News
January 28th, 2026
Honoring Black History and Philanthropy, Today and Always
As Black History Month approaches, we at the Community Foundation of Tompkins County reflect not only on the moment, but on the ongoing responsibility it represents. Black history is not confined to the month of February—it is lived, shaped, and advanced every day. Our work is rooted in honoring that truth through sustained action, accountable grantmaking, and a deep commitment to racial and social justice.
Advancing racial equity is not an add-on to our mission; it is foundational to how we operate. From how we design our grant programs, to how we engage community members, to how decisions are made about where resources flow, we are continually examining and strengthening our practices to ensure they align with our values. Over the past year, this has included requiring all grant review volunteers to engage in implicit bias learning as part of the review process—an important step toward more equitable outcomes and shared accountability in philanthropy.
Our commitment is also reflected in whose leadership we elevate and invest in. Through our Let’s Talk series, we will feature Khuba International in a conversation centered on Black-led food justice and cultural preservation—highlighting the long legacy of Black leadership, resilience, and philanthropy in sustaining communities. Black philanthropy has always existed, often outside of formal systems, and continues to shape solutions grounded in care, culture, and collective responsibility. We see our role as amplifying and resourcing that work.
Each year, we intentionally review how our grant dollars are advancing social justice goals, including support for organizations and initiatives led by and serving historically marginalized communities. This reflection helps ensure that our funding strategies remain aligned with our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—and that we are responsive to community-identified needs.
While national headlines can feel overwhelming, investing in community-level change is both necessary and powerful. Philanthropy has a responsibility to be part of that work—not just in words, but in practice. This Black History Month—and every month—we remain committed to partnering with our community to advance racial equity, honor Black leadership and generosity, and help build a more just and equitable Tompkins County.