We bring you this message from Nick Ascienzo, AFF Founder and Director:
Welcome to 2021, which is not a prime number. It’s divisible by 43 and 47, primes themselves, however!
Through the pandemic upheaval and racial injustice this country faced in 2020, AFF evolved to meet the growing needs of the communities we serve - new ones, as well - expanding our mission and directorship with the addition of Fran and Jen - seeking, as well to stay true to our core beliefs while addressing forces which challenged us. Once a month meetings (yes, we really used to have get-togethers only every 4 or 5 weeks) turned into weekly Tuesday chats, and there were a series of initiatives that transformed the foundation into a more proactive non-profit than one we had managed in our previous 5 years. While metric analysis is one means of evaluating our progress and standing, there exist substantive narratives in our database of correspondence which more than support the numbers I’ll present below. We have not only bestowed grants and goodwill this year, but we’ve also been the beneficiaries of wonderful connections that have influenced our actions. And now a look at some of those numbers and thoughts:
0: There are no outstanding grants to complete - The first time we have finished all necessary documentation and check disbursements at the end of any year!
1: Our new intern Sophia, who has already placed her imprint on a number of behind the scenes projects!
2: Fran and Jen - How would this year have unfolded without the two of you? You have complemented our directorship with vibrant views and compassion!
3: Brittany, Ali, and Sophie - You continue to motivate me and all of us with graceful nuance - in 6 years you’ve become the collective lodestar of our foundation!
7: The smallest number of ambassador grants we’ve ever approved in a year, but huge in impact for The Home for Little Wanderers (Boston), Loyalty Foundation (NYC), Jane Addams Resource Corporation (Chicago), Budget Buddies (Boston), Foundation for Ellis Medicine (Albany), Sunflower Bakery (outside of DC), and Partners in Restorative Justice (Rochester); Thanks to Alex, Jonni, Isaac, Kyla, Damon, Tom, and Rohan!
12: The number of Partner Initiative Grants with organizations in the Hudson Valley, all creative proposals to meet the limitations brought about by the pandemic. Eight of those groups were new partners, a response to our grant solicitations in September - We welcome InFlight, Ramapo for Children, Poughkeepsie Farm Project, Soul Fire Farm, Kite’s Nest, Sister-2-Sister, Kingston YMCA Farm Project, and Worker Justice Center of NY to our family!
26: Two rounds of Mini-Grants at $250 each resulted in this number of donations which went out to ambassador communities from Oakland to Austin to Chicago to New Haven. The funds supported the COVID relief work being done in the first few months of the pandemic.
43: The number of unique organizations/agencies we funded including Red Hook Responds who we fiscally sponsor, as well. RHR is a beacon of community caring, serving over 20,000 meals since March!
521: The last number of votes we received (that I remember in my FB free world-view) relative to the Mid-Hudson Heroes Award sponsored by Ulster Savings Bank…... We ultimately will receive $2,500, that will go to Red Hook Responds!
2021: A “Happy New Year” wish is somewhat dulled by an insidious virus, but no one wants our present year to linger on for sure! May the hope of a much healthier space for all be transparent even through our cloudy lens - Our Leadership role in 2021 begins with that hope - Subsequent action we implement, allows for a better space, as well!
$6,500: The Mini-Grant funding total
$52,000: The Ambassador Grant total
$71,988: The Local Giving amount which was not part of the Partnership Initiative
$280,106: Our Partnership Initiative pledged funding for 2021 & in a few cases for 2022
$411,094: The Total for all Charitable Gifting which is almost 250% times that of 2019.
∞: My level of gratitude to all of you for creating a better environment for those whose voices were but whispers in a once-in-a-century year. (Yes, that’s the infinity symbol!)