Together, Creating a Better Future for Otsego County: The Founders Campaign

The Community Foundation of Otsego County (CFOC) announces a $2 million Founders Campaign to establish CFOC as a major philanthropic resource for Otsego County.  With its targeted focus, CFOC will make a lasting and measurable impact. People are responding to CFOC’s goals and approach, with more than 100 pledges and donations already totaling $1.7 million.

Led by a 16-member board, CFOC brings together financial and human resources to address challenges and increase opportunity in Otsego County.

“CFOC works to identify where the greatest needs exist, and then fund programs designed to improve the quality of life for all who call Otsego County home.”-CFOC Board Member David Bliss

We encourage you to make a five-year pledge to Founders Campaign, but one-time donations are welcome. All donors who respond during this initial fund drive will be formally recognized as Founding Donors.

• Complete the commitment form and mail it with your first donation to the Community Foundation of Otsego County, PO Box 55, Springfield Center, NY 13468.
• You can also donate online by credit card.
• CFOC can also accept donations of stock or other assets.
• Contact us with questions.

“The Community Foundation will allow the voices of our neighbors to be heard, and work to break down barriers to community growth and shared understandings of impactful change,” -CFOC Board Member Candice Shannon

Community foundations are grantmaking public charities that are dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. According to the Council on Foundations, there are more than 750 community foundations in the United States.

CFOC had its first full year of operations in 2020, when it established the COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund. Levine says, “We were able to channel the community’s generosity to help people in need and equip businesses and organizations with health and safety measures.”  CFOC raised over $215,000 for the COVID Fund and will continue to make nonprofit awards to help the County weather the pandemic. CFOC is also partnering with community groups, nonprofits, and local government agencies to help people get COVID vaccines.

CFOC recently announced it will invest another $200,000 during 2021 to build the capacity of local nonprofits to address challenges identified by a community survey it conducted earlier this year. Full details are available on the CFOC website, cfotsego.org, but the main issues include food insufficiency, affordable housing, job creation, and economic development.

“We have gotten off to a great start and have already proven our value to the community. There is so much more that can and should be done.”-CFOC Board President Harry Levine

Please join us today as a Founding Donor of the Community Foundation or
contact us with questions.