Annual Report Annual 2009 – 2008 our community. our the people of of people the possibilities for for possibilities Realizing Roots & Wings In our lives there are myriad influences that both tether us to the ground and set us free at the same time, like a family heritage that anchors us and a teacher who stokes our dreams. Taken beyond the individual, this concept – well-tended structures and nurtured hopes – is a necessary element for the success of the entire community. The practical, professional approach of the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. provides both roots and wings to a great number of people and organizations throughout the region. By shoring up those among us who need support, we connect them to their dwelling and free them to be of service to themselves and others. Sow your own seeds and see what takes root… and flight. Design & Illustration: Ann Rose, Ann Rose Graphic Design Photography: Strinni Studio Content Development and Copywriting: Blair Jennings, BLink Creative Services Dear Friends of the Community Foundation, President’s There’s a popular t-shirt that features a richly-rooted, fully-leafed tree and a flock of birds. At first glance they look like two separate graphics, and Board Chair’s Message until one notices the birds are actually transformed images of the leaves themselves. Roots… and Wings! We’ve been thinking about and working to achieve this concept since the very beginning of the Community Foundation, capitalizing on the deep traditions and fertile funding that tether us to our mission and allow us to help others’ dreams take flight. We refused to let a little thing like a troubled economy stunt our growth! Rather than wring our hands and worry, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Of course we were nervous. Like you, we watched closely as Wall Street and Main Street felt the impact of a serious recession. However, thanks to the tremendous foresight of our Investment Committee and our careful stewardship of funds during the good times, the Community Foundation remained in a position to take care of ourselves – and our community. In 2008-2009, our hopes were elevated even more by the generosity of donors who enabled us to add nine new funds to our ranks. We were honored to help the community remember Robert Rockwell and his tremendous philanthropic legacy through the Bob Rockwell Memorial Fund. And, for the past six months the response to our newly-created Fund for Women has energized the entire staff! As a result of economic uncertainty and the continued high costs of education, we expected our scholarship program would see an increased number of applicants. It did. Requests increased more than 200%. Fortunately, our growing list of available scholarships allowed us to meet this demand. This year we gave away nearly $200,000 in scholarship money – a 17% increase over 2007-2008. Our grantmaking programs flourished as well. In 2008-2009 we awarded 392 grants totaling $1.2 million. Recipients represent every segment of our region, and we’re pleased to share just a few of their stories. This calendar highlights the roots that anchor us to each other as well as the wings we hope to keep aloft throughout our community. Thank you to each volunteer, donor and fund holder who helped us and so many others fly during these difficult economic times. Sincerely, Randi Hewit Judy McIntosh President Chair, Board of Directors January Freedom of the Road February Free Clinics Community Foundation Foster Wellness Deep Roots and Realized Dreams and Well-being March A Heritage A tax-exempt public organization, the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc. enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about in their of Hard Work community, either immediately or through their estates. April Cultivating a Crop With the social and economic health of the Chemung Valley and surrounding Finger Lakes Region as our focus, of Environmentalists we maintain an in-depth holistic knowledge of our community and where our most urgent needs lie. We address May these needs through grants and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, as well as through scholarships to Ancient Legends, individuals. Always alert to emerging needs in order to respond quickly and effectively, we collaborate with donors, elected officials, businesses and non-profit leaders for community problem-solving. With eyes ever skyward we strive Modern Memories June to foster greater giving and volunteerism throughout our community. Foundation Mini- To make the process of donating to the Community Foundation exciting for individuals, families and businesses, Grants Grow a Very our professional staff provides a menu of personalized assistance and information. We match donors’ philanthropic interests with critical community needs, encourage them to be as involved as they want to be in funding decisions, Good Investment July and offer a variety of giving options including endowments, funds, bequests and trusts. This provides our donors the flexibility to design a giving strategy that best suits their needs and goals. Transplanting Tradition One of only 700 community foundations in the US, the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the August Finger Lakes, Inc. was established in 1993 through the merger of the Chemung County Community Foundation (est. Sowing Seeds 1977) and the Corning Community Foundation (est. 1972). Our organization is governed by a volunteer board of September directors that attracts community leaders with a broad range of talents, interests and experiences. Buddies Bring Books (and Readers) to Life October Something To Hold On To November The Good Life December Jingle Bells Chemung County Library District Bookmobile Nim ipis diat ip eratuer ipit wis faccum dolorper sit ip ero eriustin dolore veros euguero exer si. utpat, senibh eum alit, conulputpat Ugue euip erit ing exerosto delent The freedom to explore the world “Hereu feum sentiment quamet about luptatie the consendipexcitement campaign to purchase the new enthusiasm.”acilit lore do Theodolor Community aute dionumsan lam, con utet dio od dolore nonsed magniam num quat la at. 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One elderly area resident facil ulla feummolobor senibh ex described it as “the treasure box” eu facillam, quip eu faccum essed because each time she stepped tio odo con eratuer aesectet lutem aboard she knew she’d uncover dolessecte tin vercip et, si blaore an untold wealth of opportunities consenim nonullam adit lore dolessi for great reading, learning and tat. Cip enibh exeros adiamcon growing. Her reflections on a hendiam, vulputpat. Vullummy num lifetime of reading were written dolor il dui te tate ver inci blan in perfectly-practiced penmanship ullaore dolorero ex ea consectet and accompanied a small monetary ad diat. Quat wismod do diat in donation to fund the purchase of henis dit am ipit amcommy nulpute a new, improved Bookmobile that conse faccum zzriurer incincipit would continue to offer this treasure et, commy niam velit lan veliquat to others long past her lifetime. nulla conumsan et luptatem augiam ex essed eui bla feugait, quamet ullaore essim zzriusto ex euguercipit aliquatue doleniam, conse eu Funds at the Community Foundation January 2010 FundsGood Stock and Fertile Soil Bob Rockwell Memorial Fund Brooke Makowiec Memorial Scholarship Fund AUsing Well-Spring your charitable for Good assets Works to establish Barger and Eila Crusade Family Fund a fund at the Community Foundation of Burdette B. Gleason Scholarship Fund SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THUrsdAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Bertram L. Newman Memorial Scholarship Elmira-CorningUsing your charitable and the assets Finger to Lakes,establish Inc.