The New York Building Foundation (NYBF), the charitable arm of the New York Building Congress (NYBC), has awarded more than $65,000 in grants to programs during their latest, fall 2017 submission cycle, NYBF leadership has announced.
This year, the foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary promoting the well-being of the building industry and wider New York City community, it says in a news release. To fulfill its mission, the foundation issues grants to non-profit organizations involved with the advancement of the design, construction and real estate industry.
The organizations awarded this cycle were:
- Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation, Emerging Leaders Program: fosters the professional development of women in the industry and helps them realize their leadership potential.
- Center for Architecture, Learning By Design: NY program: provides school-based K-12 res residency programs and professional development workshops to students and teachers.
- NY Helmets to Hardhats: assists transitioning military members with beginning careers in the building trades unions and affiliated employers.
- NYU Tandon Center for K12 STEM Education, Science of Smart Cities program: introduces middle and high school students, and their teachers, to engineering, science, computer science and technology that make cities more livable, efficient, sustainable and safer.
- Pathway to Apprenticeship: assists people from low-income communities with gaining access to apprenticeships in the union building trades.
- Puerto Rico Relief & Rebuilding Fund: established at the at the request of Governor Cuomo, the effort provides needed services, goods and funds to help the people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“This round of grants was all about helping build a diverse pipeline of talent and attracting new groups to opportunities in the building trades,” said NYBF president Carlo A. Scissura, who also serves as the NYBC’s CEO. “Whether they’re introducing skills to students for the first time, helping those starting a new career or advancing professionals already in the field, each of these programs supports the growth of a more diverse workforce, brings people of different backgrounds together and creates more places where people want to work.”
Since its inception, the foundation has raised and distributed more than $2 million for activities that include grants for educational programs aimed at developing interest in the industry among elementary and high school students; scholarships for students of all ages to pursue careers in the building professions and trades; programs to encourage clean, safe worksites; and research on issues impacting both the building industry and the City’s economic future.
“The Building Foundation is honored to support these incredible organizations and programs,” said chair Jonathan Resnick. “The work they create through these grants will help bolster the industry’s workforce, develop New York’s next generation of builders and ensure the long-term growth and well-being of the industry for many years to come.”
The foundation accepts grant applications twice during each calendar year. The next 2018 period will run from March 1 through May 31 and the fall period will run from August 1 through October 31.
