Fulton Block Builders Accepting Applications for 2022 Block Challenge

The Fulton Block Builders (FBB) has announced details for the 2022 Block Challenge, a program that offers matching funds to each participating home for exterior home improvements. The program encourages and rewards neighborhood groups to work together in an effort to reinvest in their own neighborhood.

City residents who would like to participate in a Block Challenge need to have a Block Leader and form a neighborhood cluster with a minimum of 50% and a maximum of 15 property owners in their block. (A single property owner application will not be considered.) The closer clusters are grouped, the more viable the application becomes. The group can include homeowners or landlords.

Taking part in the Block Challenge begins with a Grant Pre-Application, which must be submitted by March 4, 2022. All interested neighbors sign the Pre-Application form. The Pre-Application does not commit anyone to the program but is required to submit a Final Application.

Once submitted, FBB Ambassadors—FBB leaders who help neighborhoods through the process— meet with the group to start the Final Application, which requires detailed plans for each homeowner project and a neighborhood celebratory event. Final Applications are due April 13, 2021. They are then reviewed by an independent review panel, and awarded blocks are announced by May 7, 2022.

Applications can be found on the FBB webpage https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2022 Fulton Block Builders:

• Pre-Qualification Forms due by Friday, March 4, 2022 (Required in order to submit a Final Application) Applications can be dropped off at 125 West Broadway OR directly to your Ambassador OR scanned and emailed to fultonblockbuilders@gmail.com)

• Final applications due by Wednesday, April 13, 2022

• Awards announced Saturday, May 7, 2022

• Kick off Dinner for Sponsors and Awardees July (if possible)

• Improvement projects must be completed by October 31, 2022

Shannon Sawyer’s block had a lot of fun and success with the 2021 Block Challenge. From Left to right, standing Mike Peterson-FBB Ambassador, Tony & Heidi Pafumi, Jeff & Vicki Hohman, Dennis Deland, Todd & Shannon Sawyer. Sitting LaVerne Deland, Gladys Daniels & Cindy Garrett.

Fulton Block Builders Pride Grants Used to Enhance City

Neighborhood Pride Grants provide an opportunity for groups of neighbors to work together on a community project. Pride Grants between $100 and $3,000 are awarded for projects and activities that sow seeds of revitalization by engaging residents in the resurgence of their neighborhoods. Examples of successful Grant projects include welcoming lamp lighting throughout a neighborhood, gateway signage greeting people to an area, and park adoptions.

 Pride Grants require coordination with neighbors to improve the community as at least five neighborhood households must apply together for the grant. Pride grants do not necessarily have to be tied to Fulton Block Builders’ other grants, but oftentimes, residents who got to know each other through a Block Challenge Grant apply for a Pride Grant to further enhance their community/neighborhood. This year, three groups came together with an interest in enhancing the Holiday Lighting in Veterans Park.

 Block Leader David Phares and his neighbors Randy Bartlett, Nick Nesbit, Nancie and Ed Miller, Kelly Coffee, and Gail Henrie, along with Block Leader Greg Beasely and his neighbors Mark and Colleen Caza, Maynard and Ashley Williams, David and Carrol Fisher worked with Block co-leaders Kathy Smith and Cindy MacDougal and their neighbors Kathy Aluzzo, Andrea Cianfarano, Michelle Baker, Sue Fiorini , Rose LaFrate to use the FBB Pride Grant process to purchase two industrial grade reindeer for the park. The purchase of the reindeer did not require neighbors physically working together, but due to the price of the reindeer it did require more than one group to actively show their support of the purchase.

 These three groups strongly supported FBB efforts with Pride Grants earmarked to help the city enhance the holiday decorations! For more information on Fulton Block Builders and Pride Grants, visit the website https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com

Fulton Block Leader David Phares was one of three Block Leaders that supported the Holiday Reindeer purchase through Fulton Block Builders Pride Grants

Fulton Block Builders Seeking Volunteers for 2022

The Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program has many opportunities for people to serve their community 2022 will be FBB’s sixth year and, with excitement and pride in the city growing, more neighborhood involvement is expected. Work is being done in every Ward and many people are already contacting FBB volunteers requesting information to organize their block for next year.

“FBB Volunteers do NOT need to live in the city, they just need to have a love for Fulton” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director. “From the start of this program I have been amazed by the community and businesses support. Every lofty goal we have set has been achieved and surpassed. I expect 2022 to continue in this manner and that’s why we are seeking more volunteers.”

Volunteers are needed for:

Community Ambassadors- These are the face of FBB in neighborhoods. Between January and April, Ambassadors work with the neighborhood blocks interested in submitting pre-applications and guide each to submit strong final applications. New Ambassadors will be paired with past Ambassadors throughout their first season.

Fundraising Committee- FBB has been fortunate to receive a matching grants from the Shineman Foundation, but they require us to raise local funds. Volunteers on this committee help identify possible sponsors and contact corporations, businesses, individuals, banks, service groups, etc.  Fundraising takes place from January through April.

Community Event Committee- These volunteers work with local venues to prepare and organize two large events, one in January and the other is in May.

Data Entry Volunteers- FBB has databases to track the grant awards, work to be done, progress of each awardee and contact information. Volunteers are needed in April to input information from the applications into the database(s).

PR Volunteers- Throughout the year FBB makes a point of writing press releases to help keep the community informed. Volunteers are need all year for this

Financial Receipt Processors- From August through October, large numbers of receipts need to be reviewed, tallied, and processed for grant payment. Volunteers are needed to help with this process one or two days a week.

Fulton Block Builders is proud to be a grassroots initiative with no paid staff. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Linda Eagan at fultonblockbuilders@gmail.com or call 315-529-9181.

Fulton Fall Festival Will Highlight Local Manufacturing

Fulton’s first Fall Festival “Cider and Sweaters” will be held on October 9th from 10:00am to 4:00pm at C.W. Barrett Drive (road along the lake near the War Memorial) including Recreation Park, War Memorial & Ice Rink.

“The festival will be a fun family event, featuring food, games for youth of all ages, over 70 vendors, live music and highlight the numerous manufacturers that call Fulton home. The committee has been working hard to bring a great fall event to Fulton” said Chris Waldron, Director of Fulton Parks and Recreation.

Along with a variety of festivities, this event will have a strong emphasis on local manufacturing. Since taking office Mayor Michaels has been meeting with local manufacturers to discuss how the city can be stronger partners. The common theme shared is that our young people do not realize how many well-paying jobs there are right here in Fulton. Each participating business such as Huhtamaki, Universal Metal, NET & Die and others will have their products, services and job opportunities on display. “Showcasing our robust manufacturing sector and exposing our youth and their families to the great jobs available in Fulton is so important. While honoring our rich history, this festival will also highlight the many local products and services and the wealth of local job opportunities” said Mayor Michaels.

“Universal Metal Works appreciates the opportunity the city is providing at the October 9th Fulton Fall Festival. We are seeking to hire a number of positions. This kind of exposure will help” said Universal Metal Works, president, John Sharkey IV.

Fulton Fall Festival Committee recently met at Universal Metal Works. From left to right are Lorrie Poyneer, Mallori Stoia, John Sharkey IV (Universal Metal Works - President), Chris Waldron, Caroline Shue, Crystal Bracy and Marissa Hanlon

Fulton Block Builder Participants Eligible to Receive Discounts from Several Local Businesses

Ontario Orchards, Burkes Home Supply, Northern Ace Home Center, Lakeside Roofing and Siding, Cloverleaf Garage Doors Inc., Waldron’s Furniture, CNY Roof Cleaning, Baldwin Masonry, Premier Landscaping and USA Insulation of Syracuse are stepping up to support the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program with discounts on much needed supplies to complete home improvement projects.

“The 2021 Block Challenge applications have been completed and awards will be announced in May. The quality of applications for 2021 was the best that the FBB independent scoring committee has seen,” said Linda Eagan, FBB Director. “I think this is testimony to the seriousness our residents are about bringing back the PRIDE in our community. Each year more businesses offer discounts to FBB participants and each year they make a point of shopping local. This is a recipe for success on all levels. FBB is so grateful to the participating businesses and our residents for their support.”

If your business is interested in providing discounts to participants, please e-mail FBB at fultonblockbuilders.com.

Dennis and Cathy Ouellette, owners of Ontario Orchards, are just one of many businesses offering discounts to Fulton Block Builder participants.

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