Banner Photo Credit: Daylight Blue Media
The Nonprofit Strategy Issue
Winter 2022 Newsletter
Supporting Our Community Since 1954
Through initiatives, grantmaking, and neighborhood engagement the Gifford Foundation strengthens community assets in order to improve the quality of life for the residents of Central New York.
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.
Gifford is Putting the Youth in Charge
This year, we are focusing our “What If…” mini grant program on lifting up the voices and ideas of Syracuse’s young people (though adults can still apply). We are inviting residents ages 12 – 24 to make their pitch: What ideas do you have to improve the safety and well-being of our community?
Our Vision
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 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
Winter 2022 Newsletter
Nonprofit leaders, consultants, and funders share their advice on strategic planning.
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 67th 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
Our stories provide increased access and allow our community to see what we’ve been up to and the type of work that we support.
Stopping The Wobble
Jennifer Bonnett spent years as the Executive Director of an Arizona nonprofit before transitioning into fulltime consultant work in 2015. Based in Phoenix, her work with the Nonprofit Lifecycles Institute has helped organizations nationally to diagnose the “wobbly legs” within their operations with the goal of improving programming and boosting internal capacity.
Broadening Perspectives: How We Assess Applicants
Gifford’s Executive Director Sheena Solomon sat down with our Communications & Grants Specialist Maximilian Eyle to discuss the Foundation’s approach to assessing grant requests.
Getting Where You Are Going
Getting Where You're Going By Heidi Holtz, MA, CLCC - Stillwork Consulting Group Heidi’s work is grounded in the Lifecycles Capacity Building model. This approach looks at organizational growth opportunities through assessment and performance recommendations in five...
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