InterFaith Works Sweeps $10K Pitch Competition and Fan Favorite Award at United Way’s “Good For CNY” Event

View and download photos from the event here.

On Tuesday September 29, 2026, United Way of Central New York’s Emerging Leaders United hosted the “Good For CNY” $10K Nonprofit Pitch Competition, bringing together local community leaders, supporters, and changemakers for an evening dedicated to impactful grassroots initiatives.

Out of five local nonprofit finalists pitching innovative programs focused on community empowerment, innovation and STEAM, InterFaith Works of CNY emerged as the night’s big winner. The organization took home the top $10,000 grand prize awarded by a panel of judges, as well as the $1,000 Fan Favorite award voted on by the live audience.

The funded proposal will directly support InterFaith Works’ Refugee Community Garden, an initiative designed to foster food security and self-sufficiency among newly arrived international families in Central New York.

“Food access is where dignity starts,” said Chris Foley, President & CEO of InterFaith Works of CNY. “With support from United Way of Central New York through its Good for CNY initiative, InterFaith Works’ Refugee Community Garden will help New American families who are losing critical nutrition support keep food on the table while they build their futures here.”

Held at Elite Gaming in downtown Syracuse, the “Good For CNY” event featured presentations from five finalist organizations pitching projects to address vital community needs. The $10,000 top prize was made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor, with additional support from presenting sponsor Empower Federal Credit Union and bright bulb sponsor SRC, Inc.

“Events like Good For CNY highlight the incredible innovation, passion, and resilience within our local nonprofit sector,” said Carrie Large, President & CEO of United Way of Central New York. “We are thrilled to support InterFaith Works and their Refugee Community Garden, and we extend our deepest gratitude to all the finalists, judges, sponsors, and community members who showed up to make an impact.”

United Way of Central New York’s Emerging Leaders United “Good For CNY” $10K Nonprofit Pitch Competition was sponsored by Empower Federal Credit Union with support from SRC. Presentation coaching was provided by Lisa B Simplified Coaching.

For more information about the Good For CNY initiative and Emerging Leaders United, visit www.goodforcny.com

Want to know what’s good for CNY? Join United Way of CNY’s Emerging Leaders United group on Tuesday, September 29th, at ELITE Gaming, for Good for CNY – the $10K Nonprofit Pitch, as five local organizations take a shot at winning $10,000!

Local nonprofits submitted applications for projects that support youth in the areas of literacy, STEM, and the arts. Five organizations were selected and will be pitching their ideas to a panel of judges and the crowd. Judges will decide who will win $10,000, and the audience will pick a “fan favorite” to win $1,000! 

Tickets are on sale now for $25 and include light refreshments and a cash bar. Grab your friends and colleagues, learn about Emerging Leaders United, and make a positive impact with organizations doing great work in our community.

Learn more about the event at www.GoodForCNY.com or simply click to get your tickets here!

Event Schedule:
5:30 – Registration and Networking
6:30 – Program Begins
8:00 – Winners and Fan Favorite Announced

The five finalists are:
Central New York Lyme & Tick-Borne Disease Alliance
Interfaith Works of Central New York
Nourish Syracuse
Singing Soulutions
YMCA of Central New York

The five judges are:
Ryan Benz | Redev CNY
Robin Cortese | Visit Syracuse
Neekia McCoy | Empower Federal Credit Union
Alex McKelvie | Syracuse University Whitman School of Management
Rob O’Connor | Elite Gaming