Write a commentThe Richard S. Shineman Foundation is pleased to announce a $1,000,000 Signature Grant award supporting two community-powered revitalization leaders—the Oswego Renaissance Association (ORA) and the Fulton Block Builders (FBB)—with grant years spanning 2026–2030.
Each organization will receive up to $100,000 per year over the next five years, strengthening sustained, long-term work that builds neighborhood pride, resident leadership, and place-based momentum.
This Signature Grant investment reflects what many residents can already see and feel: ORA and FBB have helped shape the visible landscape of these two cities—block by block and neighborhood by neighborhood —while also building something just as important: community connection. Their work has shown, again and again, that the power of hope is not abstract. Hope is painted, planted, repaired, restored, and shared—until it becomes the kind of momentum that transforms spaces into places, and neighborhoods into communities.
“Oswego and Fulton are our sister cities—not just by geography, but by the deep, determined work happening in both,” said Chena Tucker, Foundation Director. “The ORA and FBB have approached revitalization with the utmost care and attention—building capacity, building collaboration, and building trust. This Signature Grant commitment is a vote of confidence in what they’ve already proven: when residents are supported and connected, transformation becomes possible—and it lasts.”
“For more than 12 years, the Oswego Renaissance Association has worked alongside residents to strengthen neighborhoods block by block—and this five-year commitment allows us to think and act at the next scale,” said Paul Stewart, Executive Director of the Oswego Renaissance Association. “Just as importantly, ORA and Fulton Block Builders have developed a close working relationship rooted in shared ideas, mutual respect, and constant exchange about what works on the ground. With sustained support from the Shineman Foundation, we can expand into new neighborhoods, refine our approaches to meet evolving community needs, and engage more residents than ever before—while planning confidently for Oswego’s next chapter of revitalization.”
In Fulton, the Block Builders noted that the multi-year structure supports consistent investment in relationships and neighborhood-level collaboration—while keeping residents at the center of the work.
“Fulton Block Builders works to bring the Richard S. Shineman Foundation’s vision of being a Catalyst for Change to life. With $50,000–$75,000 raised locally each year and the Foundation’s generous matching support, FBB delivers 150–200 grants annually—sparking a powerful 4-to-1 private investment. The result is more than revitalized homes; it’s renewed pride, stronger neighborhoods, and a city moving forward together.”
“We are deeply grateful to the Shineman Foundation for its belief in Fulton and in the people who call it home" stated Linda Eagan, FBB Founder.
Signature Grants are multi-year catalytic investments designed to provide stability and reduce administrative burden so organizations can stay focused on impact. Funding is provided annually, pending positive progress through an annual review process.
To support effective grant administration, the CenterState CEO Foundation serves as the fiduciary agent for these programs, providing fiduciary oversight and support—including processing and issuing reimbursement payments on behalf of the initiative.
Over the next five years, this funding will help sustain and strengthen two programs that have become models of community-centered revitalization—programs grounded in relationship, follow-through, and the belief that every neighborhood deserves beauty, safety, and belonging.
For more information about the Richard S. Shineman Foundation and its grant programs, visit www.shinemanfoundation.org.
