Venture & Special Assistance Grants

In addition to its allocation to member agencies, each year United Way allocates about one percent of the funds distributed from the Annual Campaign (about $25,000 annually) to Venture and Special Assistance Grants. The one-time grants help fund programs that meet the needs of our community and that fit within United Way’s funding priorities, or "investment categories". The grants are part of United Way’s effort in "Building Stronger A Community", which is one of the organization’s six Areas of Community Service. Grants were awarded to United Way member agencies as well as health and human service agencies not affiliated with United Way. Venture Grants are one-time seed grants for new and innovative projects that address community needs. Special Assistance Grants provide support for special projects that can not be funded through an organization’s regular operating budget.

Since 1993 the Helen T. Howland Foundation has contracted with the United Way to provide recommendations for funding. This arrangement builds on United Way's fund distribution strength and saves time and money for the foundation.

If you are a nonprofit organization located in Broome County and would like to apply for a grant from United Way, please read the following documents below. For more information, please e-mail Cherry Carley at ccarley@uwbroome.org. 

Issues/areas that receive funding priorities (Category Investments)

Application Instructions

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The United Way of Broome County and the Helen T. Howland Foundation have agreed to provide Venture and Special Assistance Grants, totaling $60,053, to 12 programs for 2009. Recipient programs are either innovative, new human service programs in Broome County or special one-time purchases and projects that demonstrate a high level of need.

Here are the projects and programs that are being funded by the grants:

•  Program grant to Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter to provide personal care services to elderly people with the physical limitations, educational and supportive services for their caregivers, and education on financial issues and fraud prevention for the high risk elderly. These issues will be addressed through training and educational seminars to be conducted throughout Broome County , which would be free and open to the public.  ($8,350)

•  Program grant to Boys and Girls Club of Western Broome Family Center (a United Way member agency) to work with parents and caregivers to help families spend more valuable time together and provide a network of support for both the Boys and Girls Club members and their families. The program will focus on getting fathers more involved with their children and provide support to Kinship Care recipients and caregivers, as well as to children in foster care.    ($4,000)

•  Special assistant grant to Conklin Presbyterian Church to purchase computers, active play equipment and supplies to expand the School-Aged Child Care (SACC) program. This is a non-religious program that provides working parents with before and after school child care with activities designed to enhance learning and development.  ($4,110)

•  Program grant to Danielle House to provide housing, transportation to and from the hospital, meals, comfort, etc. to any elderly patient who lives in the outlying areas of Broome County and is receiving extended out-patient treatment at either Lourdes or United Health Services.  ($5,000)

•  Special assistant grant to Day Nursery Association  to renovate a large open, unused garage space within the childcare building of the Binghamton Housing Authority into a safe large activity room.  This will avail an appropriate area for physical activity for the children when the playground becomes inaccessible, due to inclement weather or use by another party. The grant will be used to purchase protective wall mats, flooring, and paint. ($5,457.01)

•  Program grant to Haven After School Program to help pay the salary of the basketball coach mentor for one year. This program is attended by youth aged 14-18, who are predominantly black and 90 percent male. This demographic is the most at risk of being involved with a crime after school. The male coach mentor is an important support for this targeted group. Since 2002, this program has grown from a once a week lunch program to an independent non-profit organization that opens its doors for three afternoons per week in addition to the weekly lunch program.  ($4,019)

•  Program grant to Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier, Inc., (a United Way member agency) to match trained community volunteers in one-to-one mentoring relationships with youth aged 5-17 from diverse cultural, racial and economic backgrounds who are at risk of developing emotional, social, and behavioral problems. The program is provided at no cost to the youth served.  ($10,750)

•  Special assistance grant to Mom’s House of Endicott, New York, Inc., to purchase a portable defibrillator and recommended accessories and prepare the staff to use the equipment if anyone has a heart attack, and to purchase touch free waterless sanitizer dispensers along with sanitizers for each classroom to enable the organization to be more efficient in stopping the spread of germs.  ($2,327.44)

•  Program grant to Rebuilding Together Broome County to provide free home repairs for low income elderly, disabled, or families with children.  Five or six homes will be selected each year for work of up to $2,000 each. Material would be mostly donated and labor would be from volunteers. If interested, homeowners can assist with the repairs.  ($5,000)

•  Program grant to Rural Health Network of South Central New York to improve access for homebound elderly living in northern Broome County to nutritious, locally produced foods at the Whitney Point Farmers Market. The food will be delivered to the homebound by a volunteer and when feasible, the volunteer will assist the client to the market so they can shop for themselves.  ($4,200)

•  Special assistance grant to Volunteers of America of Western New York to purchase and install two computers and printers for use by clients staying in the VOA housing programs. The computers would assist the clients as they work to build the skills necessary for self-sufficient lives. The VOA staff and volunteers would provide computer classes and one-on-one instruction training to the clients to assist them in building basic computer literacy skills. ($2,040)

•  Special assistance grant to YWCA of Binghamton/Broome County to purchase therapy and fitness equipment for the organization’s Fitness and Aquatics center, which offers quality affordable programming to low income/high risk elderly as well as disabled or limited-mobility clients. ($4,800)

ACCORD, a Center for Dispute Resolution, Inc.

Project P.E.A.C.E. (1999)

CASA volunteers and mediator recruitment and training resources (2004)

Establishment of a divorce mediation program in Broome County (2007)

Purchase printed materials and radio advertising about Assisted Senior Communication program (2008)

Action for Older Persons, Inc.

Publish and distribute an updated "Broome County Elder Services Guide" (2003)

Health insurance outreach campaign for minority seniors (2006)

Distribute 9-1-1 Beacon flashing lights to adults aged 75 or older in rural communities in eastern Broome County (2008)

ADRDA, Inc. (Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association)

In-home respite for caregivers of dementia patients (1999)

Simple pleasures at home (2000)

Grant to the RACERS (Reaching Alzheimer’s Disease Caregivers Through Education and Rural Support) program to provide services to caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (2002)

Binghamton Association for the Education of Young Children

Pilot program at seven participating childcare centers using the Partners for Learning curriculum and assessment model developed by Dr. Craig Ramey (2002)

Binghamton Rotary Charities, Inc.

Supply all Head Start and public elementary school nurses in Broome County with a "head lice tool kit" to use in dealing with head lice among the students (2002)

Blind Work Association, Inc.

Purchase of safety equipment for high-risk elderly, including smoke alarms and locks for 1,000 legally blind people age 60 or older, and financial assistance for installation of this equipment in partnership with the First Ward Action Council (2002)

Boy Scouts of America, Baden-Powell Council, Inc.

Child protection training program (1999)

Camp kids need a break, too (2000)

Purchase of bicycles and helmets for the Trail Masters program, a week-long adventure at Camp Tuscarora for youngsters, ages 14-21 (2003)

Week-long day camp for youth in the ARC program (2007)

Help fund expanding Camp Tuscarora from a six-week summer venue to a year-round program (2008)

Boys and Girls Club of Binghamton, Inc.

Nova Net--youth link to learning program (2000)

Fitness, Health, and Nutrition Center (2001)

Purchase of tables and chairs for youth programs, including expanded technology center (2002)

Multi-media arts program for children, ages 5-18 (2003)

Resident camp/cabin project at Camp Sertoma (2004)

Percussion music program for kids, ages 6 to 17 (2005)

Replace pool liner and install proper drainage around pool at Camp Sertoma (2006)

Fund a step dancing program for girls 12 through 17 (2008)

Boys and Girls Club of Western Broome, Inc.

Exercise and nutritional instruction for adolescent girls who are above normal weight for their height and age (2003)

Promote health and wellness for its members, ages 6 to 18 (2008)

Broome Community College Foundation

Early educator's conference (2004)

Professional development activities for local child care directors (2006)

Broome County Council of Churches

Transportation initiative/interfaith volunteer caregiver (2000)

Project HOPE (2001)

Purchase of materials to allow a newly renovated warehouse to provide fresh produce to 21 Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW) food pantries and the Broome Bounty program (2002)

Hiring of a part-time volunteer coordinator and providing volunteers with mileage reimbursement (2003)

Implement 10 Trust in the Lives of Older Women groups (2006)

Broome County Head Start

Provide electrical hook-ups so Lourdes Mobil Dental Unit can serve children and families at Head Start centers in Endicott, Whitney Point, and Harpursville (2008)

Broome County Urban League, Inc.

Van purchase challenge (2001)

Offer special programs to at-risk youth (2007)

Broome County YMCA

Infant and toddler room update (2001)

New and safer basketball hoops for the gym (2005)

Purchase adaptive equipment to help children with different levels of special needs (2006)

Provide staff supervision for Community Midnight Basketball program (2007)

Broome Library Foundation

Summer reading program for kids and their families (2005)

Broome-Tioga ARC

Program to provide assistance in navigating the guardianship process for those with a disabled relative (2007)

Broome-Tioga BOCES

A study of 15 local school districts to identify options for improving efficiency of service and/or making improvements in the quality of educational opportunities for the 38,000 students the districts served. (2005)

Catholic Charities Gateway Center for Youth

A free youth counseling program for 80 young people, ages 11 to 21 (2005)

Catholic Social Services of Broome County

Active parenting of teens educational materials (2000)

Catholic Youth Organization

Creation of Youth Adventure Leadership Program (2007)

The Center for Adolescent Services

Male teen sexuality group (1999)

Male teen sexuality group "Testosterone Talk" and rural counseling groups (2000)

Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference

Juvenile justice detention diversion (2001)

Parents' Night Out (parent education and support program) (2004)

Preventing children from relapsing into former unhealthy behavior or criminal activities (2006)

Community Potential, Inc.

Lead youth, ages 8-12, from Binghamton Housing Authority to work in teams with scientists, engineers, artists, and civic leaders to design a futuristic Mars community (2008)

Conklin Ave. First Baptist Church

Urban community youth mentorship (2004)

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County

Urban youth workforce preparation (2001)

Program grant to open a Family Support Center in Endicott (2003)

One-day conference by the Forum for Youth Investment to ensure young people are ready for work, college, and life by age 21 (2008)

Crime Victims Assistance Center, Inc.

Stopping the cycle of violence (1999)

Day Nursery Association, Inc.

Hiring of a part-time education coordinator (2003)

Purchase of two-way radios to allow communication among the agency's three sites during an emergency (2007)

The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier

Program for high-risk youth (2007)

Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester-Syracuse-Binghamton

Create part-time position to offer case management for area residents with epilepsy (2006)

Fairview Recovery Services, Inc.

Purchase, stocking, and distribution of basic clothing to individuals in need (2003)

Staff training for Homeless Management Information System, which collects and shares data about homelessness in Broome County (2006)

Provide basic clothing and hygiene items to about 960 individuals not residing in the Addiction Crisis Center (2008)

Family and Children’s Society of Broome County, Inc.

School-based family support centers (1999)

Early intervention alternative to violence (2001)

Treatment of youthful sexual aggression (2001)

Teach alternatives to teens identified as physically, verbally, or emotionally violent to others  (2005)

Family Enrichment Network, Inc.

Preschool special education services (2004)

Provide information to local childcare providers about link between chronic disease and lack of physical activity (2006)

Purchase computer equipment for technology center (2007)

Ferre Institute, Inc.

Improving access for genetic counseling patients (2004)

First Ward Action Council

Home repairs for seniors (2001)

Foundation of State University of New York at Binghamton, Inc.

Women as leaders (2000)

Family mentoring program (2004)

Provide information to older adults about stroke identification and treatment (2005)

Action plan to support families in two areas of Binghamton with children, birth to age 5 (2006)

Program to allow high-risk students from Broome County to attend statewide Empire Promise Youth Summit (2007)

Girl Scouts, Indian Hills Council, Inc.

Adventure challenge course (1999)

Summer day camp program (2000)

Health relationships patch program (2001)

Rebuilding the high ropes portion, including six elements and a climbing wall, of the Adventure Challenge Course at Amahami Outdoor Center (2002)

Purchase equipment for canoe interests group, the Susquehanna River Raiders (2007)

Upgrade the Health Center at the Amahami Outdoor Center (2008)

Handicapped Children’s Association of Southern New York, Inc.

Otacoustic testing (2001)

Purchase of a used pediatric power wheelchair (2003)

Jewish Community Center of Binghamton

Establish mobile science center within early childhood center (2006)

Johnson City Senior Citizens Center, Inc.

Implementation of an outreach program to Laotian elderly within Broome County (2003)

Kopernik Observatory and Science Education Center

Hands-on science outreach program to all eighth grade students at West and East Middle Schools in Binghamton (2008)

Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York, Inc.

Create multilingual reading room for low-income individuals, primarily refugees and other recent immigrants (2006)

Literacy Volunteers of Broome/Tioga, Inc.

Reach Out to Read media campaign (2000)

Replace and update training and tutorial materials (2002)

Meals on Wheels of Western Broome, Inc.

Helping hands project (2000)

Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier, Inc.

Socialization/theater project (2001)

Everyday courage: a mental health education pilot program for Windsor High School (2004)

Mom’s House of Endicott New York, Inc.

Mom’s House program adjustments targeted at welfare reform (1999)

Kitchen renovation (2000)

Literacy enhancement program of reading and writing skills in preparation for kindergarten (2002)

Nutrition instruction to parents (2003)

Purchase of new property which will include an outdoor play area for kids (2005)

Purchase a storage shed and tools for maintenance and yard work (2008)

New Life Ministries

Expansion of the food pantry to provide more food to those in need (2005)

Opportunities for Broome, Inc.

Four-day orientation and training for the staff of a new child care center in Endicott (2007)

Our Lady of Lourdes Arthritis Center

Improving the quality of life for older adults with arthritis through group support for weight management (1999)

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Youth Services Department

Family support program for pregnant and parenting teens (1999)

Young parent support program (2000)

Development of Wilderness Adventure Therapy Program, a non-traditional therapeutic setting to serve at-risk youth (2002)

Organization of a conference for at-risk teens, 14 to 17, including forums and workshops run by other young people (2005)

Full day conference about infant and toddler behavior featuring a nationally known expert (2007)

Planned Parenthood of South Central New York

Teen drop-in center for teens to get information and talk to trained staff members (2004)

Creation of materials for parents and their children concerning sex, pregnancy, and health-related issues (2005)

Furnish a new, larger Teen Drop-in Center (2008)

Recess Resources, Inc.

Purchase furnishings and equipment for its school age child care center and pre-school program (2006)

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

Exercise classes targeting people with arthritis (2006)

Rural Health Network of South Central New York, Inc.

Northern Broome transportation partnership program (2000)

Northern Broome transportation program (2001)

Prescription assistance to individuals who are ineligible for public health insurance (2006)

Southern Tier Celebrates!

Art program targeting "at-risk" youth (2005)

Southern Tier Institute for Arts in Education

Art training to local preschools, pre-kindergarten, child care centers, and three Broome County libraries as part of their children’s hour programs (2002)

SOS Shelter, Inc.

Purchase and distribution of 44 cameras to local law enforcement agencies to aid in responding to domestic violence calls. (2005)

Purchase and install outdoor lights for shelter building. (2006)

Purchase and install security monitor system (2008)

Trinity Memorial Church

After school program to help young people gain better social skills and do better in school  (2005)

Veterans Services Center

Establishment of a support group for veterans who have committed felony crimes. The program addresses the unique mental health needs of veterans. (2005)

Volunteers of America of Western New York, Inc.

Fire safety equipment for emergency men's shelter (2004)

Purchase breathalyzers to identify alcohol problems more quickly among residents of its emergency shelter (2006)

Purchase of video equipment and workbooks for use in weekly lifeskills training workshops on many topics (2007)

Fred L. Waterman Conservation Education Center

Day camp scholarships (2000)

Summer camp (2001)

Scholarships to low income children to attend a camp at the center during school breaks and holidays (2002)

Teen explorations in conservation (2004)

Safe and stimulating outdoor skills course for youth (2006)

Whitney Point Preschool and Daycare

Playground expansion, speakers and library resource materials (2000)

Grant to build a 5,000 square-foot child care and pre-school center (2002)

YWCA of Binghamton/Broome County

Cross-program recreational enhancement (1999)

Kids Korner renovation (2001)

Purchase of supplies to develop a resource room for mothers and children (2002)

Purchase of materials and equipment for Kids Korner childcare program, replacing worn out  equipment and supplies (2003)

Computer lab for YWRAP program (2004)

Purchase supplies and equipment for newly renovated classrooms in child care center (2008)

Updated: July 29, 2008