Our History
In early 1999 a group of concerned citizens gathered to discuss ways of creating a community foundation to serve as the philanthropic center for Tompkins County and for those wishing to support and enhance the quality of life for all who live and work here.
In June 2000, six people agreed to serve as the Incorporating Board of the new Community Foundation of Tompkins County and thus to establish a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public foundation.: Jeff Furman, Howard Hartnett, Bill Myers, John Semmler, Diane Shafer, and Robert Swieringa.
In August 2000, the Foundation became a reality with Jeffrey (Jeff) True as the first executive director. Two years later, Margaret (Peg) Hendricks followed Jeff. In 2005, George Ferrari began his current service as executive director. Their collective leadership has guided the growth of assets from generous donors, the gathering of community knowledge with Critical Issues Roundtable sessions and subsequent Listening & Learning focus groups, and the rapid expansion of grant-making.
Achievements 2000-2011
The Legacy Society recognizes far-sighted individuals who have informed us of their intention to make a planned gift. There are currently 32 members.
The number of funds has grown to include unrestricted Tompkins Today and Tomorrow Funds, Field of Interest Funds, Donor Advised Funds, and Designated Funds including separately designated endowments from individual 501(c)(3) organizations to be managed by the Foundation.
Net assets have grown from our very beginning in 2000 to over $7.6 million as of December 31, 2011 with more than $3.6 million given in over 1,250 grants.
GROWTH OF COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANTS 2000–2011*
| Community Foundation Grants | % Of $ | $ Area Amount | # Of Grants | % Of Grants | ||
| Arts & Culture | 19% | $699,536 | 218 | 17% | ||
| Environment/Sustainability | 5% | $164,117 | 85 | 7% | ||
| Education | 19% | $702,152 | 222 | 18% | ||
| Health & Human Services | 43% | $1,576,397 | 471 | 37% | ||
| Community Building | 14% | $510,833 | 260 | 21% | ||
| Total | $3,653,035 | 1,256 | ||||
| *Inception (August 2000)-December 31, 2011 | ||||||
Gratitude
Over our first decade many volunteers have contributed their time and expertise to guide our work and we acknowledge them with gratitude for tireless service.
Board of Directors
Emeriti (2000-2011)
- Beverly Baker
- John Bailey
- Fred Ballantyne
- Donald Barber
- Percy Browning
- Tommy Bruce
- Penny Boynton
- Traevena L. Byrd
- David Call
- Michael C. Cannon
- Samantha Castillo-Davis
- Eric Clay, PhD
- Fernando de Aragon
- Mary Pat Dolan
- Francille M. Firebaugh
- Greg Garvan
- Jean Gortzig
- Brad Grainger
- Matthew Green
- Howard Hartnett
- Eldred Harris
- Robert L. Harris, Jr.
- Janet Hawkes
- Margaret A. Hendricks
- Damayanthi (Dammi) Herath
- Carman Hill
- John Moss Hinchcliff
- Mary Beth Holub
- Theodore Hullar
- Joanne James
- John Krout
- Eric Lerner
- Ken McClane
- Mimi Melegrito-Palmer
- Nina Miller
- Risa Mish, JD
- Bill Myers
- George Ridenour
- Frank Robinson
- Kimberly Rothman
- Jake Ryan
- Vilma Santiago-Irizarry
- Helen Saunders
- Caitlin Schryver
- Diane Shafer
- Anne Shelton
- Neal Stamp#
- Carol Terrizzi
- Tom Torello
- Jeffrey B. True
- Sally True
- Gene Yarussi
- # deceased
