Racial and Social Justice Resources
Advancing Racial and Social Justice: Our Grants Analysis and Additional Philanthropic Resources and Responses
Advancing Equity Through Grantmaking
At Community Foundation of Tompkins County, equity is not just a value—it’s a driving force behind our grantmaking. Over the past three years (2023–2025), this commitment has translated into meaningful, measurable impact across our community.
Of the more than $9.5 million in grants awarded in Tompkins County and the surrounding region, over 80% ($7.7 million) supported social justice and equity-focused efforts—investments designed to expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and address systemic disparities.
These grants focused on key strategies including:
Resource Equity – ensuring access to essential services, education, food, housing, and health supports
Racial Justice – advancing fair and equitable outcomes across systems
Rural Services – reaching communities beyond urban centers
Advocacy – supporting grassroots leadership and systems change
Notably, more than half of these dollars were directed toward resource equity initiatives, helping individuals and families access the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
Behind every grant is a network of donors, partners, and community organizations working together to “shine a light” on local needs and solutions. From food security to youth development, from housing to cultural connection, these investments are building a more equitable and resilient Tompkins County.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to listening, learning, and partnering with you to ensure that philanthropy continues to open doors—and create lasting change for all. Learn more: click here
Social Justice Dashboard 2000 – 2025
2025 Grants by Program Area
2024 Grants by Program Area
2023 Grants by Program Area
2022 Grants by Program Area
2021 Grantees and Programs
COVID-19 Response Fund Grantees
2020 Grantees & Programs
2019 Grantees & Programs
2019 Grantees Map by Program Areas
Many donors are asking for information from Community Foundation about what they might consider as action steps. How might we advance both racial justice and economic equity opportunity? Organizational capacity and self determination needs require the redistribution of resources and power to groups with Black agency. When done well philanthropy is one of many means to achieve this goal. If you agree and if you are able, please consider making a contribution of time, talent, treasure and voice to one or more of these or similar local organizations.
Community Unity Music Education Program (CUMEP)
Opportunities, Alternatives & Resources
SURJ (Tompkins County Showing Up for Racial Justice)
Ultimate Reentry Opportunity (URO)
Here are some local organizations you can join and/or access educational resources & training opportunities.
Business Leaders of Colors (BLOC)
Diversity Consortium of Tompkins County
Michelle Courtney Berry, Courtney Consulting
Rise to Equity Excellence, LLC, Paula Ioanide
Tompkins County Human Rights Commission
We share a selection of resources which recently have been sent out from philanthropic infrastructure organizations.
NY Funders Alliance Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Resource Page
NYCON (New York Council on Nonprofits) DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) assessment tool
Grantmakers for Effective Organizations “Hope is Not a Strategy for Change”
Nonprofit Quarterly
“Time to Untether Philanthropy to Back Black-Led and Defined Work”
“Dear Philanthropy: These Are the Fires of Anti-Black Racism”
Council on Foundation’s
A CALL TO ACTION: PHILANTHROPY’S COMMITMENT DURING COVID-19
Hill Snowdon Foundation: Black-led Organizing Map
Borealis Philanthropies: This is Movement. Not just a moment
Movement for Black Lives Foundation
Change Philanthropy: Igniting the Sector to Advance Equity
Building an Inclusive America: Finding Common Ground
Center for Effective Philanthropy
“Foundations, Act on What You Control to Confront Racism”
“Race, Equity, and Unavoidable Challenges for Philanthropy”
Chronicle of Philanthropy
“The Racial Funding Gap Can’t Continue in the Pandemic”
“To Achieve Justice, Philanthropy Must Give Up Its Power (Opinion)”
Central New York Community Foundation “Racial Equity and Community Trauma”
National Committee on Responsive Philanthropy
“PHILANTHROPY’S POWER TO DISRUPT TYRANNY – STARTING WITH ITSELF”
Stanford Social Innovation Review “The Struggle to Overcome Racism”
135 Ways to Donate in Support of Black Lives and Communities
Additional Community Foundation resources from past philanthropy education convenings, meetings and surveys:
Social Justice Grants Analysis Dashboard
Social Justice Grants Analysis Dashboard
Tompkins County Demographics Dashboard
Women’s Fund: Cultivating Confidence, Building Skills
The Art of Participatory Leadership: Discussion and Metrics
Inspiring Stories, Empowering Community: College Initiative Upstate
Donor Advisor Fund 2019 Survey Report
Social Capital in Tompkins County 2012 CIPA Presentation
2012 CIPA Social Capital Report Part I
2012 CIPA Social Capital Report Part II
Volunteer Leadership and Service: Natural Leaders Initiative (NLI)
