Why Choose a Community Foundation?

    Our name is our mission and our promise. Community is the spirit that guides us. Foundation is the broad and permanent financial base to serve our community's needs far into the future. Tompkins County is our home.

  • Community foundations are the fastest growing segment of philanthropy in the United States and around the world.

  • Community foundations make giving easy – for individuals, groups of people, and organizations.

  • Community foundations have highly personalized donor services and highly trained professional staff with broad expertise in charitable giving, donor education, grantmaking, and donor services.

  • Community foundations offer permanent financial resources to meet the changing needs of their communities.

  • Community foundations play a leadership role in their communities and reflect the communities they serve.

  • Community foundations adhere to National Standards as defined by the Council on Foundation, thereby assuring donors that their investments and charitable giving are safe, well managed, and reflect their charitable interests