The fund was established last year by a group of Cayuga County citizens who wanted to keep local philanthropic dollars in the area. To help jumpstart fundraising, the Stardust Foundation issued a challenge grant of $250,000 to match dollar-for-dollar contributions raised to the fund.
By the time they had reached their challenge deadline at the end of September, the fund's leadership council, comprised of 13 Cayuga County residents and businesspeople, had raised $287,890. With the Stardust Foundation matching grant, the endowment has now exceeded $500,000. The fund also received an additional $30,000 grant from the Allyn Foundation to support its operating expenses through mid-2011.
The leadership council will begin grantmaking from the fund in early 2010. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that benefit Cayuga County citizens will be eligible to apply. Application guidelines and deadlines will be announced early next year.
The Cayuga Community Fund is a component fund of the Central New York Community Foundation. The Central New York 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.
