In the News

December 2020 update from Chairman and President & CEO

December 11, 2020

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In 2020, we have all found new ways of working, collaborating, teaching and learning -- even new ways of spending time (virtually) with family and friends during this holiday season. At American Savings Foundation, we adopted new strategies while staying true to our primary mission: to invest in education, human services, and the arts, with a special emphasis on the needs of children, youth, and families. Like others, our staff, board, and committees all shifted to working remotely, and then to a hybrid model.  Knowing that local nonprofits and the families they serve are among those facing the greatest need during this time, some areas of our response included:

  1. Awarding $400,000 in new and increased funding for immediate needs such as food, energy assistance, and collaborative funds designed specifically to respond to Covid-19.
  2.  Maintaining support for youth programs that take place after school, on weekends, and during the summer months.  
  3. Reducing restrictions on over $700,000 in current funding, and simplifying the application process for over $1 million in renewal requests, to reduce barriers and increase flexibility for organizations during the Covid-19 crisis.
  4. Working closely with over 350 Robert T. Kenney Scholars as they navigate unique and evolving challenges in a shifting educational landscape.  
  5. Staying consistent with our strategic plan by limiting proposals for large multi-year capital campaigns, while continuing to consider one-time capital needs essential to core programs and services.  

As part of our effort to reduce barriers and simplify the application process, we accelerated our move to a new online application system. For the first time in 2021, area nonprofits will be able to apply for all our funding opportunities via an online application. Applications are now being accepted for Program Grants, Community Grants, and the Robert T. Kenney Scholarship Program.

Looking forward to 2021, the American Savings Foundation will be celebrating our 25th anniversary. Throughout the year, we will share stories of the people and organizations who have inspired us over the past quarter century. As a private, independent Foundation, we are committed to investing in the community, not just today, but for generations to come.  We look forward to continuing this work in the next 25 years, and beyond. 

That is our Lasting Commitment. 

Charles J. Boulier III                Maria Falvo
Chairman of the Board           President & CEO