Achieving a new milestone: $1 million endowment to support women and girls

Celebrating 20 years of empowering, educating, and transforming the lives of women, the Community Foundation marks a significant milestone. After learning of the impact made by two devoted supporters, Ann Mathews and Ann Shumate, who included the Women’s Fund in their estate plans, a donor advisor took action with a generous contribution that propelled the Women’s Fund Endowment past the $1 million mark. This and other contributions of all sizes ensure ongoing support for organizations that uplift women and girls in Tompkins County.

 In 2004, Beverly Baker, an Ithaca native and businesswoman with a compassionate heart, became the first donor, creating the Women’s Fund at the Community Foundation of Tompkins County. Known for her volunteer work that has enriched our community, city and county; Beverly, along with many others, continues to lead the way in purposeful philanthropy, creating lasting change for women.

Carrying forward experiences in their own lives, early members of the Women’s Fund Advisory Committee worked to grow support.  “The Women’s Fund allows the advisory committee to look closely at the needs of women and girls, and respond to requests. I was always amazed at the knowledge that members of the committee had, and the questions they asked. It was such a privilege to serve on the first committee as we got things up and started. There are many needs, some small, some urgent, and the Women’s Fund does what it can to bring aid where it is needed.” ~ Carol Kammen, retired historian, Tompkins County

“Giving to the Women’s Fund at the Community Foundation has been a priority for me since I first learned about it. Whether providing funds for healthcare and healing, growing food, child care or parent resources, economic opportunities, or advocating for equal representation for women, I appreciate the opportunity to support and lift up women throughout Tompkins County through the Women’s Fund and the organizations they serve.”  ~ Jennifer Tavares, President and CEO, Tompkins Chamber

The Women’s Fund has awarded over $300,000 in grants supporting transformative programs. One recipient, College Initiative Upstate (CIU), a program of Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources (OAR), provides life-changing opportunities for non-traditional students facing poverty, substance use disorder, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

One such student, “Amanda,” a survivor of violence and abuse, struggled to complete several educational programs and found herself either dropping out or going to jail. CIU staff welcomed her, working to remove the barriers she faced. After eight months clean and attending outpatient services for substance use, Amanda felt ready to pursue college, driven by her desire to be a positive role model for her daughter.

Amanda shared, “I have had challenges my whole life. I worked hard to overcome most of them… I’m willing to put in the work and learn. So hopefully I get it done this time.” CIU helped Amanda find resources for housing, mental health, recovery, and finances, and through College Prep, she developed essential study skills.

Amanda was accepted to TC3; she and her teenage daughter work side-by-side as students, moving forward in a healthier environment for connection, learning, and growth.

UPDATE: Sherron Brown, Deputy Director of OAR Tompkins County shares: Amanda successfully completed the semester at TC3 with honors! She is on the Dean’s List and is now working towards a nursing degree, with continued support from CIU.

Giving back often extends the legacy of those who have shaped our lives. Millie Clarke Maynard, like her mother, values relationships deeply. When she arrived in Ithaca in 1979, she established roots and spent 33 years as a public school educator. The late Beverly J. Martin, who encouraged Millie to come to Ithaca and teach, believed in building strong connections and advised Millie to “give it back,” reinforcing the values of family, community, and church instilled in Millie back in Harlem.

Now, as a retired teacher, professional volunteer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Millie continues to follow the example set by her role models—her mother, Louise Crosby Clarke, and Beverly J. Martin. Reflecting on her journey, she says, “Thanks to the Community Foundation’s Women’s Fund for ensuring sustainable funding strategies for donors like me to Give Back.” ~ Millicent Clarke Maynard, CEO of Teachers-On-The Consulting Group LLC.

Be part of creating a more equitable Tompkins County. Make a gift. Attend the Women’s Fund Celebration on Oct. 15.   Discover how you can get involved by visiting www.cftompkins.org

“We rise by lifting others. I support the Women’s Fund because it has consistently excelled at identifying worthy recipients of grants that enable women in Tompkins County to rise. I so appreciate the work that the Fund does to assess the greatest needs and direct grant funding where it will have the greatest positive impact. As a donor, I couldn’t ask for anything more.” ~ Risa Mish, professor, Cornell University

Community Foundation of Tompkins County, established in 2000, welcomes inquiries from the community. Our mission is to bring people and resources together to build a more equitable Tompkins County by inspiring diverse philanthropy, catalyzing collaborations and championing inclusion and justice.