The Gifford Foundation

Fostering growth, encouraging change.

 

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A professional headshot of consultant Maria Fibiger wearing a white shirt with a black jacket.

Featuring Maria Fibiger

Three Dog Consulting

Register Today: The Board Development Series

This three part workshop provides clear answers to tough questions around board engagement, recruitment, committee structures and roles, reporting requirements, inclusivity, and much more. 

Supporting Our Community Since 1954

The Gifford Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to the stewardship of the funds entrusted to its care. The Foundation is committed to using its financial and human resources to build the capacity of individuals and organizations to enhance the quality of life for the community we serve.

Capacity Building

We help nonprofits build the skills and resources necessary to boost their impact.

Grants

Since our inception, we have given out over $44 million to CNY nonprofits.

A Network of Support

Our staff works to facilitate development and growth within our community.

How We Help

We recognize that there are many individuals and organizations who have a drive to make a difference within their community. Unfortunately, a lack of resources and training can stand in the way of making these ideas a reality. For over sixty five years, the Gifford Foundation has provided the grants and leadership training necessary to facilitate broad, community based change across CNY. Our capacity building initiatives help raise the bar for what’s possible.

Over $45 million in grants awarded

Grantmaking is traditionally reactive, but in line with our belief in community engagement we emphasize a personal approach. By developing a relationship with each grantee, we are better able to help them become strong and durable forces within our community.

Grants awarded since our founding

Engage With Us

Summer 2023 Newsletter

Explore tips, strategies, and stories about how to craft a more effective grant seeking strategy and avoid common mistakes in this latest issue of The Gifford Newsletter.

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Information

Resources about capacity building and grantmaking have been updated to reflect the latest developments.

Meet Our Team

Our new directory allows you to instantly connect with and learn about our team members.

Read Our History

Take a look back at the origins of The Gifford Foundation as we celebrate our 68th year.

Sign Up For Our Mailings

Stay informed about events, grants, workshops, and more by joining our email list.

Socialize With Us

Are you connected with us on all of our platforms?

Featured Stories

Interviews, profiles, and other spotlights on the innovative nonprofit leaders making a difference in our community.

Announcing the 2023 Board Development Series

Announcing the 2023 Board Development Series

In our role as a funder, we have heard from many organizations that they face roadblocks when it comes to creating more inclusive and engaged boards. In response, we are launching a free workshop series which will tackle these challenges and many more over the course of three sessions.

Seeking Funding? Visit the Central Library

Seeking Funding? Visit the Central Library

The Central Library, located on Salina St. in Downtown Syracuse, hosts a vast array of nonprofit resources. Among the most impactful yet underutilized is a subscription to Candid’s Foundation Directory Online – a national database of funders and funding opportunities.

Putting Grants in Perspective

Putting Grants in Perspective

The biggest challenge facing most nonprofits is fundraising. Anyone with any proximity to the nonprofit sector is aware of the disconnect between the massive problems that these organizations are working to solve and the limited financial resources available to them to do their work. One of the most talked about revenue sources in this sector is grants, but can an organization survive on grants alone? How do most organizations keep the lights on?

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