
Elizabeth Hartman
Senior Director of Finance
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$122K (2025)
Frank Ridzi
Vice President of Community Investment
Vice President & Community Investment → Vice President of Community Investment, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$130K (2021) → $160K (2025)
Katrina Crocker
Vice President of Communications
Vice President & Communications → Vice President of Communications, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$114K (2021) → $148K (2025)
Kimberly Sadowski
Vice President & CFO
Senior Vice President & CFO → Vice President & CFO, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$151K (2021) → $200K (2025)
Thomas Griffith
Vice President of Development
Vice President & Development → Vice President of Development, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$125K (2021) → $188K (2025)
Ahmeed Turner
Vice President of Scholarships
Executive Director & Say Yes → Vice President of Scholarships & Student Successor, 2023
Vice President of Scholarships & Student Successor → Vice President of Scholarships, 2025
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$121K (2022) → $148K (2025)
Kevin E. Schwab
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Bronfein Raphael
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephen D. Fournier
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Susan Furtney
Vice Chair
Member → Vice Chair, 2025
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William H. Brower III
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Catherine A. Bertini
Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joseph Lazzaro
Treasurer
Member → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lisa D. Alford
Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Martin A. Schwab
Compliance Officer
Member → Compliance Officer, 2025
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Duane B. Owens
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jaime Alicea
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen L. Wiese
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Leyla Z. Morgillo
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lisa S. Germain
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark S. Hall
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Martin T. Durkin Jr.
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Warren Hilton
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (18)
- Former: Carolyn D. Gerakopoulos (2021–2023) — Member
- Former: Daniel J. Fisher (2021–2023) — Board Chair
- Former: Daren C. Jaime (2021–2023) — Member
- Former: Emad A. Rahim (2021–2023) — Member
- Former: Karin Sloan Delaney (2021–2023) — Compliance Officer
- Former: Kate Feldmeier Franz (2021–2023) — Member
- Former: Lee M. Gatta (2021–2023) — Member
- Former: Mark A. Fuller (2021–2023) — Treasurer
- Former: Peter A. Dunn (2021–2023) — President & CEO
- Former: Caeresa J. Richardson (2022–2023) — Member
- Former: Caragh D. Fahy (2021–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Larry R. Leatherman (2021–2022) — Member
- Former: Bea Gonzalez (2021) — Member
- Former: Casey Crabill (2021) — Board Chair
- Former: Grace B. Ghezzi CPA (2021) — Member
- Former: Julie A. Cecile (2021) — Member
- Former: Mary Anne Cody Esq. (2021) — Member
- Former: Michael F. Meath (2021) — Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $331K, to Melanie Littlejohn (President & CEO). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Central New York Community Foundation Inc
How much does Central New York Community Foundation Inc give each year?
Central New York Community Foundation Inc gave $23.6M across 436 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990.
What is Central New York Community Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Central New York Community Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $16,000, and its average grant was $54,103, across 436 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Central New York Community Foundation Inc that year got $40K on average.
Where does Central New York Community Foundation Inc give grants?
Central New York Community Foundation Inc gives mostly in New York: 94% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Syracuse, NY (158 grants), Auburn, NY (18 grants), New York, NY (15 grants) and Skaneateles, NY (11 grants).
Does Central New York Community Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 56% of Central New York Community Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (243 of 436) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Program/Project Support" (73 grants), "Student Support" (61 grants) and "Capital Support" (15 grants).
Who are Central New York Community Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Central New York Community Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Manlius Pebble Hill School ($2,462,750), Onondaga Countydepartment of Child & Family Services ($1,500,000) and Skaneateles Lake Association ($1,061,350), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 25 grants to individuals ($1,196,365), which are not listed by name. Together they received 21% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Central New York Community Foundation Inc?
Central New York Community Foundation Inc reported $458.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $50.7M.
What does Central New York Community Foundation Inc fund?
The organization’s stated mission is to foster a thriving and equitable Central New York region by leading and inspiring a community culture of giving, celebrating legacy, and stewarding charitable resources for today and tomorrow. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Central New York Community Foundation Inc?
Central New York Community Foundation Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check cnycf.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Central New York Community Foundation Inc's EIN?
Central New York Community Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 15-0626910. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(5)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 9, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 28, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 24, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS October 23, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Live grants for the work Central New York Community Foundation Inc funds
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Central New York Community Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/central-new-york-community-foundation-inc-morg_e1c95abcee764a508b582241fbf806e8
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_150626910_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Central New York Community Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/central-new-york-community-foundation-inc-morg_e1c95abcee764a508b582241fbf806e8},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-20. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Central New York Community Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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