Syracuse Sun

Representatives from approximately 80 community-based organizations gathered at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown on March 27 for an event organized by Syracuse University’s Lender Center for Social Justice. The gathering, which drew about 300 attendees, aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration among organizations serving Central New York.

Lender Center Director Kendall Phillips emphasized the center's mission. "The Lender Center is focused on increasing economic inclusion for all people and allowing them to create intergenerational wealth and stability. These organizations are on the front lines of providing support, resources and opportunities for all the communities in our region," said Phillips.

The event featured participants from organizations such as Peace Inc., Syracuse Housing Authority, Vera House, the Alzheimer’s Association of Central New York, Helio Health, and InterFaith Works. Activities included roundtable discussions, open forums, breakout sessions, tabling, and networking opportunities. Topics covered were funding, burnout, and advocacy challenges faced by community organizations.

This gathering was part of the Lender Center's initiative to address the racial wealth gap, supported by a $2.7 million grant from MetLife Foundation over three years.

Kira Reed, a senior research associate at the Lender Center, introduced participants in the Funders Roundtable. The panel included Jonathan Snow, president of the John Ben Snow Foundation; Melanie Littlejohn, president and CEO of the CNY Community Foundation; and Meg O’Connell, executive director of the Allyn Family Foundation. Lyndsey Hodkinson, director of foundation relations, moderated the session.

Lender Center postdoctoral fellows Yolanda Christophe, Mauricio Mercado, and J Coley contributed their expertise to the symposium. Attendees, including community members and nonprofit leaders, participated in exercises organized by the Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration.

Representatives from local nonprofit organizations shared information and developed connections during the event. Susan Albring and Willie Reddic from the Whitman School of Management also took part in discussions about future priorities and strategies.