News
August 11th, 2024
Achieving a New Milestone: $1 Million Endowment Supporting Women and Girls
Celebrating 20 Years of philanthropy and leadership;
supporting the empowerment, education, creativity and transformation of women.
When one of Community Foundation’s donor advisors heard the powerful impact of two beloved supporters, both named Ann (Ann Mathews and Ann Shumate), who had included the Women’s Fund in their estate plans, she decided to act now with a gift propelling the Women’s Fund Endowment past the $1 Million Milestone. This gift, and gifts of all sizes, ensures in perpetuity, support for organizations empowering women and girls in Tompkins County.
In 2004, Ithaca native, Beverly Baker, became the first donor creating the Women’s Fund held at Community Foundation of Tompkins County. Among other qualities, Beverly is a business woman with a heart. She has been a part of numerous volunteer endeavors making our community, city, and county a better place to live because she takes action that leads to real change in women’s lives. Alongside hundreds of donors, Beverly continues to blaze this trail of purposeful philanthropy.
Carrying forward experiences in their own lives, early members of the Women’s Fund Advisory Committee worked to grow support, fueling grants in Tompkins County. “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 is often a continuation of others who have been so instrumental in our own lives. Millie Clarke Maynard, like her mother, values relationships deeply. When Millie 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 – Louise Crosby Clarke (Millie’s mom) and Beverly J. Martin.
Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “My sincere gratitude to the ‘Women’s Fund Visionaries’. Their leadership continues to take bold steps in understanding the critical needs of women and girls in the local Ithaca area. 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 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 October 15th. Discover how you can get involved by visiting our Women’s Fund page, click HERE
“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