Fulton Block Builders Announce 2026 Awards

 FBB has officially notified property owners across the city of their 2026 awards. Since starting in 2017, FBB has made more than 1,800 awards and inspired over $5 million in residential property improvements throughout Fulton.

“This is truly another milestone for FBB and our entire community,” said Tina Eusepi, FBB Director. “I’m sure we’ll see more exciting work this year.”

Now is the perfect time for ANY block in the city to begin organizing for 2027! ALL blocks are eligible to apply for a Block Challenge Grant, and FBB Ambassadors are ready to help.

Together we continue restoring city pride — one block at a time.

 Call (315) 529-9181 to learn HOW or find more information at: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/

 or on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pg/fultonblockbuilders/posts/?ref=page_internal

Tina Eusepi’s grandson, Callen Egan, is excited to help announce this year’s FBB awardees

Fulton Block Builder Pride Grant Brings Basketball Back to the Neighborhood

Neighbors on Baldwin and Ridge Streets remember when the sound of kids playing basketball filled the air. When the old hoop fell into disrepair and was removed, that energy faded.

In 2024, Kasey Coe brought neighbors together to apply for a Fulton Block Builders (FBB) Pride Grant to bring it back. With support from Fulton Parks & Rec, Fulton DPW, and volunteer Tommy Schiff, a new adjustable hoop and pad were installed.

Now, the laughter is back.

“It’s heartwarming to see kids playing here again—we’re very grateful,” said Coe.

FBB Director Tina Eusepi noted that Pride Grants continue to make a big impact across the city. In celebration of FBB’s 10th Anniversary, even bigger and better grants are available this year.

 Learn more: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/pride-grants

Brynlee and Revson enjoy their new basketball hoop, made possible by a 2024 Fulton Block Builder Pride Grant.

Fulton Block Builders + Fulton Garden Club = A Beautiful 2026

After last summer’s heat, one thing stood out—Fulton was blooming! 🌼

For 2026, Fulton Garden Club volunteers are stepping up again to keep flowerpots and gardens thriving all season long. With support from a Fulton Block Builders PRIDE Grant, they’re planning to make watering easier and more efficient with new equipment.

“Keeping Fulton beautiful makes the city a more pleasant place to be,” said Deb Patterson. John Iorio added, “Research shows that beautification with flowers and plants creates greater pride in the community.”

Want to get involved? Visit the Fulton Garden Club on Facebook and join the effort!

Plus—Fulton Block Builders is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2026! PRIDE Grants are open all year.

John Iorio and Deb Patterson of the Fulton Garden Club recently met with Linda Eagan to plan for summer garden and flowerpot watering.

Fulton Block Builders Welcomes Becca Smith!

Becca has been a Fulton native her entire life and has seen parts of our city decline over the years. Since the start of Fulton Block Builders (FBB), she says she has seen renewed pride and positive change in our neighborhoods.

Thus, I wanted to become involved. “I have participated in FBB several times with my neighbors, and it has been a rewarding experience. The program not only helps residents improve their homes through collaboration and financial support, but it also brings neighbors together. I have met people I might never have known and formed meaningful friendships. I believe it strengthens both our homes and our sense of community. That is why I am excited to join FBB to help continue building pride and connection in the city I proudly call home” expressed Smith.

FBB is seeking new volunteers. If you are interested in helping with this exciting endeavor, email https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com  

Applications are being accepted now through March 20, 2026. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of the FBB fabulous 10th year celebration.

From left to right, back row: Linda Eagan, Shannon Sawyer, Alissa Viscome, Becca Smith, Ann Casey, Tina Eusepi. Front Kelly Niccoli, Vicki Hohman, Sharon Buske. Absent are Mike Peterson, Greg Bailey, Penny Halstead, Tonya Crisafulli and Karen Perwitz.

Fulton Block Builders Works with the City of Fulton and Earth Planters to Purchase Planters for the City

Chris Waldron, Director of Fulton Parks and Rec and Linda Eagan Fulton Block Builder (FBB) Founder recently took a trip to Auburn to check out Earth Planters. Jack Burgmaster was happy to show Waldron and Eagan around the factory, explain the difference between their planters and other manufacturers and help guide the two to the best look for the city of Fulton.

Earth Planters offer superior design and the highest manufacturing standards that ensure each customer is getting the finest self-watering commercial planter on the market. Chris and Linda made the decision to purchase eight groups of three sizes as seen above. The pots will be black and placed in groups of three around the city. Pots arrive ready to use. No separate parts and no wicks or wicking material to install…just fill, plant & install. Eagan is working with Ontario Orchards for plant selections.

“Demonstrating pride in the city of Fulton has been a goal of FBB from the beginning. These planters are a great extension of the Block Builder program. Enhancing our cityscapes will bring a good feeling to our community and hopefully inspire more to come. FBB is proud to sponsor this with the city” explained Eagan.

Linda Eagan and Chris Waldron made a visit to Jack Burgmaster at Earth Planter to discuss new flowerpots for the city of Fulton

Fulton Block Builders Kicks Off Pay-It-Forward Campaign

Fulton Block Builders (FBB) has heard from many participants about how good it feels good to be part of something that’s improving their neighborhood, bringing neighbors together, and lifting up our city. In 2019, one block started a Pay-It-Forward and the idea caught on!

 As a result, the FBB fundraising committee announced the 2025 Pay-It-Forward Campaign, which asks former recipients to help others take advantage of the program by contributing back. If a property owner has received funds from FBB in the past year, they have received a letter discussing Pay-It-Forward. “I love this program, I have had such wonderful experiences being a part of it” said Mary Elliott.

 “This is all of us, Fulton,” said FBB Founder, Linda Eagan. “It’s us taking care of each other and it’s us helping each other. Every little bit helps reach our $50,000 goal so that we can receive the matching $100,000 Richard S. Shineman Foundation grant. No donation is too small. We are asking everyone to donate something, because 100% participation sends a very strong message of commitment to our community! Thank you, Fulton. Together we are doing amazing things. Let’s keep the momentum going.”

 FBB donations can be made on the website at: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate/

 or by mail, send checks to:

CenterState Development Foundation- FBB

115 W. Fayette Street

Syracuse, New York 13202

Mary Elliott supports the Fulton Block Builder’s Pay-It-Forward campaign

Fulton City Council Learns about the Fulton Block Builder Program

On Tuesday March 4th the Fulton City Council heard a presentation about the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program. Highlights included successful fundraising, community participation and partnerships with the city.

In 2024 Fulton Block Builders (FBB) awarded 197 Block Challenge, Paint Fulton and Pride Grants. Since its inception in 2017 FBB has awarded 1,583 grants. Awards were made to 22 blocks of neighbors in all Wards of the City of Fulton. For every one-dollar FBB awarded, homeowners spent 4.2 dollars, demonstrating the confidence that their investment will pay off. Participating FBB property owners have invested four and a half million dollars in exterior improvements in the past 8 years. Community support continued to exceed expectations. Thanks to local businesses, civic groups and individuals FBB raised $53,000 and received a Richard S Shineman Grant for $100,000. Notably the Foundation has been a consistent supporter contributing grants totaling $966,000 since 2017.

“The city’s support has significantly impacted FBB’s success. We ask that you continue that support by encouraging members of your Wards to apply by March 17th for this year’s grants, Thank You” concluded Tina Eusepi, FBB Administrative Director.

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2025 Fulton Block Builders

Pre-Qualification Forms due by Monday, March 17, 2025

Final applications due by Monday, April 28, 2025

Awards announced Friday, May 16, 2025

Kick off Dinner for Sponsors and Awardees Wednesday, June 4th, 2025

Improvement projects must be completed by October 31, 2025

Alissa Viscome, Linda Eagan, Tina Eusepi and Shannon Sawyer share information about the Fulton Block Builder program with the Fulton City Council.

Fulton Block Builders Accepting Applications Through Monday March 17th

You’ve seen the improvements throughout the city and thought you would like to be a part of “that”! Well NOW is the time.

 Fulton Block Builders (FBB) invites ANY block in the city to apply for its 2025 Block Challenge, a program that offers matching funds to each participating homeowner for exterior home improvements. The program encourages and rewards neighborhood groups to work together and reinvest in their own community.  The Block Challenge Grant’s Applications must be submitted by Monday, March17.

 To complete the Application, city residents must first form a neighborhood cluster with 5 to 15 property owners in proximity. The group can include homeowners or landlords. The closer the clusters are grouped and the larger the number of participants, the more competitive the application becomes. In addition to the matching grant funding, participating homeowners have access to discounts from sponsoring hardware stores and garden centers. If you are interested in painting your house there is a separate “Paint Fulton” application

 Applications for the 2025 program can be found here: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/ or call 315-529-9181

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