The John R. Oishei Foundation granted $425,000 to basic human needs agencies in Western New York in November and $810,000 in December, bringing the total to $1,235,000.
The Foundation has continued to increase its giving in the basic
human needs area in response to the growing need in our region and today’s
challenging economic environment. Funding from Oishei to human needs
agencies has increased substantially over the past 4 years, up from $450,000 in
2004.
“This increased level of support is reflective of the
Foundation’s concern for the well-being of the people of Western New York. Our
hope is that our heightened commitment will serve as an inspiration for others
to give in this time of great need,” stated Oishei program officer Lawrence H.
Cook.
Oishei president Robert D. Gioia added, “Our Board of Directors
is interested in assisting area nonprofits that serve the needy and strive to
meet the growing demand for basic living necessities.”
In addition, Gioia said, “It’s early to tell what our financial involvement might be in 2009, but I don’t see us dramatically changing our policy on giving unless the size of our portfolio is affected.” He also explained that most of the money the foundation puts into the community reflects multi-year grants.
“We meet monthly, and our objective in 2009 will be to direct funds where there is extreme need,” Gioia said. “We have no cycle, and we walk grantees through the approval process. We plan to be more flexible or ‘nimble’ in 2009 in order to meet needs.” Gioia added that the best way to start the grant process is through the Oishei website.
“Look over the site,” Gioia suggested. “See what we fund, and find a fit.”
The agencies that received recent awards are as follows:
AIDS Community Services and GROUP Ministries
were each awarded $25,000. These agencies serve a special needs constituency
that due to its affliction has special nutritional needs.
The seven agencies below service what have
been economically disadvantaged areas of Buffalo’s East and West Sides.
·
Buffalo Urban League – $25,000
·
Community
Action Organization – $25,00
·
Concerned Ecumenical Ministries (Loaves &
Fishes) – $20,000
·
Hispanics United of Buffalo – $25,000
·
Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center – $25,000
·
Native American Community Services – $25,000
·
St. Adalbert’s Response to Love – $25,000
·
St. Bridget’s Outreach – $25,000
Journey’s End and Vive La Casa serve the
unique needs of recent refugees in our area. These agencies received $25,000
and $50,000 respectively.
The following two agencies focus specifically
on housing and shelter needs. Although WNY Veterans focuses on the needs
and concerns of veterans they are not limited to the shelter concerns of that
constituency.
·
Habitat for Humanity – $50,000
·
WNY
Veterans Housing Coalition – $25,000
The three agencies below service areas within
Niagara County.
·
Heart, Love, and Soul – $25,000
·
St.
John the Baptist Church (Lockport) – $25,000
·
The
Tonawanda Inter-Church Food Pantry, Inc. – $15,000
The following two groups focus their attention
on needs of the homeless.
·
Hearts for the Homeless Mobile Soup Kitchen –
$25,000
·
Buffalo Dream Center – $10,000
The six agencies below provide multiple basic
human needs services to a broad base of the overall community.
·
American Red Cross – $50,000
·
Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo – $25,000
·
Friends of the Night People – $10,000
·
Joan A Male Family Support Center – $25,000
·
Network
of Religious Communities – $25,000
·
Society of St. Vincent DePaul’s – $25,000
·
United Way’s News Neediest – $25,000
The three agencies below provide basic human
need support on a county-wide basis for Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and
Niagara Counties.
·
Cattaraugus Community Action, Inc. – $25,000
·
Chautauqua County Rural Ministry – $25,000
·
Niagara Community Action Programs, Inc. –
$25,000
Image: A Who’s Who of past and present Oishei Community Leaders.