Q U A R T E R LY N E W S L E T T E R F O R
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDHOLDERS SPRING 2020
A
t The Community Foundation, fulfilling our
like ours—and fundholders like you have seen
wave.” One of the major ways we’ve been able
“Engage, Invest, Lead” mission has taken on a
current values affected. While we share your
to do so is through the creation of a joint fund
new sense of urgency. Like organizations and
concerns, it’s important to remember that assets
with the United Way of the Valley & Greater
people everywhere, we’re adjusting to new
will recover from this downturn, just as we will,
Utica Area, called the Mohawk Valley COVID-19
realities resulting from the global pandemic. But
collectively, overcome this societal crisis.
Response Fund. This fund is truly the priority
our commitment to build a better community demands more than just “adjusting.”
and center point of our work in real time and As is always the case in troubled times, some
we ask that you please consider contributing to
in our community rise to meet the challenge; in
help us make the greatest impact possible. I’m
Even as staff worked remotely from mid-March
this newsletter, you’ll see evidence of that spirit.
confident that—whatever lies ahead—your help
on, we began to address some of the many
All of us at The Community Foundation take
and support are strengthening this community
challenges our partners and constituents faced
great pride in the commitments made by our
and brightening its future.
as the impacts of the pandemic deepened.You may
donors and fundholders.
have already heard of the joint COVID-19 fund that was established and our other partnerships;
And even as we address the harsh realities of
these efforts are just the beginning.
the current situation, our top priority has quickly
Sincerely,
become strategizing to support our community’s Meeting rising needs as market forces put pressure
future well-being as we plan for the pandemic’s
Alicia Dicks
on charitable assets has challenged organizations
unknown aftermath—and a potential “second
President/CEO
ORGANIZATION PROFILE
ARC HERKIMER:
Building up
OUR COMMUNITY I
t’s true: people are looking at life through a different lens. We all now appreciate things we once overlooked. Often unsung, the dedicated nonprofits that tirelessly lift this community up, especially during trying times, continue to provide essential services. Arc Herkimer, a multifaceted agency serving people with disabilities, knows all too well that during times of crisis nonprofits are the glue that holds the community together. The impact of the pandemic has challenged Arc Herkimer’s several divisions— support services, an industrial sector, career connections and transportation services—all of which exist to help individuals with developmental, psychological and physical disabilities. Because of the nature of the work the organization does, remaining proactive in support of community needs and those it serves is now Arc Herkimer’s top priority. “For agencies like ours, we’re all considered essential employees, including the administration, so we’re trying to operate business as usual, even though it’s not,” said Kevin Crosley, president/CEO of Arc Herkimer. The organization’s industrial sector, Herkimer Industries, is in the process of looking at how it can utilize its sewing center to produce various types of personal protective equipment, items there will certainly be a market for long after the crisis subsides. “There’s always opportunity in the throes of crisis,” said Crosley. “If you
have the ability to take advantage of them, it can really do some great things for your company or organization.” “At the same time, we’re trying to figure out how best to do this—keeping people in an area where they can congregate but is still separate and maintains social distancing, and doing all the things from a sanitation perspective that we need to do to keep everyone safe.” Through the Mohawk Valley COVID-19 Response Fund, established by The Community Foundation and United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area, Arc Herkimer was awarded a $13,500 grant to purchase sanitation equipment to ensure the health and safety of its staff, volunteers and clients. Aside from reacting to the stress points and challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic created, the agency has many exciting projects on the way that give hope for a bright future ahead. For example, it will bring more unique services to the individuals it supports in the community through a newly acquired property. The MV Golf & Event Center, formerly known as the Mohawk Valley Country Club, is a 150-acre property with an 18-hole golf course, restaurant and bar. Located along Route 5 in Little Falls, the facility was recently donated to Arc Herkimer by the Castle/Bailey family. Under its
ownership, new ventures and capital upgrades will bring the organization’s dream project to fruition. In addition to bringing more diversity and inclusion to the greater community, the facility will offer employment opportunities for the individuals that Arc Herkimer serves.
100% doing exactly that. It’s just incredibly fulfilling and why we do what we do. Not every business can say that at the end of the day, they’ve really truly made a difference in people’s lives and that’s what we do here every day.”
Crosley says a project of this nature is a wonderful opportunity for an agency that serves people with disabilities, one that “just doesn’t happen.”
In 2018, M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund and the Mele Family Fund, both donor-advised funds of The Community Foundation, awarded Arc Herkimer $250,000 to suppor t its Day Habilitation Program. The program provides services to a group of individuals daily, promoting learning in an environment conducive to their growth.
“We’ve identified 24 part-time jobs for people that we support that can function in a variety of capacities. It just opens up a whole new world for us. Our industry is big on integration right now—people with and without disabilities working collaboratively in an inclusive setting. This is the perfect example of that type of fully integrated facility.” Even as it looks to the future, Arc Herkimer’s current projects continue to meet with success. In 2017, the organization introduced Arc Park, an initiative supported by several Community Foundation fundholders. The $1.6 million recreational facility includes three age-focused playground areas for people of all abilities, a fitness trail, refurbished basketball court, band stand, family pavilion and more. Since opening three years ago, it has become a focal point for recreation in the region. “Our tagline for the agency is ‘Building Community,’ and the result of Arc Park could not be more in line with that statement,” Crosley says. “It is
For Crosley,The Community Foundation’s support for these transformational projects has been phenomenal. “It has been an unbelievable relationship,” he reflected. “We’ve been able to figure out a way to utilize The Community Foundation’s resources for some great projects that have turned into stories that we’ve been able to tell in various ways about how amazing the organization has been in helping us reach our goal of building community.” For an organization like Arc Herkimer, the possibilities of its service and significance in the community are limitless. Better days are surely on the way, and Arc Herkimer is one of the organizations taking care of the community until it is whole again.
FUND FEATURE
A Legacy Remembered:
Senator James H. Donovan here are many ways to memorialize a
T loved one’s legacy far into the future. It can be as simple as continuing a tradition that the person loved, planting a tree in their memory— even just celebrating their life on a special occasion. For Jerome Donovan, honoring his remarkable father by giving back to the community that meant so much to him was important. In 1991, the Senator James H. Donovan Memorial and Scholarship Fund was established at The Community Foundation to continue the Senator’s 30 years of commitment to public service and his love of community. In 1998, the memorial fund was amended to establish The Community Foundation’s first donor-advised fund. The memorial fund supports organizations that serve local youth and families through education, ar ts & culture, literacy, recreation and social services. Since its creation, the fund has awarded more than 130 grants to over 50 community organizations, totaling nearly $172,000. “Continuing my father’s legacy of advancing educational opportunity, promoting the arts and economic development and advocating for the disabled, veterans and the preborn is the most rewarding part of supporting different organizations,” says Donovan, fund advisor. “Knowing my father as I did, he would say, ‘Is there even more that we can do?’” With the community pulling together during this challenging time, Donovan realized that there was indeed more to be done. The Donovan fund made one of the largest grants in its history to the Mohawk Valley COVID-19
Response Fund, established to meet the needs of those nonprofits most impacted by the crisis.
impact by par tnering with others on projects within our field of interest, but beyond our means.”
“At this difficult time and given the objectives of the COVID-19 Response Fund, there was no better way to assist the communities my father served for more than a quarter-century.”
One local organization that Senator Donovan identified with was the Utica Zoo. In 1988, he obtained state funding to help establish its Siberian Tiger exhibit, and the Zoo dedicated it to his memory shortly after his death in 1990. Twenty years later, Donovan renewed the memorial dedication with a $5,000 grant from the fund to support the Zoo’s “Big Cat” exhibit and its two African Lions, Moni and Bakari.
“Generally, we identify with programs, projects and agencies that my father would have supported, both personally and in his legislative initiatives,” says Donovan. “The Community Foundation has been a cooperative par tner in this endeavor. They are always ready to offer advice, facilitate our grant recommendations and help us make a larger Jerome Donovan with “Donovan” the Lion
“Though it was an opportunity to assist the Zoo in its mission to protect endangered species and
Thanks to the fund, more than $50,000 in scholarships have been awarded to help provide higher education to area students. support a quality of life showcase in our region, it was equally as important for our family to continue my father’s legacy of service and his shared interest in the conservation of endangered wildlife.”
prowess, involvement in community affairs and financial need. Thanks to the fund, more than $50,000 in scholarships has been awarded to help provide higher education to area students.
Then, the Zoo began discussing the idea of having a “naming campaign” for the newest addition to its family, Moni and Bakari’s lion cub, to ensure sustainable funding and care for some of the Zoo’s larger animals. The Donovan fund’s $5,000 grant jumpstar ted the campaign, and Donovan was asked to name the cub. Over the last nine years, “Donovan the Lion” has become quite an attraction at the Zoo. Today, the naming campaign now includes a component that requires a multiyear commitment to sponsor a portion of the animal’s care and housing, which is also supported by the Donovan fund.
“Partnering with The Community Foundation makes abundant sense,” Donovan says. “The Community Foundation provides ease of administration, opportunities for collaboration, and the confidence of knowing recipient organizations are qualified and screened nonprofits.Your investment in the community is professionally managed to maintain principal and ensure years of future grantmaking.”
Additionally, the Donovan family’s scholarship fund benefits students in Oneida, Herkimer and Lewis counties who are attending Mohawk Valley Community College and Herkimer College. “ Donovan Scholars” must demonstrate academic
Through acts of generosity, Donovan is fulfilling his commitment to keep the spirit of his father’s work and image ever present—a gift that we as a community will continue to benefit from for years to come.
Keeping a legacy alive is rewarding in many ways, especially by creating real, tangible impact in people’s lives and their community. Above: Jerome Donovan presenting grant to Utica Art Association Top left: Jerome Donovan presenting grant to Willowvale Fire Company Top right: Senator James H. Donovan
Caring When the impact of the global pandemic began to be felt, we at The Community Foundation knew that the unprecedented crisis would require a comprehensive response. Even as the pandemic affected the entire community, it was going to challenge the way our organization functions, and the ways in which we support the community. As an organization that funds nonprofits in Herkimer and Oneida counties, our top priority was to create a fund that could quickly meet the most critical nonprofit needs as they arose. It was also important to help those working diligently to keep the community safe and healthy. Here’s a summary of efforts—The Community Foundation’s and our partners’—that paints a clear picture of a community coming together during a time of historic need.
MOHAWK VALLEY COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND
A partnership between The Community Foundation and United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area led to the establishment of a response fund to support frontline partners and community needs that resulted from the pandemic. As of mid-May, more than $800,000 has been awarded to dozens of organizations in Herkimer and Oneida counties for needs relating to telehealth equipment, food for residents, childcare, and more.
FEED OUR FRONTLINE FAMILIES
Feed Our Frontline Families is an initiative started by three partners: Saranac Brewery, the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce and The Community Foundation. The initiative serves a dual purpose to support both local businesses and essential frontline workers by raising money to purchase gift cards from restaurants, then giving them to local workers to help feed their families. So far, more than $25,000 in gift cards have been purchased and distributed to frontline workers.
Other gift card initiatives included $25,000 from donors of Rome Community Foundation to purchase gift cards for frontline workers at Rome Memorial Hospital, and a campaign started by Think Local Little Falls called Little Falls Essentials, aiming to distribute gift cards to three essential workers a day for 30 days.
DURING A CRISIS
RISING PHOENIX MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM
Through its donor-advised fund at The Community Foundation, Rising Phoenix Holding Corporation launched a matching gift program for its employees, offering to double gifts up to $250 to organizations both locally and nationwide providing essential COVID-19 relief. The Rising Phoenix Fund will provide $25,000 in support through matching gifts and grants.
ONEIDA COUNTY YOUTH SIDEWALK ART CONTEST
The Community Foundation teamed up with Oneida County to provide prizes for a Youth Sidewalk Art Contest where local residents could submit their chalk masterpieces. More than 90 submissions were received, some of which are featured on the cover of this newsletter!
BLUE AND WHITE BOW MISSION
Blue and White Bow Mission is an initiative started by four Whitesboro students that are making and selling blue and white ribbons for people to hang outside of homes and businesses in support of frontline workers. All the money raised is being donated to local food pantries.The Community Foundation contributed funds to this effort and showed its support by placing five bows outside our Genesee Street offices.
VIRTUAL NONPROFIT TOWN HALL
The Community Foundation hosted a virtual event with local nonprofit partners to learn about the pressure points being dealt with, how organizations have adapted during this time and to provide a forum for the sharing of resources. The feedback provided great insight into the needs of the community and will help shape The Community Foundation’s response to the evolving needs of our partners and those they serve.
COVID-19 COMMUNITY GUIDE
The Community Foundation launched a Facebook group called COVID-19 Community Guide to serve as a place where people can share information about local programs, services, useful tips and more with others.
INVESTMENT Opportunities To support these important initiatives or discuss other opportunities, please contact Lindsey Costello, donor relations manager, 315.868.8616, lcostello@foundationhoc.org.
ARC HERKIMER
ONESCREEN TECHNOLOGY
Arc Herkimer is requesting $148,000 to equip 20 service sites with OneScreen technology. This technology will allow 700 people with disabilities to gain interactive and regular access to learning resources for any subject or skill.
CLINTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF THE MOHAWK VALLEY ANNUAL YOUTH CONCERT
The Clinton Symphony Orchestra of the Mohawk Valley needs $5,000 to cover partial production costs for the 2020-2021 annual youth concert for local elementary schools. Students will experience hearing a professional symphonic orchestra, gain knowledge and interest in various instruments and understand how a symphonic piece is created.
COMPASSION COALITION DELIVERY TRUCK
Compassion Coalition is seeking $56,000 to purchase a new delivery truck to deliver canned goods, furniture and personal care items to local nonprofits.
DODGE PRATT NORTHAM ART AND COMMUNITY CENTER MYTECHSPACE AND ROBOTICS PROGRAMS
Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center needs $2,900 to fund its 2020 MyTechSpace and robotics programs. Both programs engage local children in activities that help stimulate curiosity while developing their knowledge of different STEAM processes.
ERWIN LIBRARY AND INSTITUTE ELEVATOR REPAIRS
Erwin Library and Institute is seeking $7,550 to repair its elevator system, which has experienced significant water damage from the October 2019 flooding. Erwin Library and Institute is a focal point in the Boonville community and provides informational services to residents of all ages.
EVELYN’S HOUSE FURNITURE UPGRADES
Evelyn’s House is requesting $5,000 to purchase updated furniture for its residences, including beds and dressers. Funding will help accomplish the organization’s goal of creating a clean and modern space in which mothers and children can feel safe and flourish.
KIRKLAND TRAILS
TRAIL SURFACE MATERIALS
Kirkland Trails is currently developing a continuous, off-road trail network that will run through the entire Town of Kirkland. The organization is seeking $25,000 to assist with the purchase of trail surface materials for a 2.9-mile section of the trail network.
KUYAHOORA VALLEY FOOD PANTRY REFRIGERATOR
The Kuyahoora Valley Food Pantry is committed to serving thousands of people by providing food services to those in need. The pantry is requesting $500 to purchase a refrigerator to store fresh produce for the facility.
LITTLE FALLS PUBLIC LIBRARY STORYTIME PROGRAM
Little Falls Public Library is seeking $1,000 for its storytime program, a weekly program for children under age 6. Funding will help purchase books, musical instruments and indoor exercise equipment for the children.
ONEIDA COUNTY PUBLIC MARKET
ADVICE BOOTH AND SMOOTHIE BIKE
The Oneida County Public Market is requesting $1,070 to fund its “Sage Advice” booth at the weekly market. The booth socializes seniors in a fun and innovative way, passing along wisdom from one generation to the next. The organization is also seeking $845 to purchase a stationary bike that harnesses a rider’s pedal power to operate a blender to make smoothies, combining exercise with healthy snacking.
POWER OF PRODUCE KIDS CLUB The Oneida County Public Market is seeking $4,500 for its Power of Produce (POP) Kids Club, a club designed to educate children about making healthy food choices. Funding will be used to reimburse market vendors for tokens accepted from children making purchases and for purchase of incentive items for children to receive.
STEVENS-SWAN HUMANE SOCIETY BUILDING RENOVATION
Stevens-Swan Humane Society needs $10,000 to complete its building renovation project. Funding will help secure new equipment necessary for the expansion, which will increase the shelter’s intake capacity.
YOUNG SCHOLARS OF UTICA COLLEGE MENTORING PROGRAM
Young Scholars of Utica College requests $10,000 to cover the program costs of its Mentoring Program. The program pairs current Young Scholars students with mentors from the community to create supportive relationships for students throughout their education experience.
GRADUATE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Young Scholars of Utica College is seeking $10,000 to cover the program costs of its Graduate Leadership Development Program. Supported by The Community Foundation and Utica College, the nine-session program helps Young Scholars alumni develop the skills and networks required to become community leaders.
CREATE We invite you TO JOIN
OUR LEGACY SOCIETY
a
legacy
The Legacy Society was created to recognize those who have committed to supporting our community through a planned gift. It’s our way of acknowledging generous individuals who contribute to and share The Community Foundation’s vision of a vibrant region with opportunity for all. Becoming a member is simple: include The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties as a beneficiary of a gift from your estate and notify us of your plan. We are responsible for carrying out your charitable vision, putting your legacy to work. For more information, contact Nick Grimmer, 315.525.6584, ngrimmer@foundationhoc.org.
MEASURING OUR impact In June 2019, the Keller Family Fund granted $3,750 to The Center, formerly known as Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees (MVRCR), to provide medical interpreter training for 15 persons. The training covered essential topics such as interpreter roles and ethics, interpretation sills and medical terminology. The Center facilitates “Bridging the Gap” medical interpreter training that prepares bilingual individuals to work as effective, competent and professional medical interpreters.
Our NEWEST funds
ANIMAL ALLIANCE OF GREATER SYRACUSE FUND An agency fund benefiting Animal Alliance of Greater Syracuse, an animal welfare organization working
JANE LISBETH WATTS MEMORIAL FUND
A field-of-interest fund established in memory of Jane Lisbeth Watts to provide care for dogs housed at no-kill shelters.
toward safety and humanity for all animals.
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF OTSEGO COUNTY FUND An agency fund established by the Community Foundation of
JULIANA WEBER FUND FOR TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH An agency fund benefiting Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church located in Utica.
Otsego County to provide support for and invest in the educational and social needs of the residents of Otsego County.
EMPOWERED PATHWAYS FUND
KATHLEEN A. PERREAULT FUND
A field-of-interest fund established in memory of Kathleen A. Perreault to provide support for area
An agency fund to benefit Empowered Pathways.
libraries and scholarships for local students.
FUNDS TO BENEFIT THE NEW HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
KATHLEEN A. PERREAULT FUND TO BENEFIT THE NEW HARTFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
A designated fund established to provide support for the New Hartford Public Library.
A designated fund established in memory of Kathleen A. Perreault to benefit the New Hartford Public Library.
HART FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP FUND A scholarship fund established by Todd Hart and Terry
Hart to award scholarships to students that have resided in the 1969 Fire District area of the Town of Trenton.
PROSPECT SOFTBALL FIELD RENOVATION FUND A field-of-interest fund established by Town of Trenton to support the renovation of Prospect softball fields.
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LINDSEY COSTELLO ALLY CAMPBELL Donor Relations Manager lcostello@foundationhoc.org 315.868.8616
Donor Relations Coordinator acampbell@foundationhoc.org 315.731.3738
A copy of our most recently filed financial report is available from the Charities Registry on the New York State Attorney General’s website (www.charitiesnys.com) or, upon request, by contacting the New York State Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, or The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, 2608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502. You also may obtain information on charitable organizations from the New York State Office of the Attorney General at www.charitiesnys.com or 212.416.8401.