Future Fund of CNY Announced 5th Anniversary Event and Annual Grant Presentation

The Future Fund of Central New York hosted a 5th Anniversary and Grant Presentation Event, celebrating the CNY community, on Tuesday, May 19 at the Palace Theater. The Future Fund presented its 5th annual grant to a non-profit organization that serves the Central New York community.

The Future Fund has provided $25,000 in grants to take on community focus areas while working to expand the area’s charitable footprint. This year’s focus area is Financial Literacy.

A $5,000 grant was awarded to P.E.A.C.E., Inc. at the celebration. P.E.A.C.E., Inc. works to help people in the community realize their potential for becoming self-sufficient. The grant was used toward providing Money Smart training for low-income participants to include basic banking skills, budgeting, and credit repair.

Amy Davis, Chair of the Future Fund’s grant making committee, states, "Given the current economy, financial literacy is a timely and needed effort. We're happy to assist this worthy cause, as well as commemorate our 5th year of giving grants to deserving organizations in Central New York. This event is a time to celebrate the Future Fund's commitment to the non-profit community, and to meet and mingle with fellow members and business leaders. We also hope to attract new members to the Future Fund, and continue building on the successes of the past five years."

Members of the Future Fund use a democratic process to nominate and select a community focus area and issue an RFP for solutions that address that area. Tax-exempt, not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organizations serving Onondaga or Madison counties are invited to apply through the Central New York Community Foundation. The applications are discussed and voted on by the Future Fund’s membership.

In 2009, the Future Fund awarded a $5,000 grant to the Building Men Program at Levy Middle School, a nonprofit program that captured the spirit of the emerging philanthropists group’s 2008 focus area of supporting, developing and promoting the success of underprivileged teens and pre-teens.

The Future Fund is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation that was established in 2004 as a membership giving circle that allows concerned citizens to come together to leverage the strength of the group, maximize the power of their charitable giving, and make a positive impact on their community. Currently, there are roughly 65 Future Fund members, with plenty of room for more.

The Community Foundation connects the generosity of donors with community needs by making grants to organizations working to enhance the quality of life of those who live and work in Central New York. The Community Foundation annually makes more than $5 million in grants and provides leadership support in the fields of arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environment, health and human services. Founded in 1927, the Community Foundation strives to inspire philanthropy in Central New York.