Annual Report 2020
Photo: The Campaign Against Hunger
Annual Report 2020
Chairman’s Letter
Eileen Cohen
A very challenging year
National Grid Foundation was ready for 2020, the start of a new decade for opportunities. Prepared to evolve and further its reach, the Foundation would continue the mission of aiding community organizations that provide essential services, enhancing the lives of our neighbors and ultimately improving our world. Unfortunately, the coronavirus (COVID-19) which started showing up in the US in February 2020 put a halt to everything. The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone and every facet life. Businesses shuttered, and people became unemployed, food was scarce, and neighbors grew hungry, schools closed, and students learned remotely, and nonprofits paused vital in-person services, and clients received altered online programs. COVID-19 continues to affect us all: millions of people became sick; more than 400,000 Americans lost their lives and more than two million people worldwide died as 2021 begins. Although COVID-19 turned our world upside down, I am most proud of how our organization quickly pivoted and continued to assist our grant recipients during these challenging times. Staff safely worked from home, and the Board Members and I held virtual Board of Director meetings. With its mission in the forefront and the needs of the non-profits in mind, National Grid Foundation didn’t slow down due to this crisis. Another source of pride is that National Grid Foundation’s Board of Directors of esteemed business and community leaders did not hesitate to approve two sets of COVID Relief aid in May and December 2020. Grants totaling $2 million were made to community organizations helping in food access and security, human service needs and emergency heating programs throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York. Most of these organizations are not on the Foundation’s quarterly recipient list. What only matters are that these organizations are working hard to bring back a sense of normalcy to our world. They not only offer programs to enhance lives, they are now delivering life-saving solutions. Speaking of Board Members, I am happy to welcome Eboné Carrington to National Grid Foundation. She was elected to the Board of Directors in early 2020. She is the Chief Executive Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals in Harlem, NY. Heading a large New York City hospital kept her busy during the year. We look forward to working with her as she brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. As I mentioned, National Grid Foundation kept its pace of awarding quarterly grants to its veteran partners. The Foundation also welcomed a few new organizations: STRIVE Boston in Massachusetts; Boys and Girls Club of Warwick in Rhode Island; and Visually Impairment Advancement (VIA) in Upstate New York. The website (www.nationalgridfoundation.com) continues to be refreshed throughout the year. Destiny, the Foundation’s quarterly newsletter, which highlights the non-profits we support can be found on the website. 2020 was a very challenging year. National Grid Foundation rose to the challenge as did our partners. We only hope that our organization was able to offer the support and give lift to those who needed it. COVID-19 still touches our lives but hopefully 2021 will see and end to the suffering and begin anew. National Grid Foundation will continue to bring attention to life’s important matters and support community organizations which lend a hand up and improve our communities.
2020 Annual Report
A Message from the Executive Director
Edward White
What a challenging year this has been.
Those words have been said by many of us over the course of the last 11 months. Terms like “new- normal,” adaptability, virtual, Zoom ... All are now part of our daily vernacular. While the challenges that our communities have faced are well documented, a story that hasn’t necessarily been told as well is how many of these challenges have produced innovation and creativity across the philanthropic landscape to allow many non-profit organizations to continue to serve, and positively impact students, clients and the communities at large. From the massive increase that The Campaign Against Hunger saw in demand for food availability to all the virtual classes where students interacted with educators in new and creative ways. A great example of that is the over 800,000 people that visited virtual programming at the Brooklyn Public Library, and the 350,000 students and families that participated in its summer reading program. Going virtual allowed for participation well beyond the in-person programs that we have funded for years. As our communities continue to struggle through this global pandemic, I am most proud that the National Grid Foundation Board of Directors significantly increased the amount of support for front-line Covid-19 response, as well as heating assistance during these critical months where the need is so great. For an organization that typically has a modest annual giving budget of nearly $2 million, I am proud that we were able to go above and beyond and not only support Covid relief to the tune of $1 million over the last year, but also provided an additional $1 million worth of heating assistance for those desperately in need across our the three states in our service area. While no one knows what the future will bring — and we all are hopeful for the return to some semblance of normalcy beyond pandemic — we at the Foundation know that in times of calm or crisis, we remain grounded and guided by what’s in our DNA: Positively impact and improve the lives of the underserved in our neighborhoods, and build partnerships to help build stronger communities.
Board of Directors announced a $500,000 donation for 45 community organizations across Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island to help support hunger relief and human services for people in need and struggling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including those providing meals to children and families, and those assisting first responders.
Annual Report 2020
Helping Our Communities $500K Covid Response Donated During Spring 2020 Massachusetts • • • • • • • • • •
Greater Boston Food Bank United Way of Mass Bay YWCA Central MA The Cape Cod Hunger Network Community Servings Dimock Center Caribbean Carnival Society La Colaborativa UTEC Brockton COVID-19 Fund Friends of the Children, Boston
New York
Boroughs Nassau /Suffolk • God’s Love We Deliver • The Campaign Against Hunger
• Life of Hope Center • Brooklyn Community Foundation
• Far Rockaway Gods Battalion of Prayer • Feeding our Frontline • Meals on Wheels of Staten Island • Christian Pentecostal Church SI • Jewish Community Center of SI • Project Hospitality
New York Upstate • Feed More WNY • Unity House United Way of Adirondack Region/ • Adirondack Foundation • Buffalo Public Schools • Capital City Rescue Mission • Food Bank of Central New York • Schenectady City Mission
Rhode Island • • • • •
Learning Community Operation Stand Down Rhode Island Community Food Bank Meals on Wheels Progreso Latino
• Lighthouse Mission Coney Island • Christian Cultural Center (CCC) Pantry • Central Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (CBEDC) • Crown Heights Youth Collective • Millennium Development
• Jamaica and Elmhurst Hospital Out of Town First Responder Fund • Brooklyn NY For Life! Inc. • United Way of Long Island • Island Harvest • The INN
• Central Island Civic Counsel • Generalneeds.org
COVIDResponse
$500K
2020 Annual Report
Additional Funding Donated During Winter 2020
COVIDResponse
$1.5 Million
National Grid Foundation has kicked off 2021 helping its neighbors with food access, human services and emergency heating fund support assisting local communities impacted by COVID – 19.
New York
Massachusetts Greater Boston Food Bank • United Way of Mass Bay • YWCA Central MA • • Lower Cape Outreach Council Community Servings • Dimock Center • Caribbean Carnival Society • • La Colaborativa UTEC • Brockton COVID-19 Fund • Friends of the Children, Boston • Red Cross of MA • Yarmouth Food Pantry • Falmouth Service Center • Friends Food Pantry •
Boroughs Nassau /Suffolk • God’s Love We Deliver • The Campaign Against Hunger ife of Hope Center • L
• Brooklyn Community Foundation • Far Rockaway Gods Battalion of Prayer • Meals on Wheels of Staten Island • Christian Pentecostal Church SI • Jewish Community Center of SI
• Project Hospitality • Lighthouse Mission Coney Island
• Christian Cultural Center (CCC) Pantry • Central Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (CBEDC) rown Heights Youth Collective • C • Millennium Development • Jamaica and Elmhurst Hospital Out of Town First Responder Fund • Brooklyn NY For Life! Inc. • United Way of Long Island • I sland Harvest
• The INN • Central Island Civic Counsel • Generalneeds.org • Pronto ew Ground • N
New York Upstate Feed More WNY • Unity House • United Way of Adirondack Region/ • Adirondack Foundation Capital City Rescue Mission • Food Bank of Central New York • Schenectady City Mission • • Be-A-Friend Program, Inc. Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and Souther Tier • Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany
Rhode Island • Learning Community • Operation Stand Down • Rhode Island Community Food Bank • Meals on Wheels • Progreso Latino • Catholic Social Services
Annual Report 2020
2020 QUARTERLY DISTRIBUTION Including Covid Response
$1,800,000
$500,000
COVID
$1,350,000
$500,000 Additional
Heating
$900,000 $500,000
COVID
$500,000
$450,000
Heating $431,800
Q1
$359,000
Q2
$297,300
$266,000
Q3
Q4
2020 Annual Report
TIME LINE Covid-19 Food access, hunger relief, fuel-neutral winter energy cost.
$1,000,000 Eboné M. Carrington Joins Foundation
Covid-19 Food insecurities
$500,000
Q1 2020 - First All virtual National Grid Foundation Board of Directors meeting. Foundation staff work from home. Reschedule organization sight visits to Zoom calls.
Marcy Reed
Joins Foundation
Eileen R. Cohen
Named Foundation Chairperson
Albert C. Wiltshire
Retires as Foundation Chairman
Don Lowery
Joins Foundation
Angel Taveras Joins Foundation
Annual Report 2020
COVID Heating Fund Response Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley
$250,000
United Way Family Fund
$250,000
Project Warmth & Safe At Home for Seniors
Project Warmth is a safety net for financially struggling individuals and families who are unable to pay their heating bill. National Grid Foundation Support to Project Warmth reaches nearly $2 Million since 1994.
$250,000
Emergency Energy Assistance Fund (EEAF)
$250,000
Keep The Heat On
‘Keep the Heat On’ has raised more than $3.65 million to help 15,000 families and individuals in Rhode Island with heating assistance since its inception in 2005. This winter the diocese assisted 303 households to help families and individuals stay warm. Over the last eight years, National Grid Foundation has provided a total of $915,000 to the diocesan heating assistance program.
United Way will distribute the funds to 16 community-based organizations serving several communities hard hit by the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis, including Boston, Chelsea, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Randolph and Quincy. National Grid Foundation has supported United Way’s efforts for 16 years, bringing the total of its support to over $1.9 million.
Catholic Charities’ Emergency Energy Assistance Fund (EEAF) Helping residents seeking emergency heating and energy assistance during the winter months. The grant to Catholic Charities, will assist approximately 700 households across the 14 counties of the Albany Diocese. National Grid Foundation Has Supported Emergency Energy Assistance Fund for 7 years.
Photo: United Way
2020 Annual Report
National Grid Foundation increased help to many partners addressing food insecurities from the beginning of the Covid pandemic.
The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH) was one of those partners that tirelessly continue to help as many as they can. Teaching by example, they had volunteers distributing food, as well as growing produce in their urban farms. The Campaign Against Hunger has: Served over 1.4 million individuals Provided enough food for over 13.9 million nutritious meals Cultivated 20,000 pounds of produce on an annual basis through their urban farms Distributed upwards of 2,800 bags of groceries for families daily Has increased 1020% in daily food distribution efforts
Photo: The Campaign Against Hunger
Engaged 3,730 volunteers and leveraged 13,840 volunteer hours
Annual Report 2020
2020 Annual Report
Food Bank of Central New York The Covid pandemic hit the community it serves hard.
From March – June 2020
8.4 Million pounds of food
were distributed
86,308
CFAP food boxes distributed totaling more than
1,648,000 pounds of food were distributed
450 volunteers shared 2,229
hours with the Food Bank Food Bank staff devoted more nearly
25,000
hours to the pandemic response.
National Grid volunteers helped with the Food Bank food distribution along with donations given by National Grid Foundation.
Annual Report 2020
COVID-19 Food Insecurity From March to December of 2020, GBFB’s food distribution increased by nearly 60% over the same period in 2019. These 10 months were by far the largest distribution months in the 40-year history of GBFB.
94.4 59.9M
Million Pounds of Food
MAR-DEC 2019
MAR-DEC 2020
COVID
PRE-COVID
Food Insecure Neighbors in Eastern Massachusetts
415,380 1 in 13 residents
91,830 1 in 11 children
687,630 1 in 8 residents
199,690 1 in 5 children
Source: Feeding America, The Impact of the Coronavirus on Local Food Insecurity. October 2020
Rhode Island Community Food Bank There was an immediate surge in demand for food assistance after the outbreak of COVID-19. Before the pandemic, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank served
53,700 People Monthy In April, the Food Bank served
67,900 People
Partners with 282 emergency food programs in the counties of Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and St. Lawrence.
The
Food Bank increased its food distribution
45% INCREASE
by
330,000* meals delivered *Supplied by FEMA
2020 Annual Report
Brooklyn Public Library
SUMMER READING 2020 Due to the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Brooklyn Public Library transformed its Summer Reading program into an online format. Regardless of the change to the program the objective remained clarion: To engage youth in the program as well as sustain and improve their reading skills, bolster their reading habits and strengthen their connection to their local library. National Grid Foundation is a long-time supporter of Brooklyn Public Library and its successful Summer Reading Program.
First-ever virtual Summer Reading kickoff drew more than
5,000 attendees
Digital circulation during the 2020 Summer Reading
192,987 1,200
online programs
Storytimes STEM activities Writing workshops Live performances
Summer Reading programs had a combined viewing attendance of over
350,000
an increase of
203%
over the same time period last year
174% higher than the three months immediately prior to the shut-down
8,254
Children’s and teen books were distributed across Brooklyn, prioritizing high-needs communities
Summer Reading program outreach to over
750
institutions including schools, childcare and community centers, hospitals, homeless shelters, and social services agencies.
Over
800,000 people visited virtual programming at the Brooklyn Public Library
Annual Report 2020
Monday, June 29, 2020 11:00 am — 11:30 am Vitual Reading
Virtual Storytime with Special Guest
Eileen Cohen
Chair of the National Grid Foundation reads Llama Llama Loves to Read by Anna Dewdney.
The Learning Community Since closing on March 13, 2020, The Learning Community immediately began hosting two food distributions every week to every student in need of healthy meals.
Distributed
30,250 meals
Has provided
Chromebooks
to every one of the students
581 165
Social worker Kelly Baraf works with students and their parents at The Learning Community, a K-8 charter school in Central Falls, from her home in East Providence.
Provided hot spots to ensure students can learn safely from home.
Photo: Friends of the Children Boston
Serves 142 of Boston’s most vulnerable children The only organization in MA providing 12.5 years of professional mentoring support Youth spend 14-16 hours per month with a full-time, experienced professional mentor called a Friend Over 25,000 hours of professional mentoring hours provided in 2019.
PANDEMIC RESPONSE 12,650 hours of support to Achievers and families 7,755 Virtual and in-person outings with Achievers (resumed in-person in July) 1,139 school contacts made to support transition to remote learning 350 care packages filled with arts supplies, cleaning projects, toilet paper, PPE, books, and board games delivered to all of the Achievers and their families 22,000 lbs. of meals and bags of fresh groceries delivered to families $17,500 direct cash support in partnership with Family Independence Initiative $5,000 worth of Visa and grocery store gift cards distributed to families who have fallen into hard times due to job losses or illness.
90%
Are on track to earn a high school diploma or GED, though 41% have a parent with no High School degree.
99%
have avoided the juvenile justice system, though 48% have parent(s) who’ve been incarcerated.
100%
have avoided early parenting, despite 25% having been born to a teen parent.
2020 Annual Report
Chris Chris Caver:
A Foundation Success Story By Deborah Drew Christopher (Chris) Caver, and On Point for College have at least two things in common: The push for academic excellence, along with a successful transition to college, and the National Grid Foundation. Chris teamed up with On Point for College, a college preparatory program supported by the National Grid Foundation for more than eight years, and received crucial supports he needed to achieve his dreams, graduate, and give back to his community. On Point for College — which has helped more than 2,500 college graduates — assists firstgeneration, low-income youth from Syracuse, Utica, and surrounding counties to enroll in and succeed at college. It provides pre-college College Access and College Success services to inform young adults that college is possible and orientation sessions over the summer for students who are enrolled in college and expect to begin their first semester of college in the Fall. Chris graduated from Nottingham High School in Syracuse, New York and moved away to attend Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania. But he didn’t understand how to navigate the financial aid system and was forced to withdraw after one semester. He returned to Syracuse, where he worked odd
jobs, until a friend suggested that he check out On Point for College. Chris understood that higher education would be the great equalizer that would open doors for him personally and professionally. And the doors opened wide. Chris currently is a senior analyst at National Grid. He works in the utility’s Operational Excellence
“I would encourage students, that no matter the odds that they are facing, to never lose sight of their goals and aspirations, surround yourself with a support system, and seek guidance from a mentor, as this current test will be part of your ultimate testimony in the future.” — Chris Caver department where his chief responsibilities include the analysis of the efficiency and effectiveness of the company’s processes to ultimately develop and implement improvement plans. Chris said, “I am inspired by this work because it allows me to gain a better understanding of all aspects of the business while stimulating continuous improvement plans for the company. This work also allows me to think strategically and creatively to help the company reach its goals.” Ed White, Executive Director for the National Grid Foundation had the opportunity to meet Chris and
commented, “Chris is an amazing example of exactly how we hope the support of programs like On Point will play out. As a young college student Chris needed some help, support and guidance. On Point offered that comprehensive support. Chris has not only succeeded, but also has come full circle and is now giving back as a board member for On Point. We couldn’t be more proud of Chris and the leadership he continues to demonstrate.” Today, Chris continues to pursue his career at National Grid, and also serves on the Board of Directors at On Point for College. He was recently featured in the National College Attainment Network Alumni Spotlight. www.ncan.org “Throughout your journey, you will encounter times of uncertainty and challenge,” Chris said. “But I have always been inspired by a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in which he stated, ‘The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.’” Chris continued, “I would encourage students, that no matter the odds that they are facing, to never lose sight of their goals and aspirations, surround yourself with a support system, and seek guidance from a mentor, as this current test will be part of your ultimate testimony in the future.” ❧
Annual Report 2020
On Point for College Facts Summer 2020 Pre-College Orientation
W
ith National Grid Foundation’s support, On Point for College’s
Summer Pre-College Orientation Program offers unique College Access and Success Services to inner-city and first-generation college youth in Utica and Syracuse, NY. Even during the Covid pandemic, On Point still made an impact on these students’ lives.
More than 250 students from the Utica and Syracuse offices successfully completed orientation between June and August 2020 On Point met the challenges of the pandemic by offering a virtual session for all participants, continuing with an informative discussion on resources needed to navigate college, including understanding what is in a course syllabus, financial aid, and How to get along with a roommate.
Rudo Swedi and her National Grid Foundation backpack, eager to take on the Fall 2020 semester!
All students received a National Grid Foundation backpack filled with school supplies. Students residing on campus also received bedding and towels. While On Point staff weren’t able to meet in person with students on college campuses, they launched a Wellness Check In with all students.
2020 Annual Report
2020 National Grid Foundation Concentration of Giving
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.
$3,030,100 grant distriution is combined 2020 program support and Covid Response
$1,000,000 $824,300
In 2020, Foundation supported 18 environmental organizations with $205,800 and 51 educational non-profits with $824,300. Four major organizations which provide heating fund assistance* programs received $500,000 in grants. Approximately $1,530,100 in grants were distributed to community organizations which benefited our communities.
$205,800
4 Heating Fund Assistance
51 Educational Non-profits
33% 4 Heating Fund Assistance
The Foundation funds organizations that administer educational programs assisting people of all ages giving them opportunities to become more selfreliant. Classroom-based education and skills training for those in underserved communities are priorities.
2020 Grants Distributed
13%
18 Environmental Organizations
18 Environmental Organizations
54%
51 Educational Non-profits
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.
Annual Report 2020
Upstate New York Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Downstate New York
Freedom School Summer Program 2020
National Grid Foundation Icon & Color Key
Rhode Island Massachusetts Downstate NY
Environmental
Emergency Heating Fund
Education
Upstate NY
2020 Annual Report
Board of Directors
Eileen R. Cohen CHAIR
Dr. Gary V. Simpson VICE – CHAIR
Eboné M. Carrington BOARD MEMBER
Carmen Fields VICE – CHAIR
Hon. Louis Elisa, II BOARD MEMBER
Michael J. Taunton TREASURER
Melanie W. Littlejohn BOARD MEMBER
Don Lowery BOARD MEMBER
Stephen W. McCaffrey CHIEF COUNSEL
Lorraine Lynch BOARD MEMBER
Marcy Reed BOARD MEMBER
Angel Taveras BOARD MEMBER
Leadership Team
Edward White Executive Director
Kelly Rubbins
Executive Assistant
Christine Berardi Communications Lead
Deborah Drew Program Director
Pamela Focá Creative Advisor
Annual Report 2020
2020 National Grid Foundation Partner Organizations Baruch College Books Are Wings Boys and Girls Club of Metrowest Brooklyn Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Association Brooklyn Public Library Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology Career Collaborative Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany Catholic Social Services of Rhode Island Change is Simple Chelsea Collaborative Citizen Schools Citizens Committee for New York City College Bound Dorchester Coro Leadership NY Courageous Sailing Cristo Rey Boston High School Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School Dancewave Discovery Museum Earthwatch Institute FirstWorks Friends of the Children of Boston Great South Bay YMCA Green Technology Club Corp. HEAF JFYNetWorks Latino STEM Alliance Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester Long Island Pine Barrens Society Madison Square Boys and Girls Club Mercy Works Molloy College New Ground Northland Workforce Training Center Color Key
¾ Upstate NY
¾ Downstate NY
¾ Massachusetts
NYPD Foundation On Point for College Phillips Academy, Andover Providence College Read to Succeed Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Resilient Coders Save the Harbor/Save the Bay School on Wheels MA SEAT Center Senior Net @ FSL Seven Hills ASPiRE Siena College Solar One St. Francis College Staten Island Children’s Museum STRIVE Boston The Beam Center The Brooklyn Historical Society The Campaign Against Hunger The Compass School The HOPE Program The Learning Community The Malden YMCA United South End Settlements United Way of Long Island United Way of Mass Bay University at Buffalo Foundation Vanderbilt Museum Visually Impairment Advancement Year Up YMCA of Central MA YMCA of Greater Boston YMCA of Greater New York Young People’s Project
¾ Rhode Island
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou