Guiding Growth: How Embracing Disruption Helped Four Nonprofits Find Their Way Forward

Now completing its most recent cohort, Embracing Disruption has once again demonstrated the power of pairing rigorous assessment with trusted consulting relationships. Four participating organizations—Erie Canal Museum, Redhouse Arts Center, Salt City Harvest Farm, and Syracuse Habitat for Humanity—entered the program at very different stages of organizational life. Click to learn what united them as they confronted difficult questions and explored ways to ensure their long-term sustainability. 

Upcoming Workshop!
From Tracking to Telling: A Bridge Between Data and Story

If you work in the nonprofit sector and want your data to actually tell a story, this workshop is for you. Tracking to Telling brings together experienced nonprofit communicators to help you turn what you measure into impact narratives that resonate. Join Mylz Blake of Black Cub Productions and nonprofit consultant Rachel Johnson for this educational two-part workshop and walk away with both the tools and the language to capture the depth of their impact and to share it in ways that are both strategic and authentic.

A Look Back At 2025

2025 reminded us that continuing the work is not optional — it is essential. It was another action-packed year for The Gifford Foundation and the organizations we serve. There were new challenges and many successes along the way. Review our Annual Report to learn more about Gifford’s capacity-building efforts in 2025.

Meet Your Match Draws 29 Nonprofit Organizations Looking for Board Members

The Board Recruitment Night hosted by The Gifford Foundation on December 4, 2025, connected local organizations seeking new board talent with graduates of the Foundation’s Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders program—a leadership course designed to equip emerging civic leaders with the skills, confidence, and insights needed for effective nonprofit board service. Click to view the complete photo album from the evening.

POWER Program Progress: From Grassroots to Pro Moves

Four grassroots organizations in the latest POWER Program cohort are building the foundations for long-term success. From clarifying board roles, expectations, and leadership structures to developing systems, funding strategies, and clear processes, these nonprofits are turning vision into sustainable impact. Click to read how the POWER Program is helping each organization establish a strong foundation to grow from.

Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders Takes Root in Worcester, Massachusetts!

In November, The Gifford Foundation’s Executive Director, Sheena Solomon, traveled to Worcester, MA to celebrate the Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s graduation of its inaugural Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders (NTL) class. Using Gifford’s NTL Course Toolkit and benefiting from our implementation support, GWCF trained a cohort of passionate residents committed to serving the Worcester community with purpose—preparing them to become impactful nonprofit board members and local leaders. The Gifford Foundation can’t wait to see more NTL programs crop up across the country. Learn more about the NTL Toolkit and Curriculum making it possible!

Have You Ever Thought, “What If…”

Since its launch in 2011, The Gifford Foundation’s “What If…” Mini Grant program has become a trusted and accessible resource for Syracuse residents of all ages and backgrounds. The 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.

Celebrating 22 New Community Leaders!

The 2025 Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders graduation and celebration took place on November 20 at the Community Folk Art Center. During the moving ceremony, graduating members of the class read heartfelt “I am” poems reflecting on what shapes their identity and what motivates their service, while others offered personal testimonies about how the nine-week NTL leadership course has transformed their understanding of civic engagement. These share-outs underscored the program’s impact on participants’ confidence, their sense of belonging, and their readiness to contribute meaningfully to local nonprofit boards and community initiatives. Thank you to our implementing partners, Leadership Greater Syracuse, and everyone who attended and who continues to support this community-building program. Click to view all photos from the evening.

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