The Foundation spent the better part of the 2017 Fiscal Period working to establish itself as a functioning not-for-profit by completing the necessary filings with New York State and the United States Government. The Foundation’s Board of Directors appointed officers and began exploring ways by which it could provide opportunities for students consistent with its mission. The Foundation launched its fund raising efforts with a basket raffle at the BOCES Annual Meeting on April 4, 2017.
During the 2017 Fiscal Period the Foundation secured two grants from community-based donors. The Josephine Goodyear Foundation of Buffalo granted $5,000 to allow the Foundation to assist low-income disadvantaged youth by supporting the purchase of BOCES program specific uniforms and supplies, as well as urgent basic needs stemming from poverty or traumatic events. Matching funds of $2,500 were also received from the Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation to serve students in BOCES Southern Chautauqua County programs.
