Vickie Brackens, standing at the Philanthropy Center

Vicki Brackens

Vicki's dad always told her that the best way to eat an elephant was one piece at a time.

Vicki remembers how important it was for her in her professional journey to get that first ‘yes.’ She wanted to give other budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to get on the right path, and Vicki knew we could help her figure out a way to do it.

Her dad always told her that the best way to eat an elephant was one piece at a time. We helped her to formulate a plan, one piece of which was opening the Jelly Bean Angel Fund for Innovation. This fund supports programs that bring together entrepreneurs and academic institutions to develop innovative ideas.

“I am able to grow this fund over time and take advantage of the Community Foundation’s resources and community knowledge,” said Vicki, a local financial advisor. “I firmly believe that entrepreneurship is fundamental to a thriving community. The Community Foundation helped me turn my big ideas and passion into a concrete program that makes a difference in this area.”

Related Stories

hand holding growing money
Publications June 14, 2024

Family Philanthropy: Preparing the Next Generation for Success

Hear from Justin Miller, National Director of Wealth Planning at Evercore Wealth Management, on the ...

News Releases June 13, 2024

LeadSafeCNY: A Look at our Neighborhood Investments

A new heat map demonstrates the impact of our neighborhood investments so far through the ...

People gardening
Stories June 5, 2024

Delivering Hope through a Movement for Food Justice

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, InterFaith Works of Central New York began distributing ...

What we are up to staff image
Topics April 23, 2024

What We Are Up To: CNYCF Staff Updates

Learn about the expertise and passionate commitment amongst our team members as they drive positive ...

Woman standing in office
Stories March 19, 2024

Giving Seamlessly: Leyla Morgillo

Giving has always been intrinsic to Leyla Morgillo's being whether it be through her time ...

hand holding growing money
Publications March 5, 2024

FAQS: A Snapshot of Clients’ Tax-Time Charitable Giving Questions

With the year is in full swing, now is a good time for advisors to ...

Men gardening
Blogs March 5, 2024

A safe space for Deaf New Americans to develop education, leadership, and life skills without limitation

Monu Chhetri, founder & CEO of Deaf New American Advocacy, Inc. explains how her participation ...

Woman sitting with young children
Publications March 5, 2024

Meet Our New President & CEO

Giving Voice Winter 2024: Cover Story

hand holding growing money
Publications June 14, 2024

Family Philanthropy: Preparing the Next Generation for Success

Hear from Justin Miller, National Director of Wealth Planning at Evercore Wealth Management, on the ...

News Releases June 13, 2024

LeadSafeCNY: A Look at our Neighborhood Investments

A new heat map demonstrates the impact of our neighborhood investments so far through the ...

People gardening
Stories June 5, 2024

Delivering Hope through a Movement for Food Justice

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, InterFaith Works of Central New York began distributing ...

What we are up to staff image
Topics April 23, 2024

What We Are Up To: CNYCF Staff Updates

Learn about the expertise and passionate commitment amongst our team members as they drive positive ...

Woman standing in office
Stories March 19, 2024

Giving Seamlessly: Leyla Morgillo

Giving has always been intrinsic to Leyla Morgillo's being whether it be through her time ...

hand holding growing money
Publications March 5, 2024

FAQS: A Snapshot of Clients’ Tax-Time Charitable Giving Questions

With the year is in full swing, now is a good time for advisors to ...

Men gardening
Blogs March 5, 2024

A safe space for Deaf New Americans to develop education, leadership, and life skills without limitation

Monu Chhetri, founder & CEO of Deaf New American Advocacy, Inc. explains how her participation ...

Woman sitting with young children
Publications March 5, 2024

Meet Our New President & CEO

Giving Voice Winter 2024: Cover Story

View More