Shineman Foundation Awards Fulton Block Builders Matching $150,000 Grant for 2021 Block Challenge Program.

“We did it Fulton! Once again, you all came through to support the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program,” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director. “FBB has received the full $150,000 matching grant from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation.”

 The Richard S. Shineman Foundation’s vision is to act as a “catalyst for change” to enhance the quality of life in Oswego County. Executive Director Karen Goetz 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 community. “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 $150,000 for its Block Challenge program,” she said.

Karen Goetz, Shineman Foundation Executive Director, and Penny Halstead, Shineman Foundation Office Administrator, present Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builder Director, with the grant award check.

 “From the moment we started the FBB program, I have been amazed at the support and care there is for the Fulton community. Pride is here. We just needed a way to put a voice to those feelings. 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,” said Eagan. “As a result, FBB has been able to make 230 awards in 29 Blocks for 2021. The independent group of judges were extremely impressed with the quality of applications. Each Block Leader did a fantastic job of explaining the groups’ plans and the individual property owners described in detail what work, celebration and help to others they had planned. The award letters have been delivered, the signs are going up around the city and a great deal of work is already being done. This is such an exciting time.”

 FBB grants are made 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 restore the monument base in Voorhees Park, support the exciting Porchfest being planned for July 11th, beautify the one-block section of Fifth Street from Gansvoort to Schuyler Street, and enhance the Merton R Kemp Jr Memorial at the corner of 4th and Fay Street. Pride grants can be applied for at any time during the year.

 The third grant opportunity is Paint Fulton grants; twelve have been awarded for 2021. 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.

Exelon Awards Fulton Block Builders a $5,000 Grant Award

“Exelon expressed interest in the Fulton Block Builders (FBB) project in 2020 and encouraged FBB to apply for a grant in 2021” said Linda Eagan, FBB founder and director. “Exelon considers its responsibility to improve the quality of life for people in the communities where their employees live, work and serve. Exelon made the 2021 Fulton Block Builder (FBB) Powering Communities Award due to the enrichment through local vitality that FBB is helping to bring about.”

Through Block Challenge and Pride Grants, FBB is incentivizing clusters of neighbors to invest together. Since the start in 2017, FBB has awarded nearly 800 Block Challenge Grants, totaling just over a half million dollars and resulting in total investment by residents of 2 million dollars. Although each participant is required to invest an amount equal to the Block Challenge award, the residents’ confidence grew so quickly that by 2020 they were investing $3.70 for every $1.00 FBB awarded.

“Exelon Generation is committed to the enrichment of the communities where we operate and are proud to provide support to organizations making a difference,” said Susan Brannan Cole, Senior Regional Communications Specialist, for Exelon Generation. “We also encourage our employees to support organizations that they care about through volunteer service and provide opportunities for company-sponsored volunteerism and matching financial support. The Fulton Block Builder program is an excellent example of a local group making a big impact in the community and we are proud to support their work.”

January 2021 Information

Fulton Block Builders announces the 2021 program new videos.

To kick off its fifth year, Fulton Block Builder (FBB) is releasing four short videos to replace the community informational session normally held in January. The 2-minute videos will answer your questions about the 2021 FBB’s multiple grant opportunities, the application processes and information on how the program works.

The three grant opportunities available for 2021 include the ever-popular Block Challenge Grants, Paint Fulton Grants and Pride Grants. Since it began in 2017, FBB has awarded 800 Block Challenge Grants that started a transformative revolution in the city. Block Challenge Grants are given to residents on neighborhood blocks who all commit to completing exterior improvements on their homes. Each resident works on their own home and once the work is completed and pictures and receipts are submitted, they are reimbursed by FBB for half the cost of the improvements, up to $1,000.

Neighborhood Pride Grants are ways for groups of neighbors to work together on a community project. The grants range from $100 to $3,000 and support projects and activities that sow the seeds of revitalization by engaging residents in the resurgence of their neighborhoods. Example Pride Grant projects include welcoming lamp lighting throughout the neighborhood, gateway signage greeting people to the area, and park adoptions.

Paint Fulton provides Fulton residents with a selection of historic color schemes to paint their homes. Up to 50 possible combinations of colors are possible when using the 10 schemes (See how on the FBB website). Only the colors within a single scheme can be used. Property owners do not have to use all of the colors in a scheme, but must use at least two out of the four available (body, trim, accent, bonus colors). Any homeowner in the city is eligible for grant awards that use these historic colors, regardless of the owner’s participation in a Block Challenge.

Aside from matching grant funding, participating homeowners have access to discounts from sponsoring hardware stores businesses and garden centers. To be sure, 2021 will be another amazing year for this program and FBB wants everyone to have a chance to become involved.

Tips for strong block applications can be found on the FBB website: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/.

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2021 Fulton Block Builders:

• Pre-Qualification Forms due by Friday, March 5, 2021

• Final applications due by Wednesday, April 14, 2021

• $75,000 Fundraising goal by Friday April 30, 2021

• Awards announced Saturday, May 1, 2021

• Kick off Dinner for Sponsors and Awardees Wednesday, May 19, 2021

• Improvement projects must be completed by Sunday, October 31st, 2021
  

January 2020 Citywide Informational

Fulton Block Builders announce a Citywide Informational about the 2020 Block Challenge program.

There will be a community informational session to answer your questions about the 2020 Fulton Block Builder (FBB) application process on Wednesday January 15th at River Vista Conference Center, 810 South 1st Street, Fulton NY at 6:00 PM. There will be a short presentation on how the program works and plenty of time to get all your questions answered.

Since its start in 2017, FBB has awarded 596 Block Challenge Grants that started a transformative revolution in the city. Two thousand and twenty is sure to be another amazing year for this program and FBB wants everyone to have a chance to become involved.

Some snacks and drinks will be available, in case you must miss dinner to be there. Space is limited; 1 to 2 people only per household. Thank you.

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 businesses and garden centers. There are also additional bonuses for corner properties and using the Historical Colors found on the Paint Fulton tab of the FBB website.

Tips for strong block applications will be discussed at the informational meeting and can be found on the FBB website: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/ .

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2020 Fulton Block Builders:

• Community Informational Wednesday, Jan 15, 2020 at River Vista

• Pre-Qualification Forms due by Friday, March 6, 2020

• Final applications due by Wednesday, April 15, 2020

• $75,000 Fundraising goal must be met by Thursday April 30, 2020

• Awards announced Friday, May 1, 2020

• Kick-off Dinner for Sponsors and Awardees Wednesday, May 20, 2020

• Improvement projects must be completed by Thursday, October 31, 2020

Bittersweet

Le Moyne Makes Movies Presents the 2019 Student Film Showcase Directed & Produced by Sebastian Fredette '22

Le Moyne Makes Movies Presents the 2019 Student Film Showcase Directed & Produced b Sebastian Fredette '22

Fulton Block Builder Program is selected as a Finalist for the prestigious AARP Purpose Prize Award

The Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program announced it has been selected as a “Finalist” by the AARP Purpose Prize jury. Fourteen hundred applicants started the initial application process. In a phone interview, Linda Eagan, FBB Administrative Director, was told by an AARP representative that FBB is one of only 30 Finalist nationwide. Each year, five Winners will receive $60,000 each to celebrate their achievements and broaden the scope of their work.

Applications go through a formal, structured review process, including review by a impressive jury of national leaders who have used their life experience for good. The jury for the AARP Purpose Prize award is an independent panel of leaders in the fields of journalism, nonprofits, academia, innovation/technology and entertainment. After a rigorous vetting process, the jury makes recommendations about who should receive the 5 AARP Purpose Prizes.

Fulton Block Builders (FBB) are selected as finalists for the National AARP Purpose Prize. From left to right are FBB volunteers: Tonya Crisafulli, Alissa Viscome, Penny Halstead, Linda Eagan, Cheryl Baldwin, Heather Crofoot and Kelly Niccoli. Missing from the picture are Tina Eusepi, Mike Peterson, Reyne Price, Greg Bailey, Karen Perwitz, Jennifer Whalen, Chasity Browngardt and Tammy Keding

Linda Eagan said, “All of the FBB volunteers thank the City of Fulton residents for embracing the FBB concepts and for the work and pride they are demonstrating. In three short years, a positive impact can be seen and felt in our community. The actions of residents taking effective control of their neighborhoods, is creating momentum to improve properties, increase property value, create wealth, and attract and retain homeowners. Fulton is once again becoming a place where existing residents want to stay, new residents want to live, and most residents want to invest.”

“The AARP Purpose Prize is all about a new story of aging — focusing on experience and innovation and the idea that our aging population is an untapped resource full of possibilities,” said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. “AARP Purpose Prize winners and nominees are role models. They are makers and doers who are out there creating new solutions that make the world a better place for people of all ages.”

The prize was founded in 2005 by Marc Freedman, CEO of Encore.org. Since that time, the Purpose Prize has generated nearly 10,000 nominations and produced more than 500 winners and fellows. Fulton Block Builders are honored to be recognized and share that honor of becoming a finalist with the entire community of Fulton. Winners will be announced in mid- July.

Fulton Block Builders Extends the Deadline for Pre-Applications

Oswego County Community Partners Enter Competition for National Prize

Fulton Block builders featured in competition for national prize! Take a look at this video and read about the great opportunity for Oswego County.

Fulton Block Builders is featured in the Oswego County Community Partners Competition for Robert Wood Johnson Foundation national prize.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is the nation’s largest public health philanthropy and works toward improving health and health care across America. The “Culture of Health” designation is awarded annually to four to ten communities in the U.S. The award recognizes communities that have created powerful partnerships and are committed to providing everyone, especially those facing the greatest challenges, with the opportunity to live the healthiest life possible.

CiTi BOCES, Farnham Family Services, Oswego Renaissance Association, the Oswego County Health Department, and Fulton Block Builders worked together to develop the first phase of the application. They highlighted several advancements that have been made in recent years directed to improve the health of all people in the county.

Linda Eagan, special project coordinator for the Oswego County Health Department, leads the application project.
“The goal of Oswego County’s health-related partnership is to create a new ‘culture of health’ in the county,” said Eagan. “The first application highlighted four achievements in Oswego County in recent years that demonstrate sustainable change driven by progressive policies and programs that positively impact health.”

The projects highlighted in the application include various programs that enhance students’ educational achievements from kindergartners to high school seniors; different new services to break down barriers that prohibited opioid victims from accessing treatment and consultations; community enhancement projects in Fulton and Oswego; and a tobacco smoking cessation program throughout the county.

“Individuals with more education live longer, healthier lives than those with less education, and their children are more likely to thrive,” said Roseann Bayne, assistant superintendent for instruction at CiTi BOCES. “Across the U.S., there are large gaps in educational attainment between people who live in the least healthy counties and those in the healthiest counties.”

Bayne said that Oswego County educational systems are embracing a “Culture of Health for All” by prioritizing educational funding and collaborating to best meet the needs of students. The county school systems, businesses, higher education and policy makers have collaborated on many initiatives to improve high school completion rates and to target educational efforts towards the specific employment and health needs of the region. 
Behavioral health, mental health and physical health are closely connected and play a major role in people’s ability to maintain good physical health. Community leaders and partners have demonstrated a commitment to improve behavioral health and leverage the community’s strengths to be successful.

“I am so proud to live in a county that recognizes and embraces this concept,” said Eric Bresee, Executive Director of Farnham. “For instance, the first opioid treatment program within the county was initiated and barriers to access this high demand program were reduced. All the while, an innovative peer support program was implemented. These are initiatives that enhance our entire community.”

Research has shown that how well and how long people live are determined by where they live. 

“In our communities, we should create conditions that enable us to live the healthiest life possible,” said Paul Stewart, executive director of the Oswego Renaissance Association. “People with greater social support, less isolation, and greater interpersonal trust live longer and healthier lives than those who are socially isolated. Communities richer in social connections provide residents with greater access to support and resources than those that are less tightly knit. By building neighborly relationships that foster community through the actions of residents taking effective control of their neighborhoods, we, as a community, are strategizing and acting with intention to support all residents.”

Eagan noted that partners in the first phase of the “Culture of Health” competition have learned a great deal during the process and are proud to be selected to move on to the next level of competition. They plan to reach out to other agencies and individuals as they continue to move forward in the application process.

“By coming together to review data and collectively identify priorities, by creating partnerships that target key populations and implementing long-term, research-based strategies, and by engaging community members and building community health improvement initiatives at all levels, Oswego County communities can and will sustain their collective efforts. Eventually every resident will have equal opportunities to thrive,” said Eagan.

For more information on how to become involved in the process, contact Brenda Hillman at the Oswego County Health Department, weekdays, phone 315-349-3540.