Charitable Giving & Philanthropy in New York's Capital Region

Future
Donors

Current
Donors

Professional Advisors

Nonprofits and Students

Maximize your giving with the Community Foundation.

When you are ready to make a lasting impact on your community, the Community Foundation is here to help. Your gift, combined with those from other caring individuals, can multiply the positive effect on our region for generations to come. We have a variety of options to help you make the impact you want to see in your community.

Create a Fund

3 Simple Steps to Get Started

1

Connect

Call our office 518-446-9638 or fill out this form and we will contact you at a time most convenient for you.

2

Complete

We'll guide you through a simple fund agreement to formalize your charitable vision. We make the process straightforward.

3

Contribute

We accept donations of all types of financial assets including: checks, wire transfers, credit cards, appreciated stock, mutual funds, private business interests and more.

What Our Donors Say

BFF Fund

“Working with the Community Foundation has introduced our family to organizations that align with our values. The Foundation’s understanding of community needs has been invaluable and has opened opportunities to invest in impactful programs that match our philanthropic goals.”

Children participating in the House of Hoops youth program supported through charitable giving in New York's Capital Region
Child painting with watercolors during a community arts program in New York's Capital Region

Terence and Amy O'Connor Fund

"A donor advised fund at the Community Foundation fit our needs perfectly and provided a substantial tax benefit. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helps guide our charitable giving towards worthwhile and effective opportunities."

Chef preparing healthy meals for a community program supported through charitable giving in New York's Capital Region

Making More Possible Since 1968

$0 Million+

invested in the community since 1990

0+ Funds

established to support various causes

0+ Scholarships

awarded to local students

0+ Nonprofits

strengthened through grants

Portraits of Generosity

Learn how your friends and neighbors are supporting the place they call home.

Happy family of four smiling outdoors near coastal dunes

Building Connections to Make More Good Possible

Jeff Mirel came to the Capital Region to care for his grandfather, but it was the community that convinced Jeff and his wife Janel to set down roots and raise ... Read more
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Two women smiling together indoors in casual attire

A Journey from Grief to Empowerment

Melissa Daniels was a social worker— a woman of profound strength and optimism. Throughout her lifelong health challenges, she continued her education, eventually achieving her dreams to support and empower ... Read more
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Smiling elderly woman with white curly hair outdoors

Investing in Her Community’s Future

Throughout her childhood, Judith (Judy) Stein’s mother instilled in her and her siblings the idea of fairness through the example she set for them every day. While they never went ... Read more
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is charitable giving?

Charitable giving is the act of donating money, assets, or other resources to support nonprofit organizations, charitable causes, and community initiatives. Through charitable giving, individuals, families, and businesses can help address community needs and create a lasting positive impact.

What is a donor-advised fund?

A donor-advised fund is a flexible charitable giving vehicle that allows donors to make contributions, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants to qualified nonprofit organizations over time. Donor-advised funds simplify philanthropy while allowing donors to support the causes they care about most.

How do I create a charitable fund?

The Community Foundation can help you establish a charitable fund that aligns with your philanthropic goals and interests. Depending on your objectives, options may include donor-advised funds, scholarship funds, designated funds, field-of-interest funds, community impact funds, and other charitable giving vehicles.

How do nonprofits apply for grants?

Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for grant opportunities through the Community Foundation's competitive grant programs. Funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, application guidelines, and deadlines are available through the Foundation's grant application process.

Can businesses partner with the Community Foundation?

Yes. Businesses can partner with the Community Foundation through corporate philanthropy, charitable funds, community investment initiatives, sponsorships, and other giving programs. These partnerships help strengthen local communities while supporting causes that align with a company's values and goals.