2019 Annual Report
2019 Annual Report
Brooklyn Public Library Summer Reading Program 2019 Where children discover their interests, deepen their knowledge and become lifelong learners/readers.
2019 Annual Report
Chairman’s Letter
Eileen Cohen
A new year and a new decade for opportunities. National Grid Foundation recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. The board members, staff and I are very proud of the past two decades’ accomplishments. Our work will help fuel the future which is built on a strong legacy of giving to the communities which are served by the Foundation. After serving 12 years as a board member, I was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors following my predecessor Albert Wiltshire who retired in December 2018. I’ve witnessed how lives have transformed for the better and how communities flourish. My vision for the Foundation is to evolve and grow while doing what we do best: furthering the reach and support by providing grants to local organizations that are vital to our communities. Overseeing Foundation activities is the Board of Directors which consists of esteemed business and community leaders representing wide-ranging industry and cultural organizations. From its beginning, the Foundation has enjoyed a diverse board that continues today. We have added a coterie of strong, new board members over the years who offer fresh voices while pursuing a shared goal. Beginning in 2018 and continuing through 2019, I am proud to say we have added new organizations to join those we have partnered with over the years. The New York City Police Department Foundation and New Ground in Downstate New York; Lazarus House and Discovery Museum in Massachusetts; and Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology and Northland Workforce Training Center in Upstate New York are some of the Foundation’s newest funding recipients or as we like to refer to them, partners. While there are many successes we are always faced with challenges we need to work through. The need to balance the success of the investment portfolio with the giving needs of the Foundation is always at the forefront of our minds. We can’t do what we do without successful, sound investments. Unfortunately, if there’s a downturn in the market it affects the Foundation. We have and will continue to make difficult, critical decisions regarding funding. National Grid Foundation aims to provide as much assistance as possible in each of our geographic areas. During the past two and a half years, National Grid Foundation has increased its public face with an updated website (www.nationalgridfoundation.com), the introduction of a quarterly newsletter, Destiny, and increased emphasis on media coverage with our partners. National Grid Foundation’s message and impact are becoming more widely known. We are especially proud that: ¾ National Grid Foundation celebrated its 20th Anniversary complete with annual report and virtual birthday party. ¾ The Foundation has provided $27 million in grants since 1998. ¾ In 2019, the Foundation supported nearly 80 organizations with $1.8 million in grants. ¾ W e have established creative ways to promote the successes of our partner organizations such as #ThoughtfulThursday on Twitter. National Grid Foundation strives to bring attention to important topics and to support more organizations in the next year, the next decade and beyond. These partner organizations help individuals in our community, our neighbors and future generations. We realize that these organizations provide critical programs that are the lifeblood to our communities and offer opportunities to turn lives around.
2019 Annual Report
In 2019, National Grid Foundation supported: 77 Non-profit organizations directly impacting
National Grid Foundation touched even more lives through a number of partner organizations’ programs that “teach the teachers” and that have provided microgrants for local projects. This cascading effect brings the knowledge and assistance to individuals who may not have had access to this support.
The Foundation has provided $27 million in grants since 1998. In 2019, the Foundation supported nearly 80 organizations with nearly $1.8 million in grants. We have established creative ways to promote the successes of our partner organizations such as #ThoughtfulThursday on Twitter.
2019 Annual Report
National Grid Foundation Website Stats Visits since National Grid Foundation launch
164,158
Total visits for
2019
Viewership for Destiny Newsletter and 20th Anniversary Annual Report
Q3 2017 Premier Edition launched In August no analytics available
2017 Q4 50 views as of 02/11
2018 Q1 105 views as of 02/11
2018 Q2 93 views as of 02/11
2018 Q3 112 views as of 02/11
2018 Annual Report 384 views as of 02/11
2019 Q1 165 views as of 02/11
2019 Q2 200 views as of 02/11
2019 Q3 126 views as of 02/11
2019 Q4 127 views as of 02/11
2019 Annual Report
Upstate New York Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Downstate New York
Freedom School Summer Program 2019
National Grid Foundation Icon & Color Key
Rhode Island Massachusetts Downstate NY
Environmental
Emergency Heating Fund
Education
Upstate NY
2019 Annual Report
2019 National Grid Foundation Concentration of Giving
Approximately $1,789,000 in grants were distributed.
National Grid Foundation concentrates its giving and support to organizations that focus on education and the environment. The Foundation also provides funding for fuel-neutral emergency heating programs. In 2019, Foundation supported 20 environmental organizations with $378,000 and 53 educational nonprofits with $911,000. Four major organizations which provide heating fund assistance* programs received $500,000 in grants. Approximately $1,789,000 in grants were distributed to community organizations which benefited our communities.
$500,000
4 Heating Fund Assistance
53 Educational Non-profits
4 Heating Fund Assistance
2019 Grants Distributed
20 Environmental Organizations
$911,000
$378,000
20 Environmental Organizations 53 Educational Non-profits
The Foundation funds organizations that administer educational programs assisting people of all ages giving them opportunities to become more self-reliant. Classroom-based education and skills training for those in underserved communities are priorities. Commitment to the environment also is important to the Foundation. Grants are provided to organizations that share our passion for environmental stewardship. Programs that teach sustainability of natural resources and preservation of the environment are primary projects.
* All heating fund assistance programs are all "fuel-neutral", meaning assistance is given regardless of type of fuel needed.
2019 Annual Report
Coming Together with a Shared Message of VOLUNTEERING To prove that “it is better to give than to receive,” National Grid Foundation and National Grid employees teamed up to volunteer for a few Foundation partner organizations. It’s a collaboration both are excited to see evolve. It’s another way of neighbors helping neighbors. Here are three highlights
YearUp Students at Boston’s YearUp met National Grid rock stars. Tatiana Roc, Vice President, Aware to Repair Process, took time out of her day to meet with students at YearUp to discuss career and education opportunities. She was joined by another star, Carlos Nouel, Vice President, Business Development. Through a teaching and coaching program, YearUp provides young adults with job skills and experience through to help them reach for the stars themselves.
Photos courtesy of YearUp
A National Grid Rock Star Visits YearUp By Deborah Drew
This spring (May 2019), National Grid Vice President, Aware to Repair Process, Tatiana Roc, met with students at YearUp to inspire them as they work toward connecting to viable career and education pathways through dual-enrollment at Roxbury Community College and Year Up Greater Boston.
While with the students, Tatiana served as an informal mentor, conducted a “mock” interview, and shared her life and career experience to help motivate these young people on to continued success. YearUp, supported by the National Grid Foundation, provides young adults with the skills, experience, and support that helps them to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education. Mostly youth of color, these young adults come from underserved neighborhoods and have the motivation to succeed, but lack access to resources that enable them to do so – including access to companies who lack access to a viable pool of motivated and diverse talent! Year Up delivers for these youngsters through a teaching and coaching program that combines marketable job skills, stipends, internships, and college credits ❧
2019 Annual Report
2019 Annual Report
Earth Day Giving back to Mother Earth is a shared value for both National Grid Foundation and National Grid. Long Island’s Freeport Recreational Center became a more beautiful place for residents to enjoy after Foundation and corporate employees volunteered their time for an Earth Day event. Freeport and the Rec Center were battered by several storms including Hurricane Sandy. Volunteers power washed patios, pool areas and playgrounds; stained park benches and planted flowers and shrubs.
Coming Together for Earth Day Teaming up to give back:
National Grid and National Grid Foundation employees joined forces to help make Long Island’s Freeport Recreational Center more beautiful this spring. The Rec Center had been battered by several storms including Hurricane Sandy and could use a helping hand. For an Earth Day event, employee volunteers gave back to the community and put in a full day’s work -- power-washing patios, pool areas and playgrounds; stained park benches; and planted flowers and shrubs. Mother Earth is smiling! ❧
2019 Annual Report
2019 Annual Report
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society One lantern glows. Many lanterns shine. Thousands of lanterns brighten the night sky at the Light the Night event sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Team National Grid Foundation volunteered and participated at the Long Island Light the Night event in Westbury, NY. Team members included Foundation staff and National Grid employees. The team raised $6,500 for the organization which helps our neighbors with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.
Team National Grid Foundation
Shines a Light and Raises $ for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society One lantern glows. Many lanterns shine. Thousands of lanterns brighten the night sky at the Light the Night events sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). By Christine Berardi
Proceeds from the annual event supported by local LLS chapters across the country help advance the organization’s mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
played in the bounce houses and had their faces painted by volunteer artists. Walkers carried illuminated lanterns in three colors: white lanterns by survivors; red lanterns by supporters; gold lanterns by those walking in memory of loved ones lost to cancer.
Team National Grid Foundation volunteered and participated at the Long Island Light the Night event held October 19 at Eisenhower Park in Westbury, NY. Foundation employees, National Grid colleagues, family and friends joined together and raised $6,500 toward the already $1.4 million in donations for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A final total has not been reported as fundraising continued until the end of 2019.
After the sun set and Event Emcee Tony Makrides and Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon completed their speeches, all walkers shared a moving and inspirational moment. The stadium lights were turned off and the night sky was illuminated by all the lanterns. Emcee Makrides asked those battling cancer to go up to the front of the stage and form a circle with their white lanterns. Family members and friends of those who have passed away, formed a circle with their yellow lanterns around the survivors. All supporters with red lanterns surrounded both groups to show support and to bring light to the darkness of cancer.
“National Grid Foundation and National Grid are extremely proud to come together in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,” said Ed White, executive director, National Grid Foundation. “Light the Night event is special because it brings everyone together for the same purpose – to improve lives and destroy blood cancers.” Illuminated 3-D inspirational words including “love”, “courage”, “support”, “light”, “hope” and “cure” were placed across the field where participants gathered before the walk. Family and friends enjoyed delicious food and took photos in the photo booth while kids
In support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night event, more than 6,500 walkers gathered at Eisenhower Park to celebrate, honor and remember those touched by cancer. With their lanterns shining bright, walkers completed the 1.3-mile route through the neighborhood and headed back to the park for a fireworks display. Now that’s lighting up the sky! ❧
2019 Annual Report
National Grid Foundation's Support By the Numbers College Bound Dorchester As Boston non-profit organization, College Bound Dorchester relies on education to end cycles of urban poverty and violence. Its vision is to transform neighborhoods through its innovative Boston Uncornered initiative. Launched in 2016, this solution engages and encourages youth that are involve in gangs to attend and graduate college and become positive leaders in their community.
College Bound Dorchester Dorchester, MA
Boston Uncornered
70 %
500
Young People Served
Matriculate To College
68 %
Persistence rate – Students enroll in college and receive holistic support that ensures that they stay in college.
2019 Annual Report
Boston Uncornered Alex's Story
Photo: Romana Vysatova
Alex Diaz, 31
Student of Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology
Alex was born and raised in Dorchester. By the ninth grade, he had dropped out of school and was hanging on the streets with a local crew. His choices eventually led to him being incarcerated for eight years. Wanting a better life for himself and his daughter, Alex joined College Bound upon his release. Five years after later, he has graduated from Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (BFIT) with a certificate in Electrical Engineering. In January 2019, Alex expects to return to BFIT to continue his education and earn his Associate’s degree. Find full story of College Bound Dorchester in Q3 2019 edition of Destiny Newsletter
2019 Annual Report
Seven Hills ASPiRE! The mission of Seven Hills ASPiRE, an affiliate of Seven Hills Foundation, is to promote, encourage and empower people with disabilities and significant life challenges so they may pursue the highest level of personal success and independence. With programming offered at many locations throughout Massachusetts, Seven Hills offers adult day care services, job skills development and employment opportunities and other services tailored to individual’s needs.
Seven Hills ASPiRE! Worcester, MA
ASPiRE Workforce Readiness Education and Employment Program An Innovative Response to Provide Skills for Adults with Disabilities
165
Students trained for jobs
50
Individuals placed/hired in jobs
250
Receive arts education
2019 Annual Report
SevenHills ASPiRE Finds a Home for Workforce Readiness Training in Worcester ASPIRATION: A hope or ambition of achieving something By Deborah Drew
At SevenHills, ASPiRE is their “middle name” and what this non-profit organization achieves is nothing short of ambitious. The mission of Seven Hills Family ASPiRE!, an Affiliate of Seven Hills Foundation, is to promote and encourage the empowerment of people with significant challenges so that each may pursue their highest possible degree of personal well-being and independence. Services include adult day programming and job skills development and employment opportunities that are provided throughout Central Massachusetts, North Central and South Valley. Its new Workforce Readiness and Employment program provides a pathway to employment for individuals with disabilities, and it now also has a new historical site at which program participants can experience real time employment.
Find the full Story in Destiny in Q4 2019
ASPiRE! Participant, Anne Chandler outside of the new Seven Hills Café along with Jay Hayston, Vice President of Seven Hills ASPiRE! and Tim Johnson, Assistant Vice President of Seven Hills ASPiRE!
2019 Annual Report
HEAF The Harlem Education Activities Fund (HEAF) creates pathways to college and the professional world for nearly 600 underserved New York City youth each year by providing resources that help them achieve higher education and fulfilling careers. HEAF@Brooklyn is the only multi-year college preparatory after-school program that provides academic and leadership programming. The program prepares middle school students for high school and high school students for college.
HEAF@Brooklyn Brooklyn
During 2018-2019 school year, HEAF@Brooklyn served
103
Students
Students received more than
100
(67 middle school and 36 high school students)
Hours
of supplemental education, academic support, leadership development and STEAM programming
78% of 8th graders were accepted to specialized, Independent Catholic/parochial high schools due to HEAF’s emphasis on recruiting rising 6th graders for middle school
2019 Annual Report
United Way of Long Island United Way of Long Island is a non-profit multi-service agency that has served Long Island for more than 50 years. United Way’s Project Warmth is Long Island’s only non-governmental emergency fuel fund which helps Long Islanders and residents in the Rockaways. Working with local agencies and parish outreach centers, United Way of Long Island reaches Long Island’s neediest neighbors to ensure they will be warm all winter.
Project Warmth assisted
756
families including more than 600 children
Project Warmth Deer Park, NY
Program administered through 16 agencies and 90 parish outreach centers
80%
This process is so successful that of previous year’s clients did not request assistance.
Average home heating grant
553
$
per family
(natural gas, oil, electric)
2019 Annual Report
United Way of Massachusetts Bay United Way’s mission is to unite to create creative, lasting change for people in need. The non-profit organization administers many programs including emergency assistance through its Family Fund to Massachusetts residents. Working with several agencies, the funds for the fuel-neutral Emergency Heating Assistance program are provided to residents who have difficulties paying their heating bills.
Administered program through six agencies ■ Action for Boston Community Development
Emergency Home Heating Assistance Boston, MA
Other Fuel Gas Heat
■ Catholic Charities of Boston ■ Greater Lawrence Community Action Council ■ Lynn Economic Opportunity ■ Quincy Community Action Program ■ The Neighborhood Developers
Electric Heat Oil Heat
457
households benefited
1,072 individuals
42
150
households avoided having utilities disconnected
grants resulted in utility service being restored
2019 Annual Report
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany has worked with many agencies and has served the community with essential programs that are lifesaving to those in need. The Emergency Energy Assistance Program is offered to low to moderate residents who are facing overwhelming financial burdens and are having trouble paying their heating bills. The fuel-neutral program has helped thousands of individuals stay warm throughout the winter
Emergency Energy Assistance
Nearly
Albany, NY
400 households throughout 14 counties benefited from program through 12 Catholic Charities offices
Most emergency energy assistance grants are for
200 — 300
$
$
A fuel-neutral program
2019 Annual Report
Diocese of Providence/Catholic Social Services The Diocese of Providence’s established in 1872 and offers a number of ministries to all Rhode Island residents. One of the ministries is the Catholic Social Services provides many basic needs assistance including an emergency heating assistance fund. The Keep the Heat On program is offered as a last resort for those residents who experience financial burdens and have nowhere to turn for help.
More than
Keep the Heat On Providence, RI
600
households either maintained or restored heat to their homes
Edward H. White, Executive Director of the Foundation presented a $100,000 check to Bishop Thomas J. Tobin
2019 Annual Report
Providence College Providence, RI Established more than a century ago, Providence College offers a world-renown educational experience to more than 4,800 students. The college has hosted the Foundation’s Hoops for the Stars program for 12 years. PC’s HFTS program has evolved and expanded to include elementary schools broadening the reach and impact on youth. The face of the program is Head Men’s Basketball Coach Ed Cooley, who grew up on public assistance knows exactly what the students go through. 2 ,750 students attended a Men’s or Women’s basketball game P C scholar/athletes visited an elementary and middle school to speak with students M ore than 112,000 fans were present to witness impact of National Grid Foundation Hoops for the Stars program P rovidence College and partner schools sponsor an essay contest where winner was treated to a surprise visit from PC’s men’s and women’s teams.
University at Rhode Island Kingston, RI Founded in 1892, the University at Rhode Island has developed a strong reputation for academic excellence and community service, focusing on developing programs benefiting underserved communities. To further its community service goals, the university has partnered with National Grid Foundation for the Hoops for the Stars Program. U RI’s student athletes recorded over 1,500 hours of community service 3 ,500 elementary and middle school students received tickets to URI basketball games S tudents are from Cranston, West Warwick, South Kingston, Exeter, Warwick H FTS participants wrote essays to illustrate what their dreams are and how performing well in school will help achieve their goals. URI men’s and women’s basketball players will visit winners.
2019 Annual Report
Siena College Troy, NY Established in 1937, Siena College is known for providing experiences and courses of study instilling the values and knowledge for students to lead compassionate and productive lives of service and leadership. Siena College has hosted Hoops for the Stars for nine years helping thousands of students in high-needs areas near Albany, NY. 1 ,500 students from 5 elementary schools in Troy, NY and 3 elementary schools in Albany, NY participated in program R ising Stars presentation took place in front of 6,800 fans S iena College held on-court presentation recognizing partnership of Catholic Charities of Albany and National Grid Foundation S iena Men’s and Women’s basketball scholar/athletes visited 4 elementary schools in Albany and Schoharie, NY
University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY The University at Buffalo, founded in 1846, is a research-intensive public university dedicated to academic distinction. The University is the flagship institution for the State of New York system. UB Athletics has partnered with the Foundation to bring the popular and successful Hoops for the Stars program to the city of Buffalo. 1 ,650 students participated in program with 5 students recognized for their positive contributions with the Rising Stars award U B Men’s and Women’s basketball players visited 4 schools to promote literacy and other education priorities
2019 Annual Report
Syracuse University Syracuse, NY Syracuse University has provided outstanding education since 1870. The University’s founding values of educational innovation, expansion, discovery and change continues today. For more than 10 years, Hoops for the Stars program that young students, college scholar athletes and fans love. M ore than 1,500 students received tickets to 12 Syracuse University basketball game for recognition of their outstanding work M iddle school student participants increased school attendance, improved their academic performance and behavior S yracuse players visited middle schools to promote importance of education
RPI Troy, NY Rensselear Polytechnic Institute is a private education institution founded in 1924. RPI’s mission is to “apply science to the common purposes of life.” To build on the success of Hoop for the Stars, RPI sponsors Shoot for the Stars. Based on the same principles as Hoops for the Stars, Shoot for the Stars rewards students for academic and attendance improvement with tickets to RPI’s ice hockey games. M ore than 200 families have attended Shoot for the Stars event S tudents from City of Troy, Langingburgh School District, YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs who have demonstrated improved academic performance and attendance receive tickets to hockey games R ising Stars recipients are honored with on-ice presentation
2019 Annual Report
National Grid Foundation Board of Directors
Eileen R. Cohen
Dr. Gary V. Simpson
Carmen Fields
Michael J. Taunton
Hon. Louis Elisa, II
Chair
Vice – Chair
Vice – Chair
Treasurer
Board Member
Melanie W. Littlejohn
Don Lowery
Angel Taveras
Board Member
Lorraine Lynch
Marcy Reed
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
National Grid Foundation Leadership Team
Edward White
Kelly Rubbins
Christine Berardi
Deborah Drew
Pamela Focá
Executive Director
Executive Assistant
Communications Lead
Program Director
Creative Advisor
Chief Counsel Stephen W. McCaffrey
2019 Annual Report
2019 National Grid Foundation Partner Organizations ¾ Adult Resource Center, Inc. ¾ Audubon Society of Rhode Island ¾ Beam Center ¾ Books are Wings ¾ Boys & Girls Club – Wakefield and Stoneham ¾ Boys & Girls Club of Metrowest ¾ Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project ¾ Brooklyn Historical Society ¾ Brooklyn Public Library ¾ Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology ¾ Campaign Against Hunger ¾ Career Collaborative ¾ Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany ¾ Catholic Social Services of Rhode Island ¾ Change is Simple ¾ Chelsea Collaborative ¾ Citizen Schools ¾ Citizens Committee for New York City ¾ Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory ¾ College Bound Dorchester ¾ Coro NY Leadership Center ¾ Courageous Sailing ¾ Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School ¾ Dancewave ¾ Discovery Museum ¾ Earthwatch Institute ¾ FirstWorks ¾ Fiver Children’s Foundation ¾ Freedom House ¾ Friends of Children of Boston ¾ Great South Bay YMCA ¾ Green Technology Club Corp. ¾ Harlem Educational Activities Fund, Inc. ¾ Latino STEM Alliance ¾ Lazarus House ¾ Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester ¾ Long Island Pine Barrens Society ¾ Madison Square Boys & Girls Club ¾ Mercy Works, Inc.
Color Key
¾ Upstate NY
¾ Downstate NY
¾ Molloy College ¾ New Ground ¾ Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships ¾ Northland Workforce Training Center ¾ NYPD Foundation ¾ On Point for College, Inc. ¾ Phillips Academy, Andover ¾ Providence College ¾ Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ¾ Resilient Coders Inc. ¾ Rhode Island Community Food Bank ¾ Save the Harbor Save the Bay ¾ School on Wheels of MA ¾ SEAT Center ¾ SeniorNet@FSL, Huntington ¾ Siena College ¾ Solar One ¾ St. Francis College ¾ Staten Island Children’s Museum ¾ Syracuse University ¾ The Compass School ¾ The Concord Baptist Church of Christ ¾ The HOPE Program ¾ The Learning Community ¾ The Urban Farming Institute of Boston, Inc. ¾ United South End Settlements ¾ United Way of Long Island ¾ United Way of Massachusetts Bay ¾ University at Buffalo Foundation ¾ University of Rhode Island Athletics ¾ Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium ¾ Wade Institute for Science Education ¾ Worcester Community Action Council ¾ YearUp, Inc. ¾ YMCA of Central MA ¾ YMCA of Greater New York ¾ Young Peoples Project ¾ Zephyr Education Foundation, Inc.
¾ Massachusetts
¾ Rhode Island