Q U A R T E R LY N E W S L E T T E R F O R
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDHOLDERS WINTER 2019
W
ith the arrival of each new year come new beginnings, challenges
and—most important—opportunities. The Community Foundation continues to strengthen and support the nonprofit organizations that do so much good in our community, even as we take on more complex initiatives that will leave an impact for years to come.Your commitment and generosity make possible both traditional grantmaking and the newer, increasingly important, initiative work that will fulfill our vision: a vibrant region with opportunity for all. The year that just ended was one of the most significant ever for donor-advised funds at The Community Foundation. Fundholders went above and beyond, with 469 grants totaling $3.28 million invested in our community—an increase of more than 50% from 2017. Your generosity provides opportunity for growth and ongoing success in organizations that continue to meet vital community needs. In the following pages, you will read about projects funded by The Community Foundation’s first-ever Community Choice Awards. Each of the five winning organizations received a $10,000 grant from donor-advised funds. Due in part to the contest’s overwhelming success, and the enthusiastic feedback received from donors and nonprofit organizations, planning for 2019 is already in the works. Also in this issue, we feature the Utica National Group Foundation Fund and its committee chair, Bernard Turi. And, as always, we share with you a number of worthwhile investment opportunities seeking funding; please consider supporting one. On behalf of President/CEO Alicia Dicks, our Trustees and our staff, please accept my best wishes for 2019. We’re truly grateful for the opportunity to work together with you to make our community a better place for years to come.
Nick Grimmer, CFRE
Director of Giving Strategies
UNITY
OICE ARDS
COMMUNITY
CHOICE AWARDS
In October, Community Foundation staff, Trustees and fundholders surprised the winners of the first-ever Community Choice Awards, delivering five $10,000 ceremonial checks “prize patrol” style to mark the occasion. More than 70 nonprofit organizations in Herkimer and Oneida counties submitted grant proposals for consideration, with 15 finalists receiving nearly 14,000 online votes to determine the winner of each category. “The response that we received from the community in suppor t of these outstanding organizations was overwhelming,” said Alicia Dicks, president/CEO. “Our nonprofit par tners do work that benefits every member of our community, and the Community Choice Awards provided people the opportunity to show their support for organizations that have made a difference in their lives.” The winners have some exciting plans for the funding, and the resultant projects and programs will enhance each organization’s community work.
ANIMALS CATEGORY SPRING FARM CARES
Spring Farm CARES is an animal and nature sanctuary that focuses on the care of unwanted and abused animals, the spiritual connection between humans and animals, and the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats. Funding will support an ongoing program that helps low-income Oneida County residents have their pets spayed and neutered. “Thank you to all the community members who voted and to The Community Foundation and the Staffworks Charitable Fund for this wonderful opportunity,” said Dawn Hayman, vice president of Spring Farm CARES. “This $10,000 grant will pay for the spaying and neutering of a lot of feral, stray and homeless cats, helping to make a big difference in our community. “
ARTS & CULTURE CATEGORY
ROME CAPITOL ARTS COMPLEX The Rome Capitol Arts Complex provides cultural and educational opportunities for the community through Rome’s historic theater and ancillary spaces including Cinema Capitol. Funding will be used to enhance those spaces and develop classrooms to support two arts education programs, serving more than 1,750 individuals annually. The project is also an integral part of the City of Rome’s downtown revitalization and an essential component of Rome’s West Dominick Street Arts District. “We want to thank all our supporters who voted and the Bull Family Fund for their generosity,” said Kylie Pierce, development director of Rome Capitol Arts Complex. “Education is a huge part of our arts mission. This funding will provide the resources needed to build and enhance our children’s theater program.”
HEALTH & WELLNESS CATEGORY MID-YORK LIBRARY SYSTEM
The Mid-York Library System aims to improve and expand library services in Herkimer and Oneida counties. Funding will launch a health and fitness project, providing fitness equipment and other materials for 35 libraries across the two counties to help community members meet health and wellness milestones. “This is really going to make a difference to all of the libraries throughout Herkimer and Oneida counties, to have the resources to help our communities become healthier,” said Anne Debraggio, director at Kirkland Town Library. “Thank you to everyone who voted for our libraries and to The Community Foundation and Mele Family Fund for making this possible.”
HUMAN SERVICES CATEGORY
MOTHER MARIANNE’S WEST SIDE KITCHEN Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen is open seven days a week, serving nearly 5,000 meals each month. As the number of individuals and families in need continues to increase, many rely on receiving a hot meal at the soup kitchen. Funding will be used to open a service window between the kitchen and dining room to improve access to meals and create the space needed to maintain sanitary conditions. The project will alleviate overcrowding and create a welcoming, safe and healthy environment for visitors. “It was exciting to be a part of the Community Choice Awards,” said Ed Morgan, kitchen director at Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen. “We’re incredibly grateful to the community members who voted and the Ronald and Sheila Cuccaro Family Fund for sponsoring our category. This award will allow us to better serve individuals and families that come through our doors.”
YOUTH CATEGORY UTICA ZOO
The Utica Zoo creates unique experiences and promotes public appreciation of wildlife through community education, conservation and recreation. Funding will support the installation of a glass viewing window for a new outside gibbon exhibit. In addition to the long-lasting exhibit enhancement, the Utica Zoo will implement a primate play program for children, where youth will engage in fun physical activities to instill an appreciation of the movement of primates, participate in a paint and snack workshop, and learn about animal behavior and training. “It was so much fun to be surprised with the $10,000 prize by the donors from the M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund,” said Andria Heath, executive director of the Utica Zoo. “We couldn’t be more grateful to all the people who love the Zoo and voted for us. We’re excited to engage the next generation through enhanced exhibits, creating more opportunities for fun and learning.”
THE FIRST GRANTMAKING CONTEST OF ITS KIND FOR THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION, THE COMMUNITY CHOICE AWARDS HELPED NONPROFITS PROMOTE THEIR MISSIONS AND GENERATED AWARENESS OF THE CHARITABLE GRANTMAKING PROCESS. PLANNING IS ALREADY UNDERWAY FOR THE 2019 COMMUNITY CHOICE AWARDS. STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION, INCLUDING NEW AWARD CATEGORIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT.
UTICA NATIONAL GROUP
Foundation Fund
The Utica National Group Foundation
Turi’s role as chair differs slightly from the role of a committee
Fund at The Community Foundation was
responsible for meeting with community members, organizing the
created in 2014 with a $1 million gift marking Utica Mutual Insurance Company’s centennial. Grants made through this donor-advised fund supplement ongoing grantmaking from its own foundation held at Utica National.
member. In addition to reviewing grants with the committee, he is committee meetings, discussing funding opportunities and working with The Community Foundation staff to bridge the partnership. “Utica National Insurance Group takes great pride in the philanthropic work being done for our local community,” said Turi. “The company feels that it’s an obligation as a good corporate citizen to contribute to the community in which we operate to help those who are less fortunate—a way to give back to a place that has given so much to us.” The Utica National fund focuses its grantmaking effor ts on issues relating to pover ty, education and helping youth and their families.
Bernard Turi, Utica National Insurance Group senior vice president, chairs the fund’s screening committee, a nine-member employee group whose members serve six-year terms and help decide which organizations receive grants.
“Family is of utmost importance—we like to see the family unit kept together ; therefore, any services we can suppor t that promote education and embrace the family core, we like to get behind.” One organization that has been a prominent aspect of Utica National’s journey has been the Johnson Park Center—specifically the Head, Hand & Heart Family Enrichment Program, the fund’s first grant recipient. In 2015, the fund assisted the organization in launching the program whose mission is to give children ages 3 to 5 the opportunity to learn using technology, the ability to interact with other kids and develop skills to become school ready. “The Head, Hand & Heart Program is special because it’s successful and is impacting youth in a positive way,” said Turi. “The fundamental work being done by the program helps make up for the disadvantages that some kids face educationally.” Another organization the fund continues to support is Hope House. “Hope House is another example of great change—seeing positive things happen on a grander scale than they have in the past.”
Bernard Turi
In his experience as chair of the committee, Turi has been faced with
Utica National has valued its relationship with The Community
difficult decisions since the committee cannot approve all grant
Foundation over the last five years and looks forward to a continued
proposals that are submitted.
par tnership for years to come. Turi believes that The Community Foundation is well positioned to assist Utica National in putting the
“In a perfect world, we would love to say yes to all of the asks that
money in the right hands, for the right programs.
come in, since they are all well-intentioned causes. We choose the ones that focus on the most important issues in our community,
Looking ahead, the fund is focused on supporting larger programs and
such as poverty, health, education, shelter and safety.”
projects that address issues relating to youth and their elementary education journey. “There are many great programs already, but I think it’s key to focus on nutrition, safety and education for the youth population, and the sooner the better,” said Turi. “We are aiming for earlier intervention on a greater scale.” As an area resident and Utica National employee for more than 30 years, Turi is enthusiastic about the changes that have already happened in our community, along with the changes that are to come.
Johnson Park Center
“I think our society would have far greater issues if these nonprofits weren’t around to address the major challenges—their work is invaluable.”
Hope House
INVESTMENT Opportunities To support these important initiatives or discuss other opportunities, please contact Lindsey Costello, donor relations manager, 315.731.3726, lcostello@foundationhoc.org.
ALBANY LAW SCHOOL THE RURAL LAW INITIATIVE
The Rural Law Initiative of the Government Law Center at Albany Law School offers pro bono legal consultations to Upstate New York entrepreneurs, small businesses and farmers. After a successful year, serving a total of 23 Oneida County entrepreneurs and small business owners, the Rural Law Initiative is seeking $25,000 in operational support to continue providing Oneida County’s micro-enterprises with limited scope consultations, legal educational programming and the development of additional legal infosheets.
ARC HERKIMER
SPIRITUALITY PROGRAMS
Arc Herkimer is seeking $15,000, or a portion thereof, to provide transportation and materials for its spirituality program. Now in its 18th year, the program offers weekly church visits, coffee house programs, retreats, Bible study and a summer-time musical event to all in the community.
AVA DORFMAN COMMUNITY CENTER SENIOR WELLNESS CLASSES
The Ava Dorfman Community Center launched an evidence-based wellness and exercise class known as “Walk with Ease.” The easy-to-follow program was designed and validated by Stanford University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is proven to be effective for seniors’ overall health. Ava Dorfman Community Center is requesting $3,600 to cover the cost of four six-week sessions.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ONEIDA & MADISON COUNTIES CAMP NAZARETH ROPES COURSE
In the summer months, Catholic Charities of Oneida & Madison Counties operates a ropes course adventure program at Camp Nazareth in Woodgate. The ropes course consists of a series of games, group initiatives and physical/psychological challenges. Catholic Charities is seeking $10,000 to help cover the cost of the repairs needed for the ropes course to have it back up and running by summer.
FOOTHILLS RURAL COMMUNITY MINISTRY FOOTHILLS FOOD PANTRY SUPPLIES
Every month, Foothills Food Pantry supports more than 350 people in need, serving over 5,000 meals. Families can shop once a month, receiving five days’ worth of meals for each member of the family. Due to the rising cost of food, grant funding elimination, decreased donations and the growing number of clients, Foothills Food Pantry is seeking $5,000, or a portion thereof, to help restock the pantry for the spring months.
KIDS ONEIDA
SUPERVISED VISITATION PROGRAM
Kids Oneida is requesting $25,000 to fund the Supervised Visitation Program (SVP), which provides support to children and their non-custodial parents during periods of family separation. SVP protects the well-being and safety of children and advocates for their best interests while facilitating nurturing, strengths-based and trauma-informed visits between children and parents. Funds will be used to hire a highly trained SVP facilitator, increasing the number of sessions offered to families, as well as for the purchase of child-friendly supplies and equipment for the therapeutic space where visitation sessions occur.
MID-YORK LIBRARY SYSTEM
“LOWERING BARRIERS TO LITERACY” PROJECT
The “Lowering Barriers to Literacy” Project works to improve literacy rates in Herkimer and Oneida counties by increasing the budget for digital and print book collections in the library system. Mid-York Library System is seeking funding to enhance the following collections: e-books, audiobooks, large type books for individuals with low vision and print books geared for infants through young adults.
MOHAWK VALLEY RESOURCE CENTER FOR REFUGEES MEDICAL INTERPRETER TRAINING
Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees (MVRCR) facilitates “Bridging the Gap” medical interpreter training that prepares bilingual individuals to work as effective, competent and professional medical interpreters. The training covers essential topics such as interpreter roles and ethics, interpreting skills, medical terminology, the impact of culture and an overview of the healthcare system. MVRCR is requesting $3,750 to cover the $250 fee for 15 individuals to participate in the training.
MUNSON-WILLIAMS-PROCTOR ARTS INSTITUTE “MEET ME AT MWP” PROGRAM
Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute (MWPAI) is seeking $5,000 to expand the spring 2019 “Meet Me at MWP” program, an art-based program designed for seniors from long-term care facilities.The program enables senior citizens to visit the museum and participate in a variety of artrelated activities with focused, individual attention and close guidance.The funds will assist MWPAI in designing pre-visit and post-visit ar t engagement activities to prepare par ticipants for the museum tours and continue their future engagement with art.
ROME CAPITOL ARTS COMPLEX HEARING-IMPAIRED EQUIPMENT
Rome is home to the New York State School for the Deaf, and the Rome Capitol Arts Complex welcomes many patrons from the deaf community to enjoy programs that are open captioned or feature a live interpreter. Rome Capitol Arts Complex is requesting $4,500 to add to those services by installing both personal and all-audience captioning equipment that can be used for pre-recorded and live events.
ROME HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NICHE DESIGNATION
Rome Memorial Hospital is undergoing the process of becoming a NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) designated hospital. This nursing care model helps hospitals, other healthcare organizations and communities improve care to better meet the needs of older adults. In an effort to reach the highest level of designation, the Rome Hospital Foundation is requesting $10,000 to support the continued education of its nursing staff.
SCULPTURE SPACE SPONSOR AN ARTIST
Sculpture Space is unique in North America for its support of sculptors, both those who come to Utica as residency participants and those who continue after their residencies as working artists. The organization has helped to advance the careers of more than 575 national and international artists. Each year, the organization selects between 18 and 20 ar tists for two-month residencies during which they live and work in West Utica. The expense to house the artists and provide studio space is $3,000 per person. Sculpture Space is seeking funding to offset these housing and studio space costs.
SUNY POLYTECHNIC FOUNDATION FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION
The SUNY Polytechnic Foundation is seeking financial support for its “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology” (FIRST) Robotics program at SUNY Polytechnic Institute. FIRST Robotics competition teams grow their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills by learning from professional engineers and using sophisticated software, hardware and power tools to design and build robots. Funding is requested in the amount of $20,000 to help offset the costs associated with FIRST membership and program costs.
THE KELBERMAN CENTER STEM GROUP SUPPLIES
A promising new partnership between The Kelberman Center and SUNY Polytechnic Institute will offer more STEM focused activities for clients. In collaboration with the SUNY Poly Fabrication Club, activities include an introduction to SUNY’s Center for Global Advanced Manufacturing facility with smart labs, 3D printing, drones and a BattleBot workshop.To expand program offerings,The Kelberman Center is seeking $4,860 for robotics and 3D printing kits and supplies to serve multiple groups across the Mohawk Valley.
UPSTATE CEREBRAL PALSY ART MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
Upstate Cerebral Palsy (UCP) and 4-Elements Studio have developed an art membership program that empowers and motivates people with disabilities to use art as a form of expression.The culmination of this unique experience is the yearly Gallery of Expression Art Show at 4-Elements Studio that showcases the creativity of Upstate Cerebral Palsy artists, featuring an art exhibit and sale, along with a reception and artist meet and greet. UCP is seeking funds to support the cost of art classes for the groups of students.
UTICA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM MOBILE EXHIBIT
The Utica Children’s Museum is requesting $15,000 to reimagine the museum’s future and bring a new, state-of-the-art mobile exhibit to children in schools across the region. The project aligns with the new vision to generate excitement and interest in the reimagined museum across Upstate New York. The funds requested will support the design and creation of the mobile exhibit.
UTICA MONDAY NIGHT CORP. LEVITT AMP UTICA CONCERT SERIES
The Levitt AMP Music Series competition was created in 2014 by the national Levitt Foundation to bring the power of free live music to small and mid-sized communities via $25,000 grants for free outdoor concerts by professional musicians. The City of Utica is a four-time recipient of the grant. To elevate the series, the goals are to attract an even more diverse talent lineup, beautify and enliven the concert location and strengthen neighborhood placemaking activities. To do so, Levitt AMP Utica is seeking $20,000 for placemaking activities, park improvements and to help enhance the musical lineup for this summer’s shows.
UTICA ZOO
WATER DISTILLER AND PRODUCE
The Utica Zoo is seeking $1,200 for a water distiller to eliminate more than $700 in annual expenses associated with the misting systems used in the exhibits. Additionally, funding is needed to cover the rising cost of produce that the animals require as part of a healthy diet.
YMCA OF THE GREATER TRI-VALLEY “CHANGING LIVES SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM”
On an ongoing basis, the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley raises funds for the “Changing Lives Scholarship Program” which affords children and families the ability to join the YMCA or address childcare needs. Last year, the organization awarded over $300,000 in financial aid.The YMCA is seeking funding for the 2019 scholarship program to supplement proceeds raised through special events.
YOUNG SCHOLARS AT UTICA COLLEGE
GRADUATE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
In celebration of its 25th Anniversary, Young Scholars at Utica College launched the Graduate Leadership Development Program, offering Young Scholars graduates a defined program to advance their personal, professional and community leadership skills. Participants use their newly acquired skills to take on leadership roles and gain a better understanding of what the region has to offer. Young Scholars is seeking funds to support the overall cost of the 2019 program.
New
DONORADVISED
funds
CHRISTOPHER AND KARI MAX FAMILY FUND The Christopher and Kari Max Family Fund was established by Christopher and Kari Max for general charitable purposes.
EMPIRE RECYCLING FUND The Empire Recycling Fund was established by Empire Recycling Corporation in Utica, for general charitable purposes.
HUD-SON WARRIOR FUND The Hud-Son Warrior Fund was established by Dan and Jodi Hudon for general charitable purposes.
RISING PHOENIX FUND The Rising Phoenix Fund was established by Rising Phoenix Holdings
Corporation to aid recovery efforts for natural disasters across the nation.
ROBERT L. STEFFENSEN FUND The Robert L. Steffensen Fund was established by
Robert L. Steffensen for general charitable purposes.
SCALZO, ZOGBY & WITTIG INSURANCE FUND The Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig Insurance Fund was established by
Gary Scalzo and Stephen Zogby for general charitable purposes.
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HOW TO GIVE ONLINE
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PHONE
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315.735.8212
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gift is being transferred. Provide the donor name, number of shares, and the name of the stock or the stock code, as well as the designation.
NICK GRIMMER
Director of Giving Strategies ngrimmer@foundationhoc.org 315.731.3737
LINDSEY COSTELLO Donor Relations Manager lcostello@foundationhoc.org 315.731.3726
BRIANA GRECO
Development Coordinator bgreco@foundationhoc.org 315.731.3738
*PHOTO TAKEN AT THE HAGE BUILDING, A LEED GOLD CERTIFIED FACILITY IN DOWNTOWN UTICA.