Through its commitment to creating healthier, stronger communities, the AmeriCU Charitable Foundation proudly supports organizations like The Upstate Foundation, whose work plays a vital role in advancing health care, education, and research across Central New York.

1. Tell us about your organization.

In 2026, the Upstate Foundation marks its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of advancing patient care, education, research, and community health and well-being at Upstate Medical University* and across Central New York. Incorporated in 1976, the Upstate Foundation has grown into a vital philanthropic partner strengthening Upstate’s mission as an academic medical university while extending our reach to support community organizations serving the region’s most vulnerable populations. As a public charity, we are actively growing our community footprint, raising money for and disbursing money to other qualified nonprofit organizations. We manage more than 1,300 funds, more than any other nonprofit in the region. The assets we manage total over $325 million.

2. What is your area of impact (location/reach)?

Initially, the Upstate Foundation connected the generosity of our donors to the mission and priorities of Upstate. Every campaign, endowment and program reflected a shared belief that investing in patients, students, faculty and staff had the power to transform health care and our community. In 2014, we took the significant step of changing our status from a supporting organization to a public charity so the Upstate Foundation could have a wider and more direct impact on the region’s health and well-being.

3. Why is the work you are doing important to the community?

The Upstate Foundation’s early investments helped establish critical services that continue to benefit patients and families today. Milestones included support for the Central New York Burn Treatment Unit in 1979, Regional Oncology Center in 1983, and in 1984, the Foundation became one of the first members of the national Children’s Miracle Network. During the 1990s and 2000s, philanthropy fueled growth in emergency services, specialty care and academic excellence. Foundation support helped expand pediatric transport services, establish endowed professorships and advance multidisciplinary clinical initiatives. From raising more than $21 million to help open the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in 2009 and the opening of the Upstate Cancer Center in 2014, to supporting pediatric emergency services and regional mental health resources, the Foundation’s legacy is defined by growth and purpose.

4. How has the AmeriCU Charitable Foundation helped your mission?

The AmeriCU Charitable Foundation’s philanthropic support of the Upstate Foundation began in 1988.  In giving that has spanned nearly four decades, the AmeriCU Charitable Foundation has supported pediatric patients through the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital annual fund, iHeart Radioathon for Kids, and as a Children’s Miracle Network partner.  In addition, the AmeriCU Charitable Foundation’s sponsorship of the Upstate Towsley Pro-Am has had a meaningful impact on a wide array of tournament beneficiaries through the years. Support of Upstate’s Clark Burn Center, youth mental health programs like the High Risk Suicide Prevention program, and Neuro Intensive Care Unit are just some of the programs that AmeriCU has embraced through its generous spirit of giving.

5. What is your hope for the future?

The Upstate Foundation will continue to support community-based initiatives while maintaining its deep commitment to Upstate Medical University, now and for generations to come.

6. Where can people go to learn more about your organization?

To learn more about the Upstate Foundation, visit www.UpstateFoundation.org or call 315-464-4416. On Facebook, we’re The Upstate Foundation.

7. Anything else you would like to add?

We’d like to thank AmeriCU for this opportunity, and for its support through the years. We’re proud of our 50-year legacy and couldn’t have accomplished what we have without generous partners like you who believe in our mission.