Venture & Special Assistance Grants

In addition to its allocation to partner 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 partner 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 submit a proposal for a grant from United Way, please read the following documents below. For more information, please  

The role United Way can and should play in addressing a wide range of community issues (included in "Advancing the Common Good", United Way's Community Investment Strategy, 2010-2012)  

Request for Proposals (Instructions and Application)

Question and Answers about Venture Grants

(You will need Adobe Reader to view these some of these documents. Click here to download.)

The United Way of Broome County and the Helen T. Howland Foundation agreed to provide Venture and Special Assistance Grants, totaling $58,925, to 11 programs for 2010. 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 and also fit within focus areas defined within the United Way's Community Investment Strategy Report. 

At the heart of United Way’s Community Investment Strategy is commitment to mobilizing the caring power of Broome County to advance the common good. United Way believes the betterment of the community can be achieved by focusing on three basic building blocks: Education, Income, and Health. Grants awarded as part of the 2010 Venture and Special Assistance Program address these three building blocks through programs in Quality Early Child Care, Youth Mental Health, Chemical Dependency Prevention, Physical Fitness and Wellness, Health Access, Service Access for Seniors, and Other Community Needs.

The following 11 projects will be funded by the grants:

Quality Early Child Care

Opportunities for Broome to conduct a one day workshop on the seven basic skills for discipline. Conscious Discipline for Broome County is a workshop program that will be offered to teachers, health and human service professionals and parents focusing on “The Seven Basic Skills for Discipline”. The Goal of the one day workshop is to help parents and teachers of young children learn positive guidance skills.  ($2,000)

Youth Mental Health

Program grant to Catholic Charities of Broome County to implement the Gateway Center for Youth After School Program. This after-school program will be targeting youth with mental health diagnosis and at-risk behaviors. Priority will be given to youth with mental health diagnosis and at-risk behaviors, but will be open to all Broome County youth. Gateway Center for Youth will serve 20 youth in 2010.  ($7,984)

Chemical Dependency Prevention

Program grant to Lourdes Hospital to implement FASTWORKS in the Newark Valley Central School District. This is an evidence based program designed to improve family functioning, prevent school failure, prevent substance abuse, and reduce stress experienced by parents and children.  ($5,000)

Physical Fitness and Wellness

Program grant to Handicapped Children’s Association to implement a program to engage children and their families in healthy lifestyle choices such as exercise and proper nutrition. “Fit for Fun” will address sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, and total wellness. This program will also encourage parent participation through group meetings, parents as fitness partners and developing a healthy cookbook. “Fit for Fun” will be taking a holistic approach to addressing the childhood obesity issue facing Broome County.  ($3,500)

Health Access

Program grant to Planned Parenthood to conduct a pregnancy prevention program focused on educating adolescent males. “It’s a Guy Thing Too” is a program that focuses on pregnancy prevention to high school students, specifically males. This program will follow the high school sporting calendar and will offer three meeting, each consisting of four educational sessions (Fall, Winter, Spring). Sports teams from the Broome County School systems would participate. Each of the four days would cover a different educational focus area as it pertains to pregnancy prevention.  ($5,000)

Special assistance grant to Broome County Council of Churches to install 15 wheelchair ramps during the summer of 2010. The goal of the project is to build wheel chair ramps for elderly, disabled and chronically ill households in Broome County. Construction of these ramps will be performed by trained volunteers.

Program grant to Family & Children Society to implement a program model designed to identify seniors with mental health needs and get them connected with services in the community. The Gatekeeper’s program is specifically designed to identify at-risk elders 65 years and older, particularly those who are isolated, living alone and in need of some type of assistance to maintain their independence. The objectives of the Gatekeepers program are to improve emotional or behavioral problems, prevent abuse/neglect, link elders to support systems and correct poor physical health. The goals of the Gatekeeper program include keeping at-risk elderly adults in their own homes and preventing premature out-of-home placement.  ($6,075)

Special assistance grant to Rebuilding Broome Together to provide home repairs to at least two clients in 2010. This program will provide free home repairs to low income, elderly, disabled, and families with children. It will make homes safe, secure, and weatherproof, which allows families to remain in their homes without impacting their often precarious financial situation.  ($2,124)

Special assistance grant to YMCA of Broome County to complete renovations to the lobby of the West Family Branch to create a more inviting environment for seniors to socialize before and after participating in programs at the facility. The YMCA Socialization Project will create an atmosphere where seniors feel comfortable to spend additional time together, in a friendly, safe environment, as opposed to leaving directly after their program of choice concludes.  ($5,000)

Other Community Needs

Program grant to Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program to implement a program designed to help high school students develop the knowledge and skill necessary to be successful in today work environment. The Junior Achievement Company Program will be introduced to local high schools in Broome County which will create the opportunity for students to gain knowledge of the world of business, improve interpersonal skills, connect with peers, and develop relationships with adult mentors from local industries. By participating in this program students will can be expected to learn: relevance of schoolwork, necessary workplace skills, teamwork, connection between learning and earning, and introduction to careers.  ($5,269)

Program grant to Southern Tier Alternative Therapies to provide a unique mentoring and community service project designed to keep at-risk youth in school. ProMISE is a program that will work with 15 teens at risk of dropping out of school. The program will provide the kids with counseling, participate in leadership/mentoring skills training, be exposed to multiple career opportunities, gain volunteer experience, and receive assistance with goal planning for their future with guidance from the MSW team.  ($12,000)

“The Venture and Special Assistance Program provides a unique opportunity to support new and innovative programs in our community.  Each of the projects receiving a grant today represent opportunities to improve people’s lives and create lasting changes in our community that would not exist without the funding made possible through the United Way and the Howland Foundation,” said Doris Getty, chair of the Venture and Special Assistance Program Selection Committee.

The Venture Grant Program of United Way of Broome County was permanently established in 1990 when its Board of Directors earmarked up to one percent of the allocable funds from each year’s annual fund-raising campaign to be set aside for such grants. The program was later expanded to cover special assistance grants as well.

In 1993, the Helen T. Howland Foundation arranged for United Way of Broome County to provide recommendations to the foundation for a portion of its funding decisions. United Way agreed to use its Venture Grant process to develop these recommendations. The foundation is named after Helen Thomas Howland who was born in Binghamton and resided in Ithaca for much of her life. A trust was established under her will in order to benefit the community. M&T Bank manages the Helen T. Howland Foundation.

At the beginning of March, United Way of Broome County mailed Venture and Special Assistance Grant Request for Proposals to a comprehensive list of human service providers in Broome County. Completed applications were due in mid-April. The Venture and Special Assistance Grant Selection Committee met in April and May to evaluate the proposals and develop a list of funding recommendations. The committee’s recommendations were submitted for review to the United Way’s Community Services Division in June and then forwarded for final approval by the United Way Board of Directors and Howland Foundation Board of Trustees.

ACCORD, a Center for Dispute Resolution, Inc.

CASA volunteers and mediator recruitment and training resources (2004)

Establish 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)

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)

Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter

Provide personal care services to elderly people with physical limitations, educational and supportive services for their caregivers, and education on financial issues and fraud prevention (2009)

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 "head lice tool kit" to use in dealing with head lice among students (2002)

Blind Work Association, Inc.

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

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

Camp kids need a break, too (2000)

Purchase bicycles and helmets for 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)

Grant to work with parents and caregivers to help families spend more valuable time together and provide a network of support (2009)

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)

Hire part-time volunteer coordinator and provide 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

Provide assistance in navigating guardianship process for those with a disabled relative (2007)

Broome-Tioga BOCES

Study of 15 local school districts to identify options for improving efficiency of service and/or making improvements in quality of educational opportunities for 38,000 students in 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 "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)

Conklin Presbyterian Church

Purchase computers, active play equipment and supplies to expand School-Aged Child Care (SACC) program (2009)

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County

Urban youth workforce preparation (2001)

Grant to open a Family Support Center in Endicott (2003)

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

Danielle House

Provide housing, transportation to and from hospital, meals, comfort, etc. to any elderly patient who lives in outlying area of Broome County and is receiving extended out-patient treatment at a local hospital (2009)

Day Nursery Association, Inc.

Hire part-time education coordinator (2003)

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

Renovate large open, unused garage space in childcare building of Binghamton Housing Authority into safe large activity room for use by children when playground is inaccessible (2009)

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, Inc.

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.

Summer day camp program (2000)

Health relationships patch program (2001)

Rebuild high ropes portion, including six elements and climbing wall, of 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)

Haven After School Program

Help pay salary of basketball coach mentor for one year for program attended predominantly by black, male youth aged 14-18 (2009)

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 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)

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 (2009)

Mom’s House of Endicott New York, Inc.

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)

Purchase a portable defibrillator and prepare staff to use this equipment in case of a heart attack, and purchase touch-free waterless sanitizer dispensers to help stop the spread of germs (2009)

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 Hospital Youth Services Department

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)

Rebuilding Together Broome County

Grant to provide free home repairs for low income elderly, disabled, or families with children (2009)

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)

Improve access for homebound elderly in northern Broome County to nutritious, locally produced food at Whitney Point Farmers Market (2009)

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 distribute 44 cameras to local law enforcement agencies to aid in response 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, addressing 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 life skills training workshops on many topics (2007)

Purchase two computers and printers for use by residents in housing programs (2009)

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

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: February 16, 2010