Renzi estate donates $12M to CNY Community Foundation

HOMER, N.Y. — The estate of Nicholas and Agnes Renzi of Cortland has donated $12 million to the Central New York Community Foundation (CNYCF). The bequest will combine with their lifetime giving fund to create two endowed funds at the Community Foundation, ensuring charitable support for Cortland County residents continues for generations. The Nicholas and Agnes Renzi Charitable Fund will provide lasting support to the couple’s favorite nonprofits. The larger Nicholas & Agnes Renzi Fund for Cortland County, totaling more than $14 million, will expand the Community Foundation’s Community Grants program into Cortland County for the first time. “Nick and Agnes believed deeply in giving back to the community that became their home,” Melanie Littlejohn, president and CEO of the Central New York Community Foundation, said in the announcement. “Their generosity will empower nonprofits in Cortland County to create lasting change. We are honored to steward their legacy and ensure their impact continues in perpetuity.” CNYCF announced the bequest on Nov. 7 at the Homer Center for the Arts.

About the Renzis

Nicholas and Agnes Renzi moved to Cortland in 1971. Nicholas, who was born and raised in the Bronx, was a scholarship student at City College of New York and later earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University. His career with Pall Corporation spanned decades, where he advanced to senior VP, overseeing operations in Cortland and Puerto Rico. Nick, who passed away earlier this year, directed in his will and estate plan that the Community Foundation serve as the steward of their charitable legacy. Agnes, who predeceased Nick in 2020, was a certified braille transcriber, dedicating thousands of volunteer hours over two decades to making literature accessible for blind children.

Grantmaking expansion

The Community Foundation’s Community Grants program traditionally supports innovative projects in Onondaga and Madison counties targeting arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health, human services and the environment. In 2024, more than $2 million was awarded through this program, CNYCF said. Beginning in fall 2026, Cortland County nonprofits will be eligible to apply for Community Grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, with about $600,000 available annually from the Renzi Fund earmarked specifically for Cortland County nonprofits. The first round in which organizations are eligible to apply will open on July 6, 2026, and close Aug. 28, 2026. Each round will include clear priority areas: the fall cycles will emphasize health, human services and economic development, and the spring cycles will focus on arts and culture, environment, animals, civic engagement and education. To assist with this rollout, the Community Foundation will hire an additional staff member in 2026 to expand capacity for Cortland County grantmaking and help nonprofits navigate the process. Grant applicants are required to schedule a pre-grant meeting with Community Foundation staff before applying. Appointments for Cortland County nonprofit organizations will open in the spring.

Participatory budgeting project

In addition to community grantmaking, the Renzis’ gift will introduce participatory budgeting to Cortland County for the first time in April 2026. Residents will be invited to join planning sessions, and learn about local issues and design proposals. The process will culminate in a community-wide vote awarding a $75,000 grant to one project chosen by residents. This builds on the success of the Community Foundation’s 2023 participatory budgeting project in Syracuse, which focused on childhood lead poisoning prevention and drew nearly 500 votes. Cortland County residents can volunteer as a participatory budgeting participant by completing the form at https://cnycf.org/pbform.

Advisory group

To help guide the transition of the Community Grants program to Cortland County, CNYCF will form a Cortland County advisory group to provide input on local priorities and nonprofits. Community members may self-nominate to serve by completing the form at https://cnycf.org/advisecortland. While advisory in nature, this committee will play an important role in helping the Community Foundation become acquainted with Cortland’s nonprofit landscape.