News
December 15th, 2024
A Site Visit to the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County: A Community-Centered Approach to Learning and Partnership
We had the privilege of visiting the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County, a vital organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Their work is essential to fostering safety, healing, and empowerment in our community. From crisis intervention services to education and prevention programming, the Advocacy Center’s impact is profound, providing hope and resources to individuals and families when they need it most.
What made this visit particularly special was the participation of a cohort from the Johnson School MBA Philanthropic Leadership course at Cornell University led by Carla Ingrando. By joining us for this site visit, the students engaged in an immersive learning experience, deepening their understanding of how nonprofits operate, the challenges they face, and the essential role they play in building stronger, more equitable communities. Witnessing this intersection of academic learning and real-world advocacy work underscored the power of collaboration and the importance of cross-sector engagement in addressing community needs. The students asked thoughtful questions and engaged in meaningful discussions. This is real-life learning.
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. George, our CEO, and I had the privilege of guest lecturing with this class to inspire and engage this next generation of philanthropists. In recognition of our support, we were honored to receive a grant from the class through the Philanthropy Lab.
At the Community Foundation, we are deeply committed to transparency in our grantmaking process. Site visits are a cornerstone of that commitment, allowing us to see firsthand the impact of the programs we support while fostering a co-learning and co-discovery process with community members, grantees, and stakeholders. We believe that building authentic relationships and inviting diverse perspectives into the process strengthens our work and helps ensure that resources are directed where they are needed most.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Advocacy Center for opening their doors and sharing their invaluable work with us. To the Philanthropic Leadership students, thank you for joining us in this journey of learning and discovery. And to the broader community, we invite you to join us in future site visits as we continue to learn together and invest in a stronger, more resilient Tompkins County.
Written by Gloria Coicou, Chief Equity, Engagement, & Grants Officer