About Us

The South Side Community Growth Foundation aims to bring lasting positive impact to the Southside of Syracuse. By connecting neighbors, community-based organizations and government, and investing in the neighborhood, the Foundation helps community members access the resources they need to thrive, support the Southside’s children, and secure a bright future for the community.

We are a community partner, not a grantmaker. Our investment in the Southside is built on relationships and collaboration. South Side Growth was launched with seed funding provided by our founder as an investment in this community’s vision for itself.

When South Side Growth provides financial investment, it’s directed toward specific initiatives that align closely with our mission. This may include initiatives/activities/projects that we’ve helped shape with our partners.

Like every sustainable nonprofit, our long-term impact depends on a broad base of support. We actively seek grants, financial partnerships, and individual donations from those who share our vision.

For more information about working with us, please email info@southsidegrowth.org.

The South Side Community Growth Foundation is committed to serving the residents, businesses, and community-based organizations that make up the Southside of Syracuse. We’re starting our work in the neighborhood surrounding McKinley Park.

Our efforts are focused in the following geographic area:

• North/South outer boundaries of Valley Drive and South Salina Street
• East/West arteries starting at W. Kennedy Street to Ballantyne Road

As we grow, so will our reach and opportunities – ensuring more residents have access to safe housing, and economic stability – to enhance the sense of community shaped by all of the people who call it home.

Download map here.

At the South Side Community Growth Foundation, we are committed to revitalizing our neighborhood by investing in housing, strengthening community connections, and driving sustainable growth. Through strategic partnerships and neighbor-centered initiatives, we work to create a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

Housing

We believe that quality housing is the foundation of a thriving neighborhood. Our efforts focus on:

• Catalyzing the revitalization of properties through a balance of new development and thoughtful restoration. 
• Programs and initiatives that protect and expand housing affordability and stability for  current neighborhood residents.

Community Development 

Healthy neighborhood environments support successful futures for all. We steer equitable community development in our footprint by: 

• Convening partners to align resources and direct purposeful investment in the Southside.
• Facilitating neighborhood-level projects and initiatives that directly improve quality of life for Southside neighbors.

Resident Empowerment

Strong neighborhoods are built by empowered residents. We support community empowerment through:

• Working with neighbors to identify and leverage existing strengths and assets within our community.
• Centering resident voice and leadership in decisions that affect the neighborhood.
• Removing barriers to economic mobility and connecting neighbors to resources and opportunities that foster long-term family success.

Our 10-year vision is clear:

• Revitalization of public spaces and reduction in vacant properties and parcels.
• Increased community pride and cohesion.
• Empowered resident leadership.
• Expanded public and private sector investment.
• Increased financial security for residents.