The Central New York Community Foundation (CNYCF) awards OEI a Community Grant! The goal of the project is to conduct ecological restoration and monitoring in a manner that restores people’s connection to the earth, provides opportunities for youth development and leadership, builds community in the Onondaga Creek Watershed, and specifically expands environmental education (EE) and stewardship capacity for the Onondaga Nation Youth Group. Activities will include: (1) collaborate with stakeholders and participants to refine & develop an educational program that includes stream restoration, monitoring and maintenance, and youth leadership activities, (2) develop materials, such as datasheets and guidance documents, (3) coordinate a stewardship leadership workshop for interested youth group staff & participants, (4) implement program with Onondaga Nation Youth Group meeting over summer and school break (remotely as necessary to follow social-distancing guidelines), and (5) host community planting/maintenance day with Onondaga Earth Corps, Onondaga Nation Youth Group, and other community partners.

The CNYCF is a public charity established in 1927 that collects contributions from donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to local charities to help them thrive. It is the largest charitable foundation in Central New York with assets of nearly $260 million and has invested more than $200 million in community improvement projects since its inception. As a grantmaker, civic leader, convener and sponsor of strategic initiatives, the CNYCF strives to strengthen local nonprofits, encourage better understanding of the region and address the most critical issues of our time. The CNYCF’s mission is to foster a thriving Central New York community, inspire greater giving, celebrate legacy and steward charitable resources for today and tomorrow.