Q U A R T E R LY N E W S L E T T E R F O R
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDHOLDERS
W
ith the colder months’ arrival comes
As 2018 draws to a close, donor-advised funds
to support programs that will enhance their work.
a special time of year, when family and
have already awarded more than 230 grants to
You can also find an update on Abraham House’s
friends share joy and give thanks.The Community
nonprofits, totaling nearly $2.1 million. Grants
new campus in Rome, which was discussed at
Foundation staff would like to express our sincere
awarded have addressed basic community needs,
last year’s donor-advised luncheon. Lastly, we
thanks and gratitude to you, our donor-advised
provided opportunities for youth, supported animal
showcase a variety of investment opportunities
fundholders. Your dedication and passion make
care organizations, healthcare and the arts, and
for our fundholders to consider as part of their
our work more meaningful with each passing
assisted many other worthwhile endeavors. These
end-of-year giving.
year. Through our fundholders, The Community
meaningful initiatives and projects are happening
Foundation is able to make a significant impact on
all because of your generosity and engagement.
We look forward to another great year in which
In this newsletter, we are excited to share the
mission—engage, invest and lead. From all of us
results of our first-ever Community Choice Awards.
at The Community Foundation, we wish you and
Winners selected by a community-wide vote are
your family a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.
our community and its people.Your contributions have already had a lasting influence and set both Herkimer and Oneida counties on a course for continued growth and success in the years to come.
receiving funding from five donor-advised funds
we will strive to fulfill The Community Foundation’s
CH U AW O NI I AR C CO D M S C H MU
ICE RDS
COMMUNITY
MM
UNITY
CHOICE AWARDS
CO
e r u t a e f R E D L O FUNDH The Community Foundation held the first-ever Community Choice
Awards, a $50,000 contest to help
five local nonprofits with community
projects in the categories of Animals, Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness, Human Services and Youth.
The Community Foundation partnered with five donoradvised funds that generously agreed to sponsor the contest, awarding $10,000 prizes to the winner of
each category. Dozens of nonprofit organizations in Herkimer and Oneida counties submitted grant
proposals for consideration. Community Foundation
staff in consultation with category sponsors selected
three finalists in each category, and then communitywide voting determined the winners. On October 17,
staff, Trustees and donors traveled to the five winning organizations to deliver their award and celebrate the exciting news.
Read on to learn more about the funds that sponsored each category and the organizations selected as winners. The winning organizations will be featured in the next edition of the donor-advised newsletter. Interested in participating in next year’s Community Choice Awards?
Please contact Lindsey Costello, donor relations manager, lcostello@foundationhoc.org, (315) 731-3726.
BULL FAMILY FUND
ARTS & CULTURE CATEGORY
The Bull Family Fund is one of The Community Foundation’s most active donoradvised funds, having awarded more than $376,000 in grants to nonprofit
organizations and programs in Herkimer and Oneida counties. Since 2001, the
fund has made 48 grants to benefit a diverse group of programs and organizations that work to address a broad spectrum of community needs in education, healthcare, arts and human services. “Many times, the smallest grants have the greatest impact
because they mean so much to the organization and the community receiving that grant,” said Larry Bull, fund advisor.The three finalists in the Arts & Culture category were Arc Herkimer, Players of Utica and Rome Capitol Arts Complex. And the winner is…Rome Capitol Arts Complex!
H U AW O NIT Y I AR CE OM D S MU N O I ITY AR CE D MELE FAMILY FUND
HEALTH & WELLNESS CATEGORY
Since 2009, the Mele Family Fund has awarded nearly $2.5 million in grants
RONALD & SHEILA CUCCARO FAMILY FUND HUMAN SERVICES CATEGORY
to nonprofit organizations that enrich the community in strategic and
Ron and Sheila Cuccaro established their fund in 2006 and in the years
significant ways. Known for their stewardship and community engagement,
since have granted over $100,000 to more than 30 local nonprofit
the Mele family is passionate about supporting projects and programs
organizations and programs. Through the fund, the Cuccaros focus their
that focus on creating long-term impact in areas of education and health.
grantmaking in support of human service organizations and programs that
“Our family strives to make proactive investments that strengthen local
help individuals struggling to meet basic needs. “Through our partnership
nonprofit organizations so that they can continue working to create
with The Community Foundation, we are able to maximize the impact
significant impact,” said Ray Mele, fund advisor. The three finalists in the
of our investments to benefit community members who are most in
Health & Wellness category were Catholic Charities of Herkimer
need,” said Ron Cuccaro, fund advisor. The three finalists in the Human
County, Mid-York Library System and Rome Hospital Foundation.
Services category were Abraham House Rome, Mohawk Valley Resource
And the winner is…Mid-York Library System!
Center for Refugees and Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen. And the winner is…Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen!
M&T BANK/PARTNERS TRUST BANK CHARITABLE FUND
STAFFWORKS CHARITABLE FUND
YOUTH CATEGORY
The Staffworks Charitable Fund was established by Anita A.Vitullo in 2006
The M&T Bank/Partner’s Trust Bank Charitable Fund (MTPT) recently
to support programs and services related to domestic animal welfare.
celebrated its tenth anniversary and has awarded more than 155 grants
Since 2009, nearly $1.4 million in grants has been awarded to community
to support a variety of programs and organizations throughout Herkimer
organizations, including more than a dozen animal welfare organizations
and Oneida counties. Over the years, many of these grants have focused
across the region. In 2018, the Staffworks Charitable Fund surpassed the
on projects and programs that empower youth through education. In
$10 million mark, becoming the first and only fund of this size at The
2018, the MTPT Fund surpassed the $2 million mark in grantmaking.
Community Foundation with a living fundholder. “The Animals Category
“Advancing the variety of opportunities available for our children is a
draws attention to the mission of a humane community for at-risk animals
priority for the MTPT Fund. When we support programs for our youth,
and the dedication of the organizations advancing that mission,” said Anita
we’re investing in our community’s future generations,” said Dave Manzelmann,
Vitullo, fund advisor.The three finalists in the Animals category were Humane
fund advisor. The three finalists in the Youth category were the Oneida
Society of Rome, Spring Farm CARES and Stevens-Swan Humane Society.
County Youth Bureau, The Kelberman Center and the Utica Zoo. And the winner is…Utica Zoo!
ANIMALS CATEGORY
And the winner is…Spring Farm CARES!
A
NEW
IN
Rome
Abraham House is extending its services to the Rome community with plans to open a six-bedroom facility in the former Rome Home on Nor th Washington Street in spring 2019.
Memorial Hospital for referrals through their continuum of care, and Ciaccia
The only facility of its kind in Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties,
In addition to more Abraham House staff, Hospice & Palliative Care will
Abraham House has provided care for the terminally ill free of charge since 1998. Since the Utica home offers just two guest rooms, Executive Director Gina Ciaccia knew it was time for the organization to grow and serve more people. She was confident that the organization could duplicate its model to expand services to another nearby community in need. This idea became real when Ciaccia spoke about the proposed project at a Rome Chamber of Commerce event. Working alongside City of Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo, Ciaccia was invited to view the Rome Home. She soon learned that the Rome Home was closing, with the organization’s board of directors planning to donate it to a worthy recipient. “This was a generous, significant gift, but also a huge undertaking for myself and my leadership team to make this happen,” Ciaccia said. “It happened
is anticipating referrals will also come from Hospice & Palliative Care. Veteran Abraham House caregivers in Utica will play a leadership role in Rome, especially in training new staff and keeping all instruction consistent. Caregivers will be cross-trained so they can work at either facility. Right now, Abraham House Utica has about 12 part-time caregivers on staff, and Rome will double that.
occupy space in the Rome facility as well, allowing for easier access since the only area hospice location is in New Hartford. This shared space arrangement will allow Hospice & Palliative Care to serve residents of Rome and surrounding communities. The Rome location is in the final stages of being cleaned out, and many items have been donated or made available at The Bird’s Nest, the Abraham House thrift store. Companies such as BME have also helped, with volunteers moving items out of the home to get ready for renovations. Moving forward, Abraham House is building a $200,000 fund that will be used to match private gifts dollar for dollar. Abraham House has already secured $50,000 from The Community Foundation in addition to $25,000 from the Mele Family Fund and $10,000 from one other donor-advised
so organically, but we approached it very seriously to make it a reality.”
fund at The Community Foundation.
Abraham House Rome will provide six more beds for the three counties,
Abraham House Rome was also a finalist in The Community Foundation’s
doubling the number of rooms available to provide 24-hour care to the terminally ill. Abraham House Rome is building a relationship with Rome
Community Choice Awards, competing for funding to provide guest services and amenities for the Rome home’s guests and their families.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES If you would like to make a grant recommendation before the year ends, please send in your request by Friday, December 14.
To support these important initiatives or discuss other opportunities, please contact Lindsey Costello, donor relations manager, 315.731.3726, lcostello@foundationhoc.org.
AMERICAN RED CROSS EASTERN NEW YORK REGION SOUND THE ALARM CAMPAIGN
According to the National Fire Protection Association, seven people die in home fires each day and an injury from a fire is reported every 90 seconds. The Sound the Alarm, Save a Live Campaign is a project aimed at making homes and residents safer throughout Herkimer and Oneida counties. The American Red Cross is requesting a grant of $10,000 in support of the home fire safety campaign. Funding will be used to install fire alarms in homes and to provide financial assistance to home fire victims.
ARC HERKIMER
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Arc Herkimer is seeking $10,000 to fund a summer concert series at Arc Park, the Mohawk Valley region’s only completely accessible, outdoor recreation facility. The funds will be used to help contract bands and entertainers to perform at eight early evening concerts, free to the public. A show would be presented each week in 2019, beginning the week of July 8 and ending the week of August 26. It is expected that attendance would demonstrate the popularity of Arc Herkimer’s summer programs and provide the incentive for sponsorships that would help sustain the concert series for years to come.
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA LEATHERSTOCKING COUNCIL ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION VAN
The Boy Scouts of America Leatherstocking Council is seeking $50,000 for the purchase of a second 12-passenger transportation van and trailer hitch.The addition of a second van will help increase membership of the Council’s Urban Unit in Utica and transport more scouts to outings, camps and other related programs. The van will help transport about 50 at-risk youth in Troop 21, Troop 101 and Pack 16 from economically disadvantaged and/or refugee families in Utica.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF HERKIMER COUNTY RIDE PROGRAM
Catholic Charities of Herkimer County currently serves over 9,000 residents in Herkimer County by offering a wide variety of programs with the intention of improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable. The RIDE Program’s mission is to respond to the needs of the elderly through a professionally supported one-on-one relationship with a caring volunteer. The program provides transportation for seniors to their medical appointments in order to maintain or improve their health and independence. The program also provides social support, which is important in the overall health and well-being of the senior population. Catholic Charities of Herkimer County is seeking $10,000 in funding to support the RIDE Program.
CENTRAL NEW YORK VETERANS OUTREACH CENTER DOWNTOWN GYM IMPROVEMENTS
The Central New York Veterans Outreach Center has been working diligently over the past 10 years to reclaim the former YMCA building in downtown Utica. With several improvements already completed, the building’s gym still lacks full accessibility, which hinders its ability to welcome people of all ages and abilities. The Center is seeking funds for the redesign of the elevator entrance to the gymnasium, which will allow programs such as Rock Steady Boxing to increase the number of participants they can host.
CLINTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY WINTER CONCERT
The Clinton Symphony Orchestra of the Mohawk Valley was established in 2014 to reinstitute an 80-year legacy of professional, classical symphonic music in the region. On Sunday, December 9, singers from the Juilliard School of Music will join the Clinton Symphony Orchestra of the Mohawk Valley, under the baton of music director Charles Schneider, performing arias, duets and other pieces from the world of opera at the Clinton Central Schools Performing Arts Center. Clinton Symphony Orchestra is seeking funding to support the concert’s administrative operations.
COMPASSION COALITION
EQUIPPED TO TEACH - TEACHER RESOURCE CENTER The Teacher Resource Center focuses on providing teachers with free school-related products and learning tools donated from national sponsors and local companies or purchased through local distributors. Each teacher receives an average of $1,000 worth of supplies and educational tools. Compassion Coalition is seeking funding to buy products to stock the Teacher Resource Center.
GUARDIANS OF FREEDOM MEMORIAL MONUMENT
The mission of the Guardians of Freedom Memorial is to remember and honor service dogs and their handlers who have sacrificed their lives protecting the nation. Guardians of Freedom Memorial is seeking funds for a monument to honor teamwork, courage and sacrifices on the battlefield. If successfully funded, a permanent tribute will include a bronze statue in Herkimer depicting a military dog and its handler.
HOMEOWNERSHIPCENTER PROJECT JAMES STREET
The James Street corridor connecting Oneida and Miller streets is in poor condition and detracts from the image residents and community leaders are creating. HomeOwnershipCenter is seeking $10,000 for Project James Street, Operation Beautification. Funding will address beautification and related enhancements, which may include benches, planter boxes, murals, art installations, painted crosswalks, waste receptacles, community branding and image development. Final determination for targeted beautification projects will come from focus groups with neighborhood residents.
JOHNSON PARK CENTER INDIVIDUAL TUTORING SUPPORT
Individual tutoring sessions will provide children ages 3 to 5 with one-on-one professional support designed to target individual needs and prepare kids for their educational future. Johnson Park Center is seeking $10,000 to support a staff member’s salary and supplies. The program’s goal is to help diminish the advantage gap by providing access to early childhood education for the children of Cornhill.
KELBERMAN CENTER ICAN BIKE PROGRAM
Research shows that 80 percent of people with autism and 90 percent of people with down syndrome never learn to ride a two-wheel bike. The iCan Bike Program has been successful in defying these numbers with a specialized program using adaptive equipment, trained staff and community volunteers. With 75 minutes of instruction over five days, more than 80 percent of riders learn to ride a conventional bicycle independently by the end of camp. The Kelberman Center is requesting $10,000 in funding to cover the iCan Bike program fee and the necessary rink facility rental costs.
KINDRED SPIRITS GREYHOUND ADOPTION PUMPKIN’S FUND FOR SAVING SENIORS
All dogs that come to Kindred Spirits are subject to a thorough exam and extensive veterinary medical testing. For senior dogs, such diagnostics often reveal serious medical conditions that may require lifelong medication, periodic testing and/or intensive treatment. Kindred Spirits Greyhound Adoption is seeking funding to cover lifetime medical support for these pets when they are placed with approved families, allowing more senior dogs to be adopted into the community.
MASONIC CARE COMMUNITY OASIS TRAINING
Masonic Care Community seeks to provide a two-day, on-site “train-the-trainer” program focused on dementia care management and person-centered care. This innovative program will significantly improve resident quality of life and reduce antipsychotic medication use. Masonic Care Community is seeking $4,500 to cover the cost of this training, allowing staff to receive cutting-edge training and bring the best care possible to a vulnerable population.
MASONIC CARE COMMUNITY ELECTRIC SCOOTER
Masonic Care Community is located on a large campus that encompasses 23 households and a variety of common areas and activity spaces in its main health pavilion. A number of residents have mobility issues, and long walks can be difficult. To enhance quality of life and ease of access for residents, Masonic Care Community is seeking $9,500 for a foursome electric scooter. The vehicle will be operated by staff and/or volunteers to assist with transportation within buildings.
NEW HARTFORD LIBRARY MAKE MUSIC HAPPEN PROGRAM
Make Music Happen is a Girl Scout Gold Award project that creates a partnership between the New Hartford Public Library and local school music programs, including the Tri-M Music Honor Society at New Hartford Senior High School. Older students and adults are encouraged to donate starter musical instruments through an annual collection; necessary repairs will be completed by local music teachers, volunteers and paid vendors. Beginning in January 2019, the library will loan out instruments, typically for one year with a possible second-year renewal. The program is seeking donations of instruments and funds to clean and repair donated instruments and maintain an instrument inventory.
OLD FORGE LIBRARY
I AM AN ANIMAL WRITING PROGRAM The I Am An Animal Writing Program is a joint project of Old Forge Library, VIEW Arts Center and ASCENT that will offer creative coaching opportunities to high school-aged writers and illustrators. In two consecutive workshops, writers and illustrators will learn to craft powerful short stories and create black-and-white illustrations. Old Forge Library is seeking $2,000 for the cost of designing and printing a published collection of these works; the finished book will be released at the Town of Webb Student Exhibit at VIEW in spring 2019.
PLAYERS OF UTICA
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS Players of Utica is seeking $10,000 to bring a reimagined version of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night to different neighborhoods around Utica. Players of Utica is also looking to partner with other nonprofits in the community to help involve the immigrant population with this project. Each year, Players of Utica serves more than 3,000 people in the community; however, this project would allow them to increase those numbers and widen their impact. The funds would go toward a mobile stage and all the components necessary to put on a mobile theatre show.
ROAD TO HOME RESCUE SUPPORT WARMER WINTER 2018-2019
Road to Home Rescue Support is seeking $10,000 for an upgraded heating and cooling system that will be mobile if the organization plans to move its facilities in the future. Its new facility on Broad Street in Utica is 10,000 square feet, and the concrete floors absorb cold in the winter and heat in the summer. The new system will allow animals to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
THE HOUSE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD FOSTER CARE PROGRAM SUPPLIES
On a given day, The House of the Good Shepherd typically has 170 children in its foster care program, a third of which are under 3 years of age. Foster care program staff assist with children and parent visitations, provide families with mentoring on how to care for children, and take children to doctor or therapeutic visits and court dates. As the average age of children in foster care has decreased, the need for additional supplies has increased. The House of the Good Shepherd is seeking $850 to purchase diapers for children in the program.
TILTON SCHOOL TOKEN STORE The Tilton School Token Store is part of a rewards system that helps motivate students to manage behavior. Students ages 5 to 13 have a chance to earn tokens in the classroom for good behaviors, such as going above and beyond, being kind to others and achieving set academic goals. Every Friday afternoon, students get the opportunity to go to the store and cash in their tokens for items such as candy, school supplies, headphones, hats and toys. The House of the Good Shepherd is seeking $500 to purchase reward items to replenish the Tilton School Token Store for the school year.
THE KEYS PROGRAM SMILE EXPERIENCE
The KEYS Program is a nonprofit organization that has been delivering music, hope and smiles to children battling cancer and serious illnesses since 1993. The Smile Experience is a cancer-free zone where families get a break from their struggles to enjoy a day together filled with music and fun. It costs approximately $750 to provide the Smile Experience family respite day program to one child. The KEYS Program is requesting $60,000 to meet its goal of creating 80 smiles this coming year by providing the Smile Experience program to 80 children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses in Herkimer and Oneida counties.
THE PARKWAY CENTER PLAYGROUND FOR THE AGES
The Parkway Center is partnering with the City of Utica Parks Department and Department of Public Works to create a playground for all ages. The organization is seeking funding for the purchase of amenities, including picnic tables, a bench with a back, sloop bike rack, double tai-chi hand swing, an outdoor double glider and a community message board.
UPTOWN THEATRE FOR CREATIVE ARTS THE UPTOWN SCREENING ROOM
Uptown Theatre for Creative Arts (UTCA) was established to restore the historic Uptown Theatre and provide Utica and the surrounding communities with diverse programming that inspires, educates, engages and entertains. UTCA is requesting $10,000 toward the purchase and installation of commercial-grade audio/visual equipment (projector, speakers, screen) in the newly renovated lobby of the Uptown Theatre. This support will also fund licensing fees for 12 family-friendly movies, which will be offered as free monthly events to the community. In addition to the free series, UTCA will host year-round affordably priced movie screenings, live comedy, music and other in-demand events.
UTICA ZOO
FOOD FOR THE ANIMALS The Utica Zoo is seeking funding of approximately $500 to cover food costs for the animals throughout the winter. Foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots and craisins are items that most of the animals receive as part of their regular diets or as part of their enrichment. The Utica Zoo purchases these items locally throughout the winter and funding would help to offset these costs.
YWCA MOHAWK VALLEY PREVENTION EDUCATION PROGRAM
In 2019, the YWCA Mohawk Valley’s Prevention Education Program will collaborate with local school districts, teachers and staff to work with students to define multiple kinds of violence, identify risk factors, address problematic attitudes and behaviors, and respond with evidence-based, lifelong strategies. The YWCA is seeking $10,000 to support the purchase of One Circle Foundation’s Girls Circle program, including its evidence-based curriculum and training.
New funds DICKS FAMILY FUND
The Dicks Family Fund is a donor-advised fund established by Alicia and Robert Dicks. The fund will be used to support general charitable purposes
KEVIN “BING” CROSSLEY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION The Kevin “Bing” Crossley Memorial Foundation was created in honor of Kevin “Bing” Crossley, a Village of Whitesboro police officer who lost his life in a motor vehicle accident while on patrol in April 2018. The foundation will support areas that interested Kevin, such as small engine repair and criminal justice, as well as community outreach programs that help bring together local youth and law enforcement communities.
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WATSON WILLIAMS INTERACTIVE SPORTS WALL
INVEST IN YOUR Community MAKE A GIFT THAT WILL FIT YOUR PHILANTHROPIC GOALS AND BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY FOR YEARS TO COME.
HOW TO GIVE ONLINE
YEAR-END GIVING REMINDERS
Per IRS guidelines, the following deadlines must be adhered to in order for gifts to count for 2018 tax deductibility.
foundationhoc.org
PHONE
2608 Genesee Street | Utica, NY 13502
315.735.8212
WAYS TO GIVE
ONLINE GIFTS
Online credit card transactions must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, December 31, 2018.
PHONED-IN OR IN-PERSON GIFTS
Phoned-in or in-person gifts must be received by 4 p.m. on Monday, December 31, 2018. MAKE A GIFT
Cash Real Estate Stocks & Securities
CREATE A FUND
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Bequests Future Fund Life Insurance
GENERATE AN INCOME
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MAILED GIFTS
Gifts mailed to The Community Foundation must be postmarked by Monday, December 31, 2018.
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.