The inability to read, write and do basic calculations can erode one’s hope for a brighter future. Without functional literacy skills, our neighbors, families and whole community remain vulnerable and at a disadvantage in today’s global economy.

That is why we are continuing our decades-long commitment to addressing the issue of literacy across the lifespan through our grantmaking and community leadership. Our work led to the founding of the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County (LCOC), of which we are a managing partner, and we help direct support for other regional programs. We are proud to be partners in the following literacy efforts:

CACTC’s county-wide literacy campaign brings together a coalition of partners working towards a shared vision that all children will be reading on grade level by the end of the third grade.

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We provide funding and technical support to Imagination Library programs in Onondaga and Madison counties. Imagination Library strives to build skills in young children for kindergarten readiness by delivering a new, age-appropriate book directly to each child’s home once a month from birth to age five.

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The Early Childhood Alliance is a collection of community partners working holistically to meet the needs of our region’s youngest residents. We provide the alliance with office space, funding and technical assistance.

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Madison County Reads Ahead trains volunteer literacy tutors and recruits potential learners 16 years of age and older who want to improve their basic English language skills, get a High School Equivalency diploma (“GED”) or learn English as a second language.

We serve as a managing partner of the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County, which works to collectively build and support community initiatives that improve literacy levels across the lifespan.

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Say Yes Syracuse is working to ensure that all Syracuse City School District students have the necessary support to graduate ready for higher education and that no financial barriers prevent them from attending college. The Community Foundation supported the Say Yes effort in the form of a $2 million commitment and management of the Say Yes Scholarship Endowment Fund, designed to ensure its scholarship promise continues for generations.

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Community Investment Stories

Bedroom at Elmcrest's new facility
Stories April 20, 2023

Safeguarding a Sanctuary: Elmcrest Offers Mental Health Services to Youth

Originally established as an orphanage in 1845, Elmcrest offered children protection and safety. As time ...

baby sleeping in a crib
Stories April 5, 2023

REACH CNY Assists Families as "Cribs for Kids" Partner

Throughout our lives, we are never as vulnerable as we are in our infancy. It’s ...

Students sitting around a table using laptops
Stories March 2, 2023

Junior Achievement Supports Students with Virtual Learning Program

Finding a career can feel like a heavy weight on youths’ shoulders and support may ...

Group of teens sitting at a table
Publications November 21, 2022

Adding New Flavor to Grantmaking with Participatory Budgeting

Giving Voice Fall 2022: Granting Matters

Bedroom at Elmcrest's new facility
Stories April 20, 2023

Safeguarding a Sanctuary: Elmcrest Offers Mental Health Services to Youth

Originally established as an orphanage in 1845, Elmcrest offered children protection and safety. As time ...

baby sleeping in a crib
Stories April 5, 2023

REACH CNY Assists Families as "Cribs for Kids" Partner

Throughout our lives, we are never as vulnerable as we are in our infancy. It’s ...

Students sitting around a table using laptops
Stories March 2, 2023

Junior Achievement Supports Students with Virtual Learning Program

Finding a career can feel like a heavy weight on youths’ shoulders and support may ...

Group of teens sitting at a table
Publications November 21, 2022

Adding New Flavor to Grantmaking with Participatory Budgeting

Giving Voice Fall 2022: Granting Matters

View More