Download - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT 2020
2020 ANNUAL REPORT
SUPPORT IN TIME OF CRISIS
2020
DEAR FRIENDS,
2020 was a year like no other, as the
challenges of the pandemic required our
community to adapt in ways we could
not have imagined. While the COVID-19
crisis hit with little warning, the Foundation
worked hard to provide support, to remain
flexible, and to find ways to help our
grantee partners continue to serve those
who need them most.
Trusted relationships with our
grantees, other funders, and local
government allowed us to move quickly
to respond to need, to set up new
programs to address growing issues,
and to better understand the impact
of the crisis on our community. Serving
as a lead funder and organizer of the
WNY COVID-19 Community Response
Fund, a collaborative effort to raise
and distribute funds to struggling
nonprofits, is a prime example of this.
It was also a year in which we
reaffirmed our commitment to racial
equity in the face of local and national
protests for racial justice. With an
intentional focus on racial equity, begun
in 2017, we have developed programs such
as the Oishei Fellowship for Leaders of
Color and our Community Conversations
that are now providing connections,
support, and professional development
for the next generation of diverse leaders.
The year also brought planned change
with two retirements of our longest serving
staff. Gayle Houck, who served the
Foundation since its inception in 1998
as the Director of Finance, retired in
September. Paul Hogan extended his
tenure beyond his planned June retirement
until December to manage our COVID-19
response after 20 years with the Foundation.
Both will be sorely missed!
While there are hopeful signs of
a recovery, we recognize that the scars
of 2020 will be with us for some time.
We are proud to be a partner in rebuilding
our community for as long as it takes.
S INCERELY,
Robert D. Gioia, President
William G. Gisel, Jr., Board Chair
A Message from our President and Board Chair
ROBERT D. GIOIA / PRESIDENT
WILLIAM G. GISEL, JR. / BOARD CHAIR
John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report | 1
Early in 2021, we were profoundly saddened
to learn about the passing of our friend
and colleague, Thomas E. Baker, who served
as the first President of The John R. Oishei
Foundation.
Tom believed in collaboration and
building consensus. He challenged the
community to find ways to collaborate,
understanding that many of the issues
they faced could be better solved together,
as he did with the arts community in the
90s. He was instrumental in encouraging
local private high schools to work together
and form what is now known as the Education
Collaborative of WNY. Tom also continued
John R. Oishei’s dedication to education
and formalized the Oishei High School
Scholarship program in 1998, which
continues today with a goal of creating
schools of belonging. He was an early
supporter of the Buffalo Niagara Medical
Campus when it was still in the idea stage
and encouraged collaboration among
the individual campus institutions.
Tom cared very deeply about his
community and was so proud to lead the
Foundation, encouraging staff and board
members to find a way to “say yes.” He was
well respected as a community leader and
was beloved by the Oishei staff. He will
be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
One of his enduring legacies was his belief in collaboration and building consensus. He was open to different ways of thinking and helped to challenge the community to find new ways to work together. ROBERT D. GIOIA, PRESIDENT
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IN MEMORIAM: Thomas E. Baker, First President of The John R. Oishei Foundation from 1998–2006
2 | John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report
Collaboration Leads to WNY COVID-19 Community Response FundIt was clear early on that a big response
was needed to help our community. The
Oishei Foundation joined the Community
Foundation for Greater Buffalo, The Health
Foundation for Western and Central
New York, and the United Way of Buffalo
& Erie County to create the WNY
COVID-19 Community Response Fund.
The collaborative initiative moved quickly
to raise funding, understand and outline
priorities, create systems to invite and
review grant applications, and get funding
to organizations addressing the most
pressing community needs.
Within the first weeks of the pandemic,
Foundation staff worked with our funding
partners to deploy nearly $4.5 million to
74 organizations shortly after the Fund was
announced. Throughout 2020, the Fund
raised $7 million from nearly 80 foundations
and corporations, 40 community leaders,
and nearly 2,000 individual donors. The effort
supported 156 organizations throughout
WNY addressing food insecurity, housing,
healthcare, childcare, mental health,
transportation, and other critical issues.
The Fund also supported a microgrant
program for small and rural WNY organizations
and a collective effort to secure personal
protective equipment (PPE) for nonprofits.
As the year progressed, the Fund developed
“Moving Forward Together,” an initiative
to draw out and support innovative ideas
for systemic change.
WNY Nonprofits Demonstrate Innovation, Resilience, and TenacityTimely funding, coupled with the leadership,
creativity, and hard work of nonprofit staff,
led to amazing results. Nonprofits adapted
to their new reality and increased their own
capacity to meet their clients’ needs. Building
new community partnerships, offering
expanded services, adapting technology
to address need, restocking food pantries,
and supporting their staffs are just some
of the actions taken.
Oishei Foundation Responds to the COVID-19 Crisis
Understanding that nonprofits needed
tremendous support and flexibility as the
COVID-19 crisis hit, we removed restrictions
on grant funding, allowed our partners to
move program dollars to operations to save
jobs and keep their doors open, and relaxed
reporting requirements. We moved fast
to get funding to organizations that address
basic human needs, which became even
more critical as the economic and health
crisis spread. We also focused on finding
solutions to issues of increased urgency,
like childcare and digital equity. The
determination of these agencies meant
that more individuals and families in
crisis received critical support.
John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report | 3
Oishei Fellowship for Leaders of Color Grows Our second cohort of the Oishei Fellowship
for Leaders of Color was selected from
a highly competitive pool of applicants.
Those chosen participated in Rockwood
Leadership Institute’s five-day Art of
Leadership program in a virtual format in
October. The rigorous and transformational
leadership training program teaches
critical personal and organizational skills
for successful and sustainable leadership.
With 100% of the evaluations showing that
the experience exceeded expectations,
we are gratified that this program is both
welcomed and valued by leaders of color
in our community.
Community Conversations for Leaders of Color Offer Connections and SupportOur Community Conversations for Leaders
of Color (CCLOC) have offered a forum
for support, connection, and conversation
among nonprofit leaders of color since 2019.
These became more important as our nation
grappled with the death of George Floyd
and the protests that followed in 2020.
In July, we convened the fourth CCLOC
via Zoom, with dedicated time for healing
and reflection and breakout rooms for
deeper conversations.
We continue to listen carefully and
respond accordingly to the conversations of
the CCLOC. In a design workshop, the group
shared a strong desire for a directory to link
nonprofit leaders of color together. With
Foundation support, the group formed a task
force to research potential online platforms
that will link participants and provide a forum
for sharing news, events, and discussion, all
grounded in the shared values of the group.
RACIAL EQUITY: A Time for Action
In 2020, we underscored our commitment
to racial equity with action. As the health and
economic crisis heightened existing racial
disparities in healthcare and economic
opportunity, and as protests against racial
injustice grew over the summer, approaching
our work through a racial equity lens
became more important than ever.
My very essence has changed, I believe. I am able to communicate with a purpose and stand in my power in ways that I have never before.PARTICIPANT IN THE OISHEI FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM FOR LEADERS OF COLOR
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4 | John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report
JANUARY — EARLY MARCH
JANUARY
MSNT Numbers in Need report roll outThe Mobile Safety-Net Team and UBRI host community meetings to share findings in newly published Numbers in Need report. The online resource outlines factors that contribute to poverty for 12 local communities, to better understand each area’s needs and to provide recommended strategies and models to address them.
While 2020 began as “normal,”
the pandemic’s arrival in
March spurred the Foundation
to mobilize and address
the growing public health
and economic crisis.
As the year progressed,
racial tension erupted across
the country and in WNY,
requiring response and action.
1.9World Health Organization (WHO) announces mysterious pneumonia from Wuhan, China
1.21CDC confirms first coronavirus case in U.S. in Washington state
1.30WHO declares global health emergency
FEBRUARY
Oishei Leaders Winter CelebrationJericho Road Community Health Center hosts the annual Oishei Leaders winter get-together at a cocktail reception and tour of their new facility in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood.
JANUARY
EdCo schools attend private screening of Just MercyThe Foundation joined private high school students to see Just Mercy, a movie based on civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson and his work for racial justice, as part of the Education Collaborative of WNY’s work with the schools on diversity, equity, and inclusion to create schools of belonging.
JANUARY The new Numbers in Need report and website provide a community resource to strengthen Buffalo-Niagara’s safety net.
A Year Like No Other
2020
John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report | 5
MARCH 13
First discussions with fellow funders on COVID-19 response As concern grows over the impact of COVID-19, The Oishei Foundation joins fellow funders via conference call to discuss strategy for a collective response to provide support for the community as shut-down becomes imminent.
MARCH 2
StoryGrowing kick-off with Andy Goodman200+ nonprofit professionals attend StoryGrowing to sharpen their storytelling skills with noted storyteller, author, and teacher Andy Goodman. Attendees are invited to apply for the in-depth communications capacity-building program hosted by the Oishei Foundation and the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York.
MARCH 11
Mental Health Advocates honors Paul Hogan at dinner for 500+Paul Hogan is honored by Mental Health Advocates of WNY with its Community Impact Award for his extraordinary impact in WNY as a catalyst for change with respect to mental health issues. This dinner held at Rich’s Atrium was the last large scale event most of us would attend for the remainder of 2020.
2.11WHO announces a formal name for the coronavirus: COVID-19
3.3U.S. surpasses 100 cases
3.11WHO declares pandemic
Last day in the JROF officeMarch 16JROF
There is no greater time for our community to support organizations that are addressing the most critical needs in Western New York as a result of COVID-19.ROBERT D. GIOIA ON ANNOUNCEMENT OF WNY COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE FUND CREATION
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6 | John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report
MARCH 18
First meeting of Erie County Child Care Emergency Task ForceThe Foundation joins a task force with community partners to tackle issues arising from closed schools and healthcare workers’ increased need for childcare.
MARCH 24
WNY philanthropic community announces fund to address impact of COVID-19 Nearly 20 local philanthropic organizations announce the Western New York COVID-19 Community Response Fund in partnership with the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County to address the most immediate needs in WNY due to the pandemic. The Oishei Foundation is a lead funder and makes staff available to coordinate relief efforts.
First JROF virtual staff meetingMarch 20
Complying with mask mandates, JROF has customized versions createdJune
3.19U.S. surpasses 10,000 cases
3.26U.S. leads the world with over 80,000 cases
4.4U.S. surpasses 300,000 cases and 8,000 deaths
APRIL 7 WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund announces grants totaling $4.5 million to 74 nonprofit organizations.
APRIL 7
WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund announces first grantsThe collaborative Fund distributes $4.5 million to 74 nonprofit organizations throughout WNY to address food insecurity, housing, healthcare, childcare, mental health, transportation, and other emergency services.MARCH 30
New class of Oishei Scholars namedFourteen incoming freshmen are awarded the Oishei High School Scholarship, enabling them to attend one of the area’s private high schools.
LATE MARCH — JUNE
John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report | 7
MAY
‘Open4’ announced to support resilience of small businesses and nonprofits across WNYThe Oishei Foundation collaborates with the private sector and fellow funders to support small businesses and nonprofit organizations in the wake of COVID-19 to improve their long-term strength and resilience.
5.25 George Floyd is killed in Minneapolis; protests follow
Esther Annan joins JROF as Program OfficerJune
Florence Conti retires from JROF BoardJune
Glenn Jackson joins JROF BoardJune
6.11Two million COVID-19 cases counted in the U.S.
4.3CDC recommends use of face masks
APRIL 22
Oishei graduating high school scholars honored Despite cancellation of the annual Scholarship Luncheon, graduating Oishei Scholars are sent care packages to celebrate their graduation. A video of their experiences planned to be shown at the luncheon, is shared online, allowing others to honor their achievements virtually.
JUNE
Foundation issues statement on racial equity in wake of protestsThe Foundation issues a statement affirming its commitment to racial equity in response to the local and national protests for racial justice and the racial inequities that COVID-19 exposed. The Foundation also provides a forum for leaders of color to come together to reflect and connect.
Protests across our country and the racial inequities that COVID-19 have laid bare have deepened our individual and collective resolve towards and commitment to racial equity. FOUNDATION STATEMENT ON RACIAL EQUITY
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8 | John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report
8.8The U.S. reaches five million COVID-19 cases
9.18The world crosses the 30 million COVID-19 case mark
9.29One million dead of COVID-19 worldwide
SEPTEMBER
Foundation forms partnership to address digital equityThe Foundation joins forces with CommunityTech NY, a NYC based organization dedicated to digital equity. Our focus is to address the growing issue of internet access as the pandemic pushes us further into a virtual world.
SEPTEMBER 11
Community Conversations with Nonprofit Leaders of Color resumesThe Foundation continues to host nonprofit leaders of color to come together to share, connect, and refresh in a space for discussion, reflection, and potential action. The virtual format did not diminish the group’s energy or enthusiasm.
First in-person staff lunch at Larkin on the BoardwalkAugust 19
Jacquelyn Reisdorf promoted as JROF Director of Finance and AdministrationOctober
JUNE — DECEMBER
JULY
MSNT hosts Community Coffees to assess needsThe Mobile Safety-Net Team invites community organizations to meet virtually to share their challenges and needs because of the pandemic, providing an on-the-ground assessment of critical issues facing communities.
JUNE 18
Moving Forward Together announces Request for Ideas (RFI) An offshoot of the COVID-19 Fund, Moving Forward Together issues RFI to invite visionary concepts from nonprofit leaders to address challenges the community is facing due to COVID-19, coupled with the persistent challenges of racial inequities.
Natalie Cook joins JROF as Grants AssociateAugust
John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report | 9
OCTOBER
Oishei High School Scholarship program seeks applicantsStudents of color dreaming of a private high school experience are encouraged to apply for the competitive scholarship program, covering four years of tuition. The scholarship is designed to encourage increased diversity at partner schools.
OCTOBER
Revamped, virtual StoryGrowing program heldRather than the originally planned team-based intensive capacity-building program, Oishei and the Health Foundation hold a series of webinars to teach effective storytelling for nonprofit professionals. Noted storyteller Andy Goodman headlines three events attended by nonprofits throughout WNY.
11.3U.S. presidential election
10.29Nine million COVID-19 cases counted in the U.S.
12.14The vaccine rollout begins across the U.S..
Paul Hogan retires from JROF December
OCTOBER
New Class of Oishei Fellows announced/training beginsThe second cohort of the Oishei Fellowship for Leaders of Color is announced and the 23 individuals chosen participate in a rigorous 5-day virtual training program through the Rockwood Leadership Institute’s Art of Leadership program.
While we were taking care of the community, the Relief Fund was taking care of us!RESURRECTION LIFE FOOD PANTRY
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Gayle Houck retires, farewell celebration at GraycliffSeptember 30
10 | John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report
Beyond Grantmaking
Our Focus Areas
While dollars were critically important to stabilize nonprofits reeling
from lost revenue, increased costs, and limited fundraising,
our services beyond grantmaking were also in demand in the wake
of COVID-19. Our Philanthropic Support practice continued to offer
workshops, coaching, and individual consultation aimed at building
nonprofit capacity, resilience, and leadership at a time when it
has been critically needed. We also adapted our team-based,
comprehensive StoryGrowing program aimed at building marketing/
communications skills through storytelling into a series of webinars.
The John R. Oishei Foundation supports work throughout the eight
counties of Western New York in the following interrelated areas:
> Enhance Options for Self Sufficiency
> Strengthen the P-12 Education Continuum
> Build Livable, Stable Neighborhoods
> Promote Health and Systems of Care
> Expand the Role of Arts, Culture, and Heritage in Regional Development
John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report | 1 1
Grants Awarded
Strengthening the Education Continuum $3,509,768
BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund
Children First Scholarship $18,750
K-8 Scholarship Program $469,000
Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology
Operational Support $300,000
Buffalo Prep
Rising to Distinction $300,000
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Inc.
43 x 79 Stanford Lipsey Scholarship Fund $750
Engaging Tenants in Preventing Childhood Lead Poisoning $50,000
John R. Oishei College Scholarship Fund $100,000
Computers For Children Inc./Mission: Ignite
Community Tech Response $187,500
Education Collaborative of WNY, Inc.
Academic Excellence for All: Year 2 $530,000
Scholarship Program $892,768
Operating Support $87,000
Heritage Christian Services, Inc.
Women of Color Virtual Summit $5,000
Let Them LOL
In honor of Gayle L. Houck $1,000
Buffalo City Mission
COVID-19 Relief: Cornerstone Manor $70,000
Buffalo Urban League, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $10,000
Butler Mitchell Alumni Association, Inc.
In tribute to Florence Conti $5,000
Catholic Charities of Buffalo, New York, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $50,000
Cattaraugus Community Action, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $2,000
Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $15,000
Child & Family Services
COVID-19 Relief: Haven House $12,500
Community Action Organization of Western New York, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $10,000
Community Connections of NY, Inc.
Host Mobile Safety-Net Team $250,000
Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $50,000
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo, Inc.
Financial Literacy for High School Students $19,000
Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club
Operation Rebound $150,000
NY Funders Alliance
Liftoff WNY $15,000
Read to Succeed Buffalo, Inc.
Scaling Reading Success: Small Group Tutoring $140,000
Research Foundation of State University Of New York
Teacher Residency Program $113,000
YMCA Buffalo Niagara
Child Care & Remote Learning Support $150,000
Enhancing Options for Self-Sufficiency $1,952,500
American Red Cross
COVID-19 Relief $13,000
Back to Basics Outreach Ministries, Inc.
Re-Entry Program $40,500
Blessed Trinity RC Church
COVID-19 Relief: Catholic Central Food Pantry $2,000
Bread of Life Outreach of Colden, New York, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $4,000
Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology
In tribute to Florence Conti $5,000
1 2 | John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report
Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Erie County
COVID-19 Relief $5,000
EHS, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $40,000
Erie Regional Housing Development Corp.
COVID-19 Relief: The Belle Center $10,000
Every Bottom Covered, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $3,000
Family Help Center, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $20,000
Family Promise of WNY
COVID-19 Relief $10,000
FeedMore WNY
In tribute to Florence Conti $5,000 In memory of Sally A. Macaluso $1,000
Field & Fork Network, Inc.
Double Up Food Bucks NYS $100,000
First Baptist Church of Newfane Food Pantry
COVID-19 Relief $5,000
First Presbyterian Church in Springville
COVID-19 Relief: Springville Concord Food Pantry $3,000
First United Methodist Church of Akron
COVID-19 Relief: C Dee Wright Center $3,000
FISH of East Aurora, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $8,000
Friends of Night People, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $20,000
Gerard Place Housing Development Fund Company, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $15,000
Goodwill of WNY, Inc.
In tribute to Florence Conti $10,000
GROUP Ministries, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $5,000
Healthy Community Alliance, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $5,000
Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief: East Side Senior Grocery Delivery $5,000
Heart, Love & Soul, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $35,000
Hearts and Hands - Faith In Action
COVID-19 Relief $5,000
Hearts for the Homeless of WNY, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $5,000
Hispanos Unidos de Buffalo, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $10,000
Kathleen Mary House
COVID-19 Relief $10,000
Kenmore United Methodist Church
COVID-19 Relief: meal program $2,000
Ken-Ton Closet, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $2,500
Love Inc. Of The Greater Gowanda Area
COVID-19 Relief $5,000
Love Inc. of Springville, NY
COVID-19 Relief $20,000
Madonna of the Streets, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief: St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy $25,000
Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church
COVID-19 Relief $3,000
My Place Home for the Homeless
COVID-19 Relief $3,000
Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $15,000
Network Religious Communities, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief: Food for All $25,000
New Covenant Church
COVID-19 Relief: Food Pantry $12,000
Newfane Community Food Pantry
COVID-19 Relief $3,000
Niagara Community Action Program, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $35,000
Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club
COVID-19 Relief $25,000
John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report | 13
NY Funders Alliance (dba) WNY Grantmakers Association
WNY Nonprofit Support Group $50,000
Old First Ward Community Association, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $4,000
Pinnacle Community Services
COVID-19 Relief: Casey House $10,000
Polish Community Center of Buffalo, Inc.
Pathway to Sustainability $140,000
COVID-19 Relief $20,000
Restoration Society, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $10,000
Resurrection Life Church
COVID-19 Relief: Food Pantry $10,000
Rural Outreach Center, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $40,000
Saving Grace Ministries, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $10,000
Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship, Inc.
Boys and Men of Color Initiative $200,000
Seneca Babcock Community Association, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $33,000
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
COVID-19 Relief $15,000
St. Adalbert’s Response to Love Center
COVID-19 Relief $25,000
St. David’s Episcopal Church
COVID-19 Relief: Food Pantry $6,000
St. John de LaSalle Roman Catholic Parish
COVID-19 Relief: Community Cares $8,000
St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Congregation
COVID-19 Relief: Outreach Center $5,000
St. Simon’s Episcopal Church (The Genesis Center)
COVID-19 Relief $6,000
The Center for Handicapped Children
Facilities Expansion and Foundation Development $20,000
The Salvation Army
COVID-19 Relief $45,000
Murchie Community Match Campaign $7,000
The Salvation Army of Lockport, NY
COVID-19 Relief $20,000
The Salvation Army of Niagara Falls
COVID-19 Relief $7,500
The Salvation Army of the Tonawandas
COVID-19 Relief $5,500
Tri-Community Food Pantry, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $6,000
Trinity Lutheran Church
COVID-19 Relief: Food Pantry $5,000
Valley Community Association, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $10,000
Veterans One-Stop Center of WNY, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $15,000
Case Management Program $80,000
Villa Maria College of Buffalo
COVID-19 Relief: Food Pantry $3,000
Word of Life Church, Buffalo, Ltd.
COVID-19 Relief: Buffalo Dream Center $30,000
YWCA of the Niagara Frontier
COVID-19 Relief $30,000
YWCA of Western New York, Inc.
COVID-19 Relief $5,000
Building Livable, Stable Neighborhoods $2,867,500
Allied Media Projects, Inc.
Community Tech New York Digital Divide Initiative $125,000
Back to Basics Outreach Ministries, Inc.
Buffalo Peacemakers $60,000
Clean Air Coalition of Western New York, Inc.
Executive Transition $15,000
1 4 | John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Inc.
WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund $2,000,000
WNY Micro-Grants Collaborative Fund $25,000
Open4 Fund $500,000
Niagara Area Habitat For Humanity
Strengthening Our Impact $100,000
Open Buffalo, Inc.
General Operating Support $1,000
Somali Bantu Community Organization of WNY, Inc.
The Providence Farm Collective $41,500
Promoting Health and Improving Systems of Care $2,207,300
American Heart Association, Inc.
Emergency Food Access Expansion in Niagara Falls $43,000
Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network
Sustainability $100,000
Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation
In memory of Joseph “J.T.” Conti and in tribute to Florence Conti $25,000
Community Connections of NY, Inc.
GetREADY Program $77,500
Create a Healthier Niagara Falls Collaborative, Inc.
Reach One Teach Many $22,800
Healthy Community Alliance, Inc.
Chautauqua County SART Pilot Project $100,000
Living Opportunities of DePaul, Inc.
Supported Housing Program $20,000
Mental Health Association of Erie County, Inc.
WNY Human Services Collaborative Shared Space Initiative $500,000
In honor of Paul T. Hogan $1,000
Mid-Erie Counseling & Treatment Services
Behavioral Health Team $125,000
Neighborhood Health Center
Telehealth Kit Distribution $150,000
Oak Orchard Community Health Center, Inc.
Mobile Medical Unit WNY $180,000
P2 Collaborative of Western New York, Inc.
LiveWell WNY $125,000
People, Inc.
Elmwood Health Center Expansion $500,000
Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York
Mobile Outreach Unit $75,000
Roswell Park Alliance Foundation
In honor of Glenda Cadwallader $5,000
Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship, Inc.
Mobile Health Clinic $25,000
WNY Rural Area Health Education Center, Inc.
ATHOS Rural Innovative Training Opportunity $133,000
Expanding the Role of Arts, Culture, and Heritage in Regional Development$1,419,574
Buffalo Fine Arts Academy (dba Albright-Knox Art Gallery)
AK360 Campus Development Project $300,000
Buffalo History Museum
Curating Our Community’s Collection $90,000
Buffalo Niagara Partnership Foundation
General Operating Support $1,000
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc.
Secure the Future $303,574
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Inc.
Fund for the Arts $150,000
ASI WNY Arts Emergency Fund $75,000
Niagara Arts & Cultural Center, Inc.
Capacity Building Project $150,000
Rosanna Elizabeth Corey Heckl Foundation For The Arts, Inc.
Adaptive Reuse of the Richmond ME Church $350,000
Grand Total $11,956,642
John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report | 1 5
Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Assets Assets 2019 2020 Cash & cash equivalents $880,407 $557,439
Program related investments $1,041,667 $1,000,000
Investments $260,043,505 $266,129,891
Prepaid excise and other taxes $32,500 $232,500
Assets held in related trust $22,853,765 $26,231,647
$284,851,844 $294,151,477
Liabilities and Net Assets Short-term borrowings $0 $0
Net assets $284,851,844 $294,151,477
$284,851,844 $294,151,477
Statement of Revenue, Expenses, and Change in Net Assets
2019 2020 Investment activity $36,488,543 $22,183,734
Change to assets held in charitable trust $4,068,124 $4,476,391
Total revenue & support $40,556,667 $26,660,125
Grants paid $12,642,902 $14,593,664
Direct payment & other program expenses $1,537,223 $1,575,024
Total program expenses $14,180,125 $16,168,688 Administrative $1,915,409 $1,191,804 Total expenses $16,095,534 $17,360,492
Change in net assets $24,461,133 $9,299,633
Net assets – beginning $260,390,711 $284,851,844
Net assets – ending $284,851,844 $294,151,477
Funding By Focus Area, 2020
29% EDUCATION
$3,509,768
16% SELF-SUFFICIENCY
$1,952,500
24% STABLE NEIGHBORHOODS $2,867,500
18% HEALTHCARE $2,207,300
12% ARTS & CULTURE $1,419,574
GRAND TOTAL $11,956,642
Grantmaking History, 2011–2020
11
$25 M
$20 M
$15 M
$10 M
$5 M
$0 M
200
150
10012 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Number of Grants Awarded
Total Funding Awarded
20
16 | John R. Oishei Foundation 2020 Annual Report
Paul T. Hogan, Executive Vice President Always dedicated to his community, Paul delayed
his planned June retirement to stay on and
oversee the Foundation’s role in the WNY COVID-19
Community Response Fund until December. His
legacy of 20 years at the Foundation will be his
passion for bringing people and organizations
together in new and unusual ways as he oversaw
grantmaking. One of the Foundation’s earliest
employees, Paul supported and guided countless
WNY nonprofit organizations throughout his
philanthropic career. He was instrumental in the
development of new programs and approaches
in the arts, economic development, and healthcare,
to name just a few. Paul has always been a forward
and creative thinker, seeking new ways to solve
challenging community problems. We will miss
his sense of humor, his creativity, his wisdom, and
his expertise!
Gayle L. Houck, Director of FinanceGayle retired from the Foundation in September,
having begun her career with Trico Products,
the company created by John R. Oishei. She was
dedicated to the work of philanthropy even before
the formal beginning of the Oishei Foundation and
helped to establish the structure of the Foundation
as it began its work. In addition to the support,
guidance, and expertise in the financial stewardship
of the organization, she was also a valued
contributor to the Oishei Foundation board of
directors, serving as Board Secretary. She was the
quiet backbone for all the Foundation’s work while
mentoring and supporting staff. Gayle, who set a
high standard for integrity, honesty, compassion,
and kindness, continues to be missed by the entire
Oishei staff.
Florence Conti,Board Member 2011–2020A board member since 2011, Florence Conti
concluded her service in June 2020. She was
a staunch supporter of the Foundation’s work and
a strong leader, particularly when she served as
Vice Chair of the Board.
Florence brought a unique skill set, having
built her career in the private sector at LL Berger
and later as CEO of Goodwill Industries of WNY.
Using both her business acumen and her knowledge
of running a successful nonprofit, Florence was a
guiding force for the Foundation.
Florence often challenged us, ensuring that
our funding was used as effectively as possible.
She always demonstrated support and a keen interest
in the work of our partner organizations. Her legacy
is as a trailblazer for female professionals and as a
strong community leader. We will miss her insight,
her kindness, and her excellent sense of style!
Farewells
Staff
Robert D. Gioia, President
Paul T. Hogan, Executive Vice President (retired December 2020)
Esther Annan, Program Officer (joined June 2020)
Lawrence H. Cook II, Vice President
Natalie Cook, Grants Associate (joined August 2020)
Linda Gloss-Ball, Administrative Assistant
Gayle L. Houck, Director of Finance & Grants Manager (retired September 2020)
Susan M. Kirkpatrick, Chief Communications Officer
Blythe T. Merrill, Senior Vice President of Programs
Jacquelyn M. Reisdorf, Director of Administration (promoted to Director of Finance & Administration October 2020 )
Curtis W. Robbins, Director of Strategy, Research, & Evaluation
Karen Lee Spaulding, Vice President of Philanthropic Support
Board of Directors
William G. Gisel, Jr., Chair
Florence Conti, Vice Chair (retired from Board June 2020)
Edward F. Walsh, Jr., Treasurer
Donald K. Boswell
Maureen Hurley (appointed Vice Chair June 2020)
Glenn Jackson (joined Board June 2020)
Luke T. Jacobs
Yvonne Minor-Ragan, Ph.D. (appointed Secretary June 2020)
Francisco M. Vasquez, Ph.D.
Melva D. Visher
Staff & Board of Directors
OISHEI .ORG
The John R. Oishei Foundation
726 Exchange Street, Suite 510, Buffalo, NY 14210 USA
T 716 856 9490 | F 716 856 9493
The John R. Oishei Foundation
enhances the economic vitality and
quality of life for the Buffalo Niagara
region through grantmaking,
leadership and network building.