While the Gifford Foundation has a strong commitment to general grantmaking and its support of non-profits in our community, the Foundation also has a deeply rooted interest in encouraging a variety of initiatives that spur growth on a more targeted level. In 2007 the Foundation committed $1.2 million to an intensive three-year capacity building program called ADVANS, or Advancing and Developing the Value and Assets of Nonprofits in Syracuse. Initially a pilot project, the Foundation has since completed ADVANS 2 and is has committed funds to ADVANS 3. To learn more, click here.
In 2010 the Foundation joined with 5 other funders in the community to examine the current makeup of arts and culture audiences, survey community viewpoint on the arts, and explore opportunities to strengthen these important cultural organizations. The IDEAS Collaborative, or the Initiative to Develop and Engage Audiences in Syracuse, is now in its second phase. The Phase 1 Executive Summary is available by clicking here.
From 2004 to 2010 The Foundation targeted funding on two specific neighborhoods in Syracuse. The success of these endeavors, and the lessons learned, have led us to broaden our approach to the entire city. Much of the funding support for these two original neighborhoods was in quite small amounts, often to ad hoc groups of residents. With this in mind, in 2011 we launched the "What if" Mini Grants, where resident associations and groups can request funds to develop their neighborhood’s resources and assets. Please click here for more information.
Several years ago the economic downturn provided an opportunity for the Foundation to explore projects and programs that benefit a more broad-based population. Giffordslist.org is a free resource sharing website for area nonprofits and businesses to connect and share information, services, equipment, etc. The "What If..." Film Series presents free screenings of films on national and international community development activities and provides an opportunity for dialogue around potential benefits to the Syracuse area.
Finally, the Foundation has either been a partner in or actively coordinates several smaller projects. Some were initiated with Foundation assistance and are now completely run by outside groups; we remain active partners with others. All in all, these initiatives are marked by targeted funds to directly impact specific issues. Please visit the Community Projects page to learn more.
With the exception of the "What if" Mini Grants, there is no application process for any of these initiatives.