IMPACT

High Impact Community Outreach (HICO)

The High Impact Community Outreach Program (HICO) stems from our social justice efforts, a desire to have a concrete impact and to develop lasting partnerships with our neighbors.  Annual HICO grants are specifically targeted to the five towns of the East End (Southold, Riverhead, Southampton, East Hampton, Shelter Island) and the Shinnecock Nation.  We work to identify East End non-profits and grassroots organizations pursuing projects that will make a difference locally. These efforts reflect insights into East End priorities and inspire actions with long-lasting effects. We aspire to unite diverse people and form longer-term connections among our grantees and congregation.  HICO and the congregation’s generosity is possible because of a bequest of a long-time member, Paul Berman.

2025 FOCUS

Each year, the Proposal Assessment Committee establishes a Focus for our HICO grant-making. Our 2025 Focus is below.  Please make sure your proposal fits within one of the listed parameters. Applications are due May 15, 2025.

Today’s challenges are both immediate and in a state of flux.  We are intensely aware of the threats to our neighbors and targeted groups that face risks and prejudices in multiple ways.  Further, the intensified pressure on funding basic social services and traditional programs may create additional hardships. HICO will continue to work to ensure that individuals and groups are not cast aside or left behind.  HICO and the UUCSF remain resources to assist our neighbors in living life to its fullest.

HICO’s 2025 Focus targets specific needs:

  • Programs for populations at risk or under stress
  • Support for agencies under duress
  • Projects designed to address income inequality

Our Shared Beliefs and Values:

Unitarian Universalism has a broad and inclusive outlook.  We share a set of core values with Love at its center.  Our shared beliefs include:

  • Protecting the environment and all beings from exploitation
  • Efforts affirming that every person is inherently worthy
  • Dismantling racism and all forms of systematic oppression
  • The civil rights of individuals experiencing discrimination, exclusion, or unequal treatment
  • Work to attain an inclusive democratic process
HICO APPLICATION PDF
Past HICO Grant Recipients

Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach:  The UUCSF assists Maureen’s Haven throughout the winter, joining with many congregations to arrange volunteers for overnight hosting of homeless men on the East End.  Our team is hosted by Christ Episcopal Church in Sag Harbor, joined by Temple Adas Israel.  We coordinate volunteers from Sunday afternoon through early Monday morning once a month: preparing beds, providing meals and hygiene supplies, greeting and serving our guests and sending them off with a hot breakfast and a packed lunch.  Aside from the meals and beds, we share a warm, safe, hospitable space for our guests whose daily lives are filled with challenges.   Volunteers are always needed and range from children to seniors and everything in between. 

The UUCSF Free Pantry:  The UUCSF Free Pantry is located at the entrance to the Meetinghouse and was opened in late 2019.  This small pantry is open 24 hours a day and is accessed anonymously.  No judgment about who needs our assistance.  No limitation when people in need can visit the pantry.  Volunteers from the congregation restock the pantry daily.  Donations are from congregants and supplemented by a grant from our Outreach Committee. This concept has been well received and is a potential model for other institutions to help feed our local communities.

Helping Hand Fund:

The Helping Hand Fund is an integral part of the congregation’s outreach to the larger community on the East End. Funds derive from Sunday service donations, fundraising events and other contributions. The focus of funding is on groups, generally non-profits, that work with marginalized populations in our area. The Fund seeks to supplement our own activities by giving recognition and support to the valuable work being done on the East End to alleviate need and impact social change. The Helping Hand Committee is always looking for new projects that support our principles and mission.

Click here to see a listing of Past Grantees

Minister’s Discretionary Fund:

The Minister’s Discretionary Fund is used to help people in immediate need. The fund is open to members and friends of the congregation as well as members of our larger community. In the past, the Minister’s Discretionary Fund provided assistance for such things as: rent, groceries, utility and insurance bills, and bail.