The Gifford Newsletter, Summer 2026, Celebrating Progress

Collaboration and bold ideas are at the heart of this fall’s newsletter. Explore stories of local impact, celebrate the growth of our nonprofit partners, and learn about upcoming programs, events, and opportunities to strengthen our community!

A large group photo of participants and volunteers who are associated with the organization, Deaf New American Advocacy (DNAA)
Syracuse 360 Brings Local Leaders Together to Address Gun Violence

What happens when leaders from across Syracuse come together to tackle gun violence from every angle? See how Syracuse 360 is connecting law enforcement, government, nonprofits, healthcare, businesses, and community leaders to build a more coordinated path forward.

Gifford's Associate Director, Lindsay McClung stands with three other people at a trail head holding a honorary plaque.
POWER Program Cohort Celebrates a Year of Growth, Planning and Possibility

From succession planning and stronger boards to sustainable funding and even knowing when to pause, the latest POWER cohort made meaningful changes designed to last. See how five organizations are emerging from the program stronger, more focused, and ready for what’s next.

ASA AAU girls basketball team wearing black jerseys with purple  ASA logo on front
Turning Ideas Into Action: Three “What If…” Mini Grant Project Profiles

Meet three local changemakers who turned their “What If…” ideas into action using music, basketball, and youth recognition to strengthen connections and create opportunities across Syracuse.

Group of professionals sitting at a round table having a discussion at Gifford's Embracing Disruption program kick off
The Next Embracing Disruption Cohort Kicks Off

On September 23, the Gifford Foundation welcomed its fourth Embracing Disruption cohort, bringing together seven local nonprofits for a 15-month journey to strengthen their organizations.

With support from the Reisman Foundation, Allyn Family Foundation, and John Ben Snow Foundation, this year’s cohort includes ACR Health, Community Action Partnership of Madison County, Central Current, David’s Refuge, Meals on Wheels of Syracuse, Onondaga Earth Corps, and Onondaga Historical Association.

NTL participant smiling while sitting at a table at the kick off sessio of NTL. She is an African American woman wearing a head scarf and a distressed jean jacket.
Welcoming a New Group of  Future Leaders to NTL

The Gifford Foundation is excited to welcome the newest cohort of Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders (NTL)! Over the next nine weeks, this group of engaged community members will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become strong contributors to local nonprofit boards.

Along the way, participants will learn from local leaders and one another while building connections and a strong network of fellow community-minded citizens. 

Save the Date

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events.

Violence Intervention Community action: Part II
Syracuse360 Violence Intervention & Prevention Community action: Part II

Part II of both the Syracuse 360 Violence Intervention Community Action community forum and Symposium will take place on October 14 and 15. At the full day symposium on 10/15, participants will reconvene to review an evaluation of the resources, programs, and efforts already underway across the community and use those findings to identify opportunities for greater coordination. The goal is to move from information-sharing to action by developing a clear plan for how community partners can work together to strengthen and align violence prevention efforts across Syracuse.

A man operating a small backhoe in a basement of a building that is being constructed
Fall Board Recruitment Night

Join The Gifford Foundation, Focus Greater Syracuse, and Leadership Greater Syracuse for our next Board Recruitment Night, where local nonprofit boards and civic-minded citizens will have the chance to connect and discover meaningful ways to work together!

What If Promo with young male African American adult smiling with a thought bubble that says What if.

Next “What If…” Mini Grant Deadline: October 19

Gifford’s “What If…” Mini Grant program provides funding and support for community-driven projects that help make our city a better place to live. Click below to learn more about this year’s orientation sessions, application deadlines, and how you can apply for a “What If…” Mini Grant to turn your idea for positive change in your neighborhood into reality.

Talk To Gifford Micro Capacity Grant Program

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on all of Gifford’s community adventures, upcoming grant opportunities, and capacity-building programs!

Tell Us What You Want To Hear About!

If there are newsletter topics related to nonprofit management you’d like to see covered, let us know. We will consult with our team of expert consultants to cover the matters that matter most to you.

Email your suggestions to: Lindsay@giffordfoundation.org

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