Shineman Foundation Awards Fulton Block Builders Matching $125,000 Grant for 2023 Block Challenge Program.

“We did it, Fulton! Once again, you came through to support the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program,” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director. “FBB has received the full $125,000 matching grant from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation presented at the FBB Kick Off Dinner on June 7th at River Vista.”

The Richard S. Shineman Foundation’s vision is to act as a “catalyst for change” to enhance the quality of life in Oswego County and Shineman’s Foundation Director Chena Tucker shared that the foundation’s board members are very encouraged by the increasing and unprecedented collaborations they see happening among groups like the Fulton Block Builders in our communities. “Fulton Block Builders has continued to exceed expectations for its very successful Healthy Neighborhoods revitalization program and our foundation is proud to continue its support of FBB by awarding another $125,000 for its Block Challenge program,” she said.

“From the moment we started the FBB program, I have been amazed at the support and care there is for the Fulton community,” said Eagan. “Fulton businesses, individuals, service groups and, of course, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation all contributed to make what I believe will be our best year yet. As a result, in 2023, FBB has been able to make 169 awards in 21 Blocks throughout the city. The support for the program is fantastic. Since our start in 2017, The Shineman Foundation has awarded FBB $866,000. WOW!”

FBB awards grants to community participants in three different ways. Block Challenge grants are awarded to groups of neighbors who come together and complete an application as a block. It is important that the neighbors involved be in close proximity to one another, share resources and plan celebratory events. Anyone in the city can organize their neighbors each year. FBB encourages neighbors to start talking to each other now about applying for next year’s Block Challenge Grants.

A second grant option often involves groups that have completed a Block Challenge grant who then go on to apply for a Pride Grant. Pride Grants are used for community improvements and can range from $100 to $3,000. This year, FBB Pride Grants will be used to support the exciting Porchfest being planned for July 9, support work on our local churches, install benches on popular walking routes, and install welcome signs to neighborhoods in the city. Pride grants can be applied for at any time during the year.

The third grant opportunity is Paint Fulton grants; seven have been awarded for 2023. These provide Fulton residents with a selection of historic color schemes to use for painting their homes. Awards are $500 and can be combined with the Block Challenge awards.

The Richard S. Shineman Foundation presents Fulton Block Builders with a donation. From left to right are FBB volunteers Ann Casey, Linda Eagan, Penny Halstead, David Phares, Kelly Niccoli, Greg Bailey, Tina Eusepi, Chris Weaver, Shannon Sawyer, Shineman Foundation Director Chena Tucker and Mike Peterson.

Fulton Block Builders Kicks Off 2023 Season with Inspirational Dinner

On June 7th, Fulton Block Builders (FBB) held its 2023 Kick Off dinner at River Vista Event Center. One hundred forty people, including block awardees and major donors, were in attendance to celebrate the start of the 2023 season. Attendees were inspired and energized by speeches from Mayor Deana Michaels; Mark Luciano, Brookfield Renewables Community Relations; Pamela Caraccioli, Fulton Savings Bank President; Calvin Corriders, Pathfinder Bank’s Regional President; and Chena Tucker, Richard S. Shineman Foundation Director.

The theme of the evening was “Fulton: The City of YOUR Future” All of the speakers shared ways the FBB participants can and are making Fulton a destination to live, work and play. Mayor Michaels started off the night by explaining how FBB has been a part of every grant the city has written and received because FBB demonstrates that as a city we are ready and willing to work towards an improved future. Mr. Luciano explained how Brookfield Renewables wants to be an active supportive part of our community. Each year they support one group located along the river that is participating in FBB. Last year they sponsored the Riverview group, and this year Brookfield has chosen the Forest Avenue group.

Ms. Caraccioli explained how easy it is for Fulton Savings Bank’s Board to give to the FBB program because they see the dramatic changes that are occurring in Fulton, not only in how the city looks but in how we are interacting with each other. Mr. Corriders explained that Micron is coming and because of the work the grantees are doing, we are making Fulton an attractive place to move to. He noted that grantees are being intentional about shaping the future.

Ms. Tucker brought everything full circle by explaining the concept of social contagion. We can choose to stay disinvested, not talk with each other and wait for someone else to fix things- that’s a negative social contagion. Or we can become invested, be neighborly, step up and help- that’s a positive social contagion. Fulton Block Builders is bringing positive social contagion to the city.

Linda Eagan, FBB’s Director, thanked the speakers for inspiring us to keep going, all the awardees for being part of something so big and for the many FBB volunteers for their endless commitment to the program.

Fulton Block Builders announces new volunteers for 2023

The Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program has many opportunities for people to serve their community through this exciting new initiative. In 2023, FBB begins its seventh year, and more growth is expected. This year, Alan Baker, Shannon Sawyer, Vicki Hohman and Tracy Cavalier have stepped up to help the Fulton Block Builders. Each has been a participant in the program in the past and feel “It is time to give back!”

“The excitement in the city is strong, the pride is growing, and work is being done in every Ward,” said Linda Eagan, Administrative Director.  “From the start of this program, I have been amazed by the residents and businesses support. Every lofty goal we have set has been achieved and surpassed. I expect 2023 to continue in this manner and that’s why we are seeking more volunteers.”

Fulton Block Builders is proud to be a grassroots initiative. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Eagan at fultonblockbuilders@gmail.com or call 315-529-9181.

Fulton Block Builders welcomes four new volunteers for 2023. From left to right- Alan Baker, Shannon Sawyer, Vicki Hohman and Tracy Cavalier

Fulton Block Builders Announce Start of 2023 Fundraising Campaign

The Fulton Block Builder (FBB) fundraising committee has announced the start of its 2023 Fundraising Campaign. Once again, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation has approved matching funds for FBB in the spring of 2023 following completion of the Campaign. In order to secure the entire Shineman award, FBB will strive to raise $50,000 by April 30,2023.

“2022 was another fantastic year for the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program,” commented Reyne Pierce, FBB Fundraising Chair. “Nearly $625,000 was invested in Fulton’s participating properties! For every dollar invested by Fulton Block Builders, property owners invested four times that amount. Twenty-five Blocks were awarded Block Challenge Grants and Pride Grants. FBB supported 201 properties spread throughout the six wards of the city, 16 Landlords participated, and 11 homeowners used the historical color palettes available through Paint Fulton Grants. Pride Grants flourished to bring about age-friendly cultural events, beautification projects, park improvements and safe entries.

“Confidence is growing in the city, and it once again makes sense for residents to invest. FBB promotes pride of property ownership, incentivizes resident investment, and breaks the disinvestment cycle by reconnecting neighbors to each another. In the six short years FBB has been in existence, Fulton residents’ confidence has grown so quickly that in total, residents have invested $3.3 million in their properties and families are once again choosing Fulton as a place to live, work, and play.”

“You can keep that momentum going by supporting Fulton Block Builders in its aim to reach our $50,000 goal,” said Eagan.  “Every dollar goes toward a reimbursement fund for property owners who qualify for eligible improvements and for promotion of the program. Your contribution is tax deductible, thanks to our partnership with CenterState CEO Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit.

Please join all Fultonians by making your donation to rebuild our neighborhoods. Become a part of this exciting piece of Fulton’s history by donating to the 2022 Campaign today.

FBB donations can be made on the website at: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate/

Or by mail, send checks to:

CenterState CEO Foundation, Inc.

Fulton Block Builders

115 W. Fayette Street

Syracuse, New York 13202

Reyne Pierce, Fulton Block Builder (FBB) Fundraising Chair, and Linda Eagan, FBB Director, announce the start of the 2023 Campaign.

Fulton Block Builders Accepting Applications for 2023 Block Challenge

Fulton Block Builders (FBB) has announced details for its 2023 Block Challenge, a program that offers matching funds to each participating homeowner for exterior home improvements. The program encourages and rewards neighborhood groups to work together and reinvest in their own community.  The Block Challenge Grant’s Pre-Applications must be submitted by March 17. The Pre-Application is required in order to submit a Final Application.

To complete the Pre-Application, city residents must first form a neighborhood cluster with 5 to 15 property owners in close proximity. The group can include homeowners or landlords. The closer the clusters are grouped and the larger the number of participants, the more competitive the application becomes. Clusters that can be geographically "linked" with other participating clusters in an area become even more competitive. And clusters that develop a strategic plan for their neighborhood's continued revitalization in the future will be the most competitive. Once a cluster has formed, the Pre-Application process begins.

Once submitted, the Pre-Application is reviewed, and applicants work with their FBB Ambassadors, who assist neighborhood teams, to start the Final Application. At this time, detailed plans for each home project and a joint meeting with the cluster’s neighbors are reviewed with an FBB representative. Final Applications are due April 28. An independent panel reviews them and awarded blocks are announced by May 13.

The matching grant funding will cover up to 50% of the expenses for exterior property improvements. Aside from matching grant funding, participating homeowners have access to discounts from sponsoring hardware stores and garden centers.

Grant Applications are competitive. Not all applications can be funded, and the number of awards made is dependent upon funding levels and the number and quality of applications.

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2023 Fulton Block Builders:

●        Pre-Qualification Forms due by Friday, March 17. Required in order to submit a Final Application

●        Final applications due by Friday, April 28

●        Awards announced Saturday, May 13

●        Kick off Dinner for Sponsors and Awardees TBD

●        August FBB Family Picnic TBD

●        Improvement projects must be completed by October 31

Pre-applications for the 2023 program can be found here: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/ or call 315-529-9181

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Fulton Block Builders Information Meeting a Big Success

On January 11, Fulton Block Builders (FBB) held 2023 City Information meeting at River Vista. More than 70 people were in attendance to learn how the FBB program works and to gather information about organizing their block.

Linda Eagan, FBB’s Director, explained how the program started and details of the Paint Fulton and Block Challenge grants. Tina Eusepi, FBB volunteer, explained how the FBB Ambassadors will help Blocks through the process. Alan Baker and Tracy Cavalier shared their experiences of being Block Leaders. Reyne Pierce, FBB Donation Chair, highlighted and thanked the very generous businesses, civic groups, individuals and Shineman Foundation for financing the program, and Tonya Crisafulli discussed the very creative Pride Grants that FBB has supported and encouraged more groups to apply.

The FBB Block Challenge is a neighborhood revitalization program that encourages groups of neighbors to collaborate on exterior improvements to their properties to build confidence in Fulton’s neighborhoods and inspire others to reinvest. Each participating property owner in a Challenge Block is eligible to receive a dollar-for-dollar match on exterior improvements up to $1,000.

Aside from matching grant funding, participating homeowners have access to discounts from sponsoring hardware stores and garden centers. There are also additional bonuses for corner properties and using the Historical Colors. Tips about these and all opportunities offered by FBB can be found on its website: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2023 Fulton Block Builders:

●        Pre-Qualification Forms due by Friday, March 17, 2023

●        Final applications due by Friday, April 28, 2023

●        Awards announced Saturday, May 13, 2023

●        Kick off Dinner for Sponsors and Awardees TBD

●        August FBB Family Picnic TBD

●        Improvement projects must be completed by October 31, 2023

Kelly Niccoli, Fulton Block Builder Ambassador, explains the program to Jeanne Harter and Sandra Guerin

Fulton Block Builders to Hold Information Meeting On 2023 Block Challenge Program

     Fulton Block Builders will  hold a community information session to answer questions about their 2023 application process on Wednesday January 11th at River Vista Conference Center, 810 South 1st Street, Fulton NY  at 6:00pm. There will be a short presentation on how the program works and plenty of time to get all your questions answered. Two thousand twenty-three is sure to be another amazing year for this program and FBB wants everyone to have a chance to become involved. Any block in the city can apply to the program but this year FBB has received additional funding to promote more east-side blocks to apply.

The FBB Block Challenge is a neighborhood revitalization program that encourages groups of neighbors to collaborate on exterior improvements to their properties, with the goal of building confidence in Fulton’s neighborhoods and inspire others to reinvest. Since FBB’s start in 2017, we have funded 1236 properties and participating FBB residents invested 3.3 million dollars in their properties. Each participating property owner in a Challenge Block is eligible to receive a dollar-for-dollar match on exterior improvements up to $1,000.

Aside from matching grant funding, participating homeowners have access to discounts from sponsoring hardware stores and garden centers. There are also additional bonuses for corner properties, block leaders and for using the Historical Colors that can found on the Paint Fulton tab of the FBB website. FBB website: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/

FBB Block applications are competitive s for strong block applications will be discussed at the information meeting. Snacks and drinks will be available.

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2023 Fulton Block Builders:

●        City Informational Wednesday January 11, 2023

●        Pre-Qualification Forms due by Friday, March 17, 2023

●        Final applications due by Friday, April 28, 2023

●        Awards announced Saturday, May 13, 2023

●        Kick off Dinner for Sponsors and Awardees TBD

●        Improvement projects must be completed by October 31, 2023

Homeowners can learn about the Fulton Block Builder program by attending a citywide information meeting. The next one will be held Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at River Vista Conference Center in Fulton.

Before and After

"I had known about FBB for a few years before I was able to afford a project myself. I enjoyed watching my neighbors update and beautify their homes each year. This year I had a project and was able to afford it. My driveway was loose stone and gravel, and I was tired of getting the loose gravel in my car. I decided to have a cement driveway put in, but I also knew that the largest impact for my home would be to paint it. I have a contractor that has remodeled my home on the inside and knew he could handle both projects. Even though I have wanted to paint my house and put in a new driveway for many years, it was FBB and the grant that pushed my projects over the finish line. I have lived in this neighborhood for over 20 years. Some of my neighbors I have only gotten to know because of FBB. I am very happy to finally have accomplished two goals I have had for my home!"

Athena Mt. Pleasant - Fulton Homeowner