Community Impact & Investment carries on Corning’s philanthropic mission

Millicent Ruffin and her husband, Boh, came to the Corning Valley like so many others before them - to use their skills, education, and passions to further their careers with an innovative global corporation.

Even though they came to the area for a job, they found much more: A place to raise their family and call home.

That was, in part, because Corning knows it takes more than a paycheck to keep an employee – a company also must invest in its communities, including the programs that mean the most to its people.

“When we moved here from New Jersey in 2001, I wasn’t sure what to expect,” said Millicent, who is now senior director of Corning Community Impact & Investment. “But we quickly came to love the tightknit community and the friendliness you don’t always get in a bigger city.”

It’s that love of community that makes her newest role overseeing Corning’s community-facing philanthropic efforts in the U.S. so fulfilling – and daunting.

“It’s a privilege to lead this group whose roles truly align with what they’re passionate about,” she said. “But it’s also a huge responsibility knowing that the work we do every day is what fuels our communities. The nonprofit organizations and businesses we work with are more than just community partners. These are our neighbors and friends. These are the businesses we frequent on a regular basis, and the programs we use.”

In December, Millicent officially stepped into her role leading Community Impact & Investment, which has consolidated the Corning Incorporated Foundation, Corning Enterprises, and the Office of Racial Equality & Social Unity (ORESU).

“The Corning Incorporated Foundation and Corning Enterprises have been longstanding fixtures in the Corning Valley and in our U.S. business locations for decades,” said Kevin Corliss, senior vice president and deputy chief administrative officer. “The strategic decision to retire the Foundation and Enterprises and fold them into this new organization came after months of behind-the-scenes discussions and due diligence to make sure it was the best choice for our employees and our communities.”   

While moving away from the foundation is a major change for longtime Corning employees and nonprofit partners, Kevin is clear that it isn’t a loss – it’s an opportunity.

“This change will offer Corning the flexibility to adapt our giving strategy as societal needs evolve. We can diversify our giving methods without being tied to restrictions of a foundation and re-imagine our impact in different communities in alignment with Corning’s corporate strategy, business objectives, and Values,” he said.

Both Kevin and Millicent are clear that, however the organization is named or structured, Corning’s support is here to stay. While it may look different, the new group will help align investments across the company’s U.S. efforts.

Millicent said CI&I’s philanthropic investments will continue to focus on human services, arts and culture, and education in all U.S. locations, and childcare and economic development in the Corning, New York area.​ ORESU will continue to develop and execute programs to address the racial inequalities and socioeconomic disparities in the communities where we live and work.​

“It’s been exciting to work more closely with the local community organizations to learn more about  their programming,” Millicent said. In January, the team announced a record number in employees logging volunteer hours in the Dollars for Doers program. In February, CI&I opened its nonprofit grant application cycle. In the next couple of months, they will host the Corning Leader of the Pack fundraiser with Food Bank of the Southern Tier and award this year’s Employee Vibrant Community Grants. Also on the horizon is the launch of a mobile dental unit in the Corning-Elmira area in partnership with Mosaic Community Health.

“Every investment we make is an investment in building and sustaining our vibrant communities,” said Millicent. “We want to do our part to make sure the next scientist, engineer, plant employee or staff member falls in love with more than their jobs, but with their community – just like I did.”