Press Releases

Bridgehampton, NY, July 17, 2024….There are so many challenges and so many tremendous
groups working to make our East End a better place to live for all. The Unitarian Universalist
Congregation of the South Fork (UUCSF) continues to try to assist local non-profits make a
difference. Its High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) program awarded seven
organizations grants of over $50,000 for 2024. Each of the 20 proposals received had
tremendous merit and showcased the creativity and dedication of those involved. We only
wish we could have funded every project. Our 2024 focus shifted away from the basics of food
and shelter to reflect several areas of great need including: new entrants to our community, the
elderly, health care and our local cultural institutions. We are honored to announce the seven
institutions that will receive this year’s grants:

– Community Action Southold Town (CAST)
– Centro Corazon de Maria
– Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE)
– Eastville Community Historical Society
– Hope and Resilience LI (HARLI)
– Inspirational Triathlon Racing International (i-tri)
– The Butterfly Effect Project

It is our hope that the UUCSF will continue to be in partnership with these institutions for the
longer term. Over the past five years, HICO has made 35 grants to 26 organizations totaling
over $200,000.
A full description of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork’s HICO program
and each of the funded projects can be found at our website https://uucsf.org/hico-overview/.
Donations to expand our program are accepted via a dropdown memo on the congregation’s
Donate tab.

OUR FIFTH YEAR OF GRANTMAKING

THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF THE SOUTH FORK’S
HIGH IMPACT COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Bridgehampton, NY March 13, 2024… The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork (UUCSF), under the leadership of Reverend Kimberly Quinn Johnson, continues to be a vibrant supporter of local non-profits and community organizations.

The High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) program targets local nonprofit groups, grassroots organizations, and national organizations with East End offices.  Over the last four years, HICO awarded $156,000 to 25 outstanding Long Island nonprofits.  HICO provides financial assistance to institutions residing in or servicing any of the five Eastern Townships — East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island, Riverhead and Southold — and the Shinnecock Nation.

The HICO Committee includes UUCSF Members:

David Holstein, retired economist from Hampton Bays,

Lora Tucker, social worker and community advocate from Sag Harbor,

Celia Josephson, bi-lingual East Hampton attorney,

Michael Daly of North Haven and former President of the UUCSF Board of Trustees, who joined the committee in 2024.

The UUCSF High Impact Community Outreach grant cycle for 2024 is open and the application deadline is May 1stAwards are expected to be announced in July 2024.

We are cognizant of the pressure on social services by a growing population and recognize that some individuals and groups are being left behind.  HICO continues to be a resource to help cope with the challenges and hardships our neighbors are encountering.

HICO’s 2024 Focus is targeting specific needs:

– Support for New Entrants to our community

– Access to Health Care, including mental health services

– Eldercare addressing loneliness, isolation, health and safety

– Promote engaging with our History, Cultural Heritage or Democratic process

To apply for a HICO grant please visit https://uucsf.org/hico-overview/.   Applications are available on the website and should be submitted electronically and via mail.  Questions can be directed to pac@uucsf.org or call (631) 537-0132.    

The HICO program is made possible by the generous bequest of UUCSF member, Paul Berman.  

 

MEETING OUR LOCAL NEEDS – WHERE DO YOU START?

Bridgehampton, NY, July 7, 2023….There are so many challenges and so many great groups
working to make our East End a better place to live for all. The Unitarian Universalist
Congregation of the South Fork (UUCSF) continues to try to assist these groups make a
difference. Its High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) program awarded eight local non-
profits grants, totaling $40,000 for 2023. All of the 13 proposals received had tremendous
merit and we only wish we could have funded every project. Our 2023 focus shifted to reflect
the uncertain economic environment and the impact of the sharp rise in inflation in food and
housing. We want to be a resource for East Enders dealing with hardships across several
areas. HICO’s fourth cycle was a testament to the high quality of the grant applicants, as well
as their dedication and creativity. We are honored to announce the eight institutions that will be
this year’s grant awardees:
– Heart of the Hamptons
– Springs Food Pantry
– Southampton Day Care Center
– Hope and Resilience LI
– Riverhead Shelter Volunteer Program
– OLA of Eastern LI
– Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center
– Maureen’s Haven

Individual grants were $5,000. It is our hope that the UUCSF will continue to be in partnership
with these institutions for the longer term.
A full description of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork’s HICO program
and each of the funded projects can be found at our website https://uucsf.org/hico-overview/.

Donations to expand our program are accepted via a dropdown memo on the congregation’s
Donate tab.

 

 

FOUR YEARS OF GRANTS AND GOING STRONG!

THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF THE SOUTH FORK’S
HIGH IMPACT COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Bridgehampton, NY January 23, 2023… The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of
the South Fork (UUCSF), under the leadership of Reverend Kimberly Quinn Johnson,
continues to be a vibrant participant in our community. Our High Impact
Community Outreach (HICO) program is designed to serve our East End neighbors.
Over the last three years, HICO has granted $116,000 to 18 outstanding Long Island
nonprofits. HICO is awarding financial assistance to institutions residing in or
servicing any of the five Eastern Townships — East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter
Island, Riverhead and Southold — plus the Shinnecock Nation. The UUCSF will
consider applications from East End nonprofit groups, grassroots organizations,
and national organizations with East End offices.

HICO’s Focus this year reflects the uncertain economic environment and the impact
of the sharp rise in inflation. Funding will help the East End deal with multiple
hardships. Awards will address needs in the following areas: Food & Shelter;
Financial & Legal Education and Assistance; the Fostering of Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion; and agencies promoting Animals Helping People.  Our targeted
population concentrates on those with children or having low incomes or support
for intergenerational family’s needs. The application deadline is March 31.
The HICO program was made possible by the generous bequest of UUCSF member
Paul Berman.  To apply for a HICO grant please visit https://uucsf.org/hico-
overview/.  Any questions can be directed to pac@uucsf.org. or call the
Meetinghouse at (631) 537-0132.

MEETING OUR LOCAL NEEDS – WHERE DO YOU START?

Bridgehampton, NY, July 22, 2022…..There are so many challenges and so many great groups working to make our East End a better place to live for all. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork (UUCSF) continues to try to assist these groups make a difference. Its High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) program awarded seven local non-profits grants, totaling $44,000 for 2022.  All of the 13 proposals received had tremendous merit and we only wish we could have funded every project. This year’s focus targeted the secondary effects surrounding COVID – mental health and education – as well as working to level the playing field for more marginalized groups via advocacy, training, education, respect and fairer treatment.

 

HICO’s third cycle was a testament to the high quality of the grant applicants, as well as their dedication and creativity. We are honored to announce the seven institutions that will be this year’s grant awardees:

  • The Butterfly Effect Project
  • Children’s Museum of the East End
  • Community Action Southold Town
  • Inspirational Triathlon Racing International (i-tri)
  • NY LGBT Network, Inc.
  • SEPA Mujer, Inc.
  • Sound Justice Initiative, Inc.

Individual grants ranged from $5,000 to $8,100. And it is our hope that the UUCSF will continue to be in partnership with these institutions for the longer-term:

 

The East End community can continue to support the HICO program by donating HERE. Also, a full description of our HICO program and each of the funded projects can be found at our website https://uucsf.org/hico-overview/.

 

Bridgehampton, NY, February 28, 2022

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF THE SOUTH FORK’S
HIGH IMPACT COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM ENTERS THIRD YEAR

Although COVID and the pandemic may be entering a milder phase, the impact and the needs of our East End community continue to expand in numerous ways.  The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork’s (UUCSF) High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) program is awarding financial assistance to a select group of institutions residing in any of the five Townships — East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island, Riverhead and Southold — plus the Shinnecock Nation. The UUCSF will consider applications from East End nonprofit groups, grassroots organizations, and national organizations with East End offices.

Applications will be evaluated by the Proposal Assessment Committee (PAC) who are appointed by the UUCSF Board.  2022’s Focus will continue to be on the more marginalized Eastenders, seeking to empower them as well as addressing areas of increasing concerns.  This year, grants will be awarded to organizations seeking project support that target one of the following at risk populations: LGBTQ, Single Adults, Young Adults and People of Color. Project needs should address one of the following areas: Equal Access to opportunities, Advocacy, Environmental Justice and Mental Health.  The deadline for application submission is April 30th.

The HICO program was made possible by the generous bequest of UUCSF member Paul Berman.  To apply for a HICO grant please visit https://uucsf.org/hico-overview/.  Any questions can be directed to the PAC at pac@uucsf.org.

 

August 9, 2021

ARE WE ANY BETTER OFF THAN WE WERE A YEAR AGO?

Bridgehampton, NY, August 9, 2021…..This is a question that many of us find ourselves asking again and again.  The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork (UUCSF) has taken this precious time to try to assist our East End non-profit institutions by awarding High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) grants for the second year.  A 2020 grantee, Kate Fullam, Executive Director of the East End Food Institute shared,   “East End Food Institute partnered with the Padoquohan Medicine Lodge in 2020-21 to create a program that assisted 25 families who were in need of a dignified way to access healthy food. Using the HICO grant, we purchased and processed high quality local produce so that the families could access the bounty of local farms without leaving the Shinnecock Reservation. The HICO grant helped us establish a stronger relationship with our partners at Padoquohan Medicine Lodge, and we distributed more than 1,200 lbs of frozen produce over the course of 10 weeks during the winter of 2020-21.”

HICO’s second cycle continues to welcome the high quality of the grant applicants as well as the dedication and creativity of the individual projects. “We are very pleased to announce the names of the 5 institutions that will be this year’s grant awardees,” said Rev. Kimberly Quinn Johnson, UUCSF Minister, “They are: Centro Corazon de Maria, Hampton Community Outreach, Maureen’s Haven, Southampton African American Museum and The Retreat.”   The projects vary from supporting challenges including mental health, COVID vaccinations, parenting and education. The total amount of the awarded grants was $31,000.

The East End community can continue to support the HICO program by donating directly https://bit.ly/uucsfHICO. Also, a full description of our HICO program and each of the funded projects can be found at our website https://uucsf.org/hico-overview/.

Press Releases

 

March 29,2021

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS CONGREGATION OF THE SOUTH FORK
CONTINUES OFFERING HIGH IMPACT COMMUNITY OUTREACH GRANTS

We have entered the second year of the pandemic and the needs in our East End community are just as large as they were a year ago.  The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork’s (UUCSF) High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) program is bringing some financial assistance to a select group of institutions from one of the five Townships: East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island, Riverhead and Southold plus the Shinnecock Nation. The UUCSF will consider applications from East End nonprofit groups, grassroots organizations and national organizations with East End offices.  Applications will be evaluated by the Proposal Assessment Committee (PAC) who have been appointed by the UUCSF Board.  “Our focus is shifting in our second year,” stated David Holstein, PAC member, “From the immediate dislocations generated by COVID to the populations and needs that have been underserved, excluded and require support.” This year grants will be awarded to organizations seeking project support that target one of the following at risk populations: Children and families, Single Mothers and People of Color. Project needs should cover one of the following areas: Early Childhood Education; Healing of the Earth; Cultural Education Through Sharing & Exploration and Healthcare Equity.  The deadline for application submission is May 28th.

The HICO program was made possible by the generous bequest of UUCSF member Paul Berman.  To apply for a HICO grant please visit https://uucsf.org/hico-overview/.  Any questions can be directed to the PAC at pac@uucsf.org.     

October 15, 2020

THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF THE SOUTH FORK

ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL GRANT RECIPIENTS

Bridgehampton, NY, October 15, 2020…Back in January the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork (UUCSF) started down a new path in search of partnerships with LI East End nonprofits. The goal was to assist in funding community outreach projects with the Congregations bequest received from departed member Paul Berman.  After reviewing the many highly qualified grant proposals, seven grant recipients have been selected.

“The UUCSF is proud and elated to announce our very first High Impact Community Outreach (HICO) grant recipients for 2020,” stated Michael F. Daly, Board President. “The seven beneficiaries are: Butterfly Effect Project, East End Birth Network, East End Food Institute, East Hampton Meals on Wheels, OLA of Eastern LI, Padoquohan Medicine Lodge and Shinnecock Indian Nation.”  The multi-dimensional East End community- based projects span from providing Senior Citizens of the Shinnecock Indian Nation with laptops and connection to the internet, to the Butterfly Effect Project’s intergenerational gardening initiative and the East End Birth Network mobile Parent & Baby Pantry. Sara Topping, Executive Director of the East End Birth Network, highlights the need for a mobile Pantry, “The issues we are trying to address with our mobile Parent & Baby Pantry are layered and intersectional,” she continues, ” The U.S. has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the developed world; Black and Indigenous woman are dying at a rate 3 to 4 times higher than White women and here in Southampton, Bridgehampton and Sag Harbor we have some of the highest infant mortality rates in the state of New York.”

The range of projects that will be funded are expansive and will greatly impact the residents of the East End. “We look forward to partnering with each of these dedicated institutions to provide the community with the much needed services that are outlined in each of their projects,” concluded Mr. Daly, “We welcome the opportunity to continue our partnerships next year with other East End nonprofits.” To read a fuller description of each of the grant awarded organizations detailed projects visit:

https://uucsf.org/hico-2020-awards/