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The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Welcomes New Development Associate

The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region is pleased to welcome Ava Bashant as the organization’s new Development Associate.

Bashant graduated Summa Cum Laude from Binghamton University in May 2025, earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in English, Creative Writing and Comparative Literature. During her time at Binghamton, she managed social media accounts for the university’s Comparative Literature Department and the Harpur Palate Literary Magazine.

In her role as Development Associate, Bashant will support the Foundation’s fundraising and donor stewardship efforts, working to strengthen donor relationships. She will also help coordinate the Foundation’s major annual fundraising event, Raise the Region, along with stewardship gatherings and other special events, managing everything from guest lists and vendor relationships to on-site logistics.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ava to the Community Foundation team,” said John Eberle, President & CEO of the Foundation. “We are excited by the energy and ideas she brings as we continue building strong relationships throughout our community.”

Most recently, Bashant served as the Development Assistant at the Community Foundation of Tompkins County, which was her first introduction to Community Foundations and the non-profit sector.

A native of Albany, Bashant is excited to have returned to the area to grow her career and reconnect with her community.