Fulton Block Builders Campaign is Strong for 2026

Universal Metal Works launched the first business support for the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) grass- roots revitalization project in 2017 and have continued with strong support each year since.  John Sharkey was impressed to learn that there has been five million dollars invested by residents since FBB began. John IV said, “Each year brings more inspiration and makes the city of Fulton a great place to do business. I am happy to see this kind of excitement in the city and am pleased to support further growth.”

Universal Metal Works is a leading metal fabrication facility, with knowledgeable trained staff that have over 300 years of combined fabrication experience. Universal Metal Works specializes in design and engineering assembly. They stand behind Quality, Strength, and Reliability to get any job done with craftsmanship. The Sharkey’s are all active members in the community.

Become a part of this exciting piece of Fulton’s history by donating to the 2026 Campaign today. What is even more exhilarating is that every dollar you donate is once again matched by the Richard S. Shineman Foundation.  Remember all donations are tax deductible and go directly to the Block Challenge grants and promotion of the program.

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

Or by mail, send checks to:

CenterState Development Foundation-Fulton Block Builders; 115 West Fayette Street; Syracuse, NY 13202

John Sharkey IV, owner of Universal Metal Works has pledged strong support for Fulton Block Builders.

Eastern Shore Presents Fulton Block Builders with Check for 2026 Program

“It’s truly an honor to continue to support FBB and all their accomplishments in the Fulton community,” said Kim Allen, Director of Operations. Eastern Shore is a 100% employee-owned organization with over 70 insurance professionals who live and work in the same communities as their clients, in a six-office span across CNY. As an independent agency, Eastern Shore works with many insurance companies, giving them the ability to find the best solution to each of their customers' specific insurance needs.

FBB is celebrating its tenth year of grants in 2026. As such, an enlarged Pride Grant is being offered in addition to Block Challenge and Paint Fulton Grants. The fundraising goal for 2026 is $50,000. If FBB is successful in raising the full amount, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation will match us 2-to-1.

“Fulton Block Builders is extremely grateful to Eastern Shore Insurance Agency and the Richard S. Shineman Foundation for their support of this program and encourages others to follow their lead. Whether you are an individual, a business, or a community group, FBB asks that you help support this energizing program by donating today. Every dollar helps FBB reach its goal” said Linda Eagan FBB Founder.

To support FBB make checks payable to:

CenterState Development Foundation, Inc.

Fulton Block Builders

115 W. Fayette Street

Syracuse, NY 13202

or donate on line at https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate

For more Fulton Block Builder information follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fultonblockbuilders/ or go the website at https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/

Melissa Calverase and Kimberly Allen, of Eastern Shore Insurance Agency are seen here after presenting a check to Fulton Block Builder (FBB) Founder, Linda Eagan.

Fulton Savings Bank Pledges Corporate Support for Fulton Block Builders

As the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program continues its Fundraising Campaign, businesses and individuals have again been showing their ongoing support. Recently, one of the city’s oldest financial institutions, Fulton Savings Bank, stepped up, for the 10th year in a row, to help assure FBB’s success.

In 1871, a group of civic leaders organized Fulton Savings Bank to receive deposits from tradesmen, clerks, mechanics, laborers, minors, servants and others. Since then, Fulton Savings Bank has been serving the greater Fulton community and continues to Build Trust for Generations.

Linda Eagan, FBB Founder, said “Fulton Savings Bank’s donation to FBB is another commitment to their philosophy. Since FBB’s start in 2017, we have seen this community come together in so many positive ways and the corporate support of Fulton Savings Bank is one of those ways. From the very beginning, the bank has supported FBB’s unique approach to community revitalization, which strives to generate neighborhood pride and help homeowners and property owners recover part of the cost of their exterior property investment”.

Once again, the Richard S Shineman Foundation is matching our fundraising 2-to-1. This year FBB will use this $10,000 donation to support the 10th Anniversary Pride Grants. A 10th Anniversary Pride Grant is a request for funds between $1,000 and $10,000 to enhance life in the city of Fulton. All projects should benefit the community, be visible, and must be maintained over time.

“Fulton Savings Bank is proud to be an ongoing Corporate Sponsor of this exciting initiative,” said Pamela Caraccioli, President & CEO. “Thanks to all of those involved with Fulton Block Builders for their continued work to revitalize our community.”

Tina Stephens, Vice President of Branch Administration and Laurie Smith, Vice President of Human Resources and Marketing for Fulton Savings Bank, present Fulton Block Builders, with a check for $10,000 for the organization’s 2026 Fundraising Campaign.

Pathfinder Bank Continues to Support Fulton Block Builders

Pathfinder Bank continues to make a difference in our community! Fulton Block Builders is grateful for the ongoing support from Pathfinder Bank and the Richard S. Shineman Foundation as we work toward our 2026 fundraising goal of $50,000.

“Every dollar helps us strengthen neighborhoods and build community pride,” said Founder Linda Eagan.

Join them in supporting this energizing program—donate today or learn more:

Follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fultonblockbuilders/ or go the website at https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate

James Dowd, Pathfinder Bank Fulton CEO, presents Fulton Block Builder Founder, Linda Eagan with a $10,000 donation.

Fulton Block Builders receive support from Fulton Sunrise Rotary

Fulton Block Builders (FBB) is proud to receive continued support from Fulton Sunrise Rotary. Patrick Waite shared, “I am honored to support the Fulton Block Builders program. The work this group has accomplished is outstanding. I believe the potential for year ten will exceed expectations once again. It is my understanding that FBB has supported over 1,700 properties and inspired more than $5 million in resident investment. That is a lot to be proud of! I encourage businesses and individuals to learn more and support this momentum.”

Fulton Sunrise Rotary has been a strong advocate for the City of Fulton and its growing grassroots efforts. “Sunrise Rotary has supported FBB every year since we began. I am so proud of this collaboration and their continued commitment,” said Linda Eagan, founder of Fulton Block Builders. Sunrise Rotary meets Fridays at 7:00AM at Mimi’s diner.

Patrick Waite of Fulton Sunrise Rotary presents Linda Eagan of Fulton Block Builders with a donation from Fulton Sunrise Rotary.

Fulton Block Builders Receives Support from Ken and Kelly Niccoli

Fulton Block Builders is grateful for the generous support of Ken and Kelly Niccoli, longtime residents of Fulton, whose commitment to community continues to make a meaningful impact.

“We are honored to support the Block Builder program. The work that this group has been able to accomplish is outstanding,” said the Niccoli’s. “We believe the potential for year ten will far exceed the work that has been done up until now. We love working with such a dedicated group of people volunteering for this program. We encourage businesses and individuals to learn all they can and support this momentum!”

“The Niccoli’s are strong advocates for the City of Fulton and its residents,” said Linda Eagan. “As President of the Fulton Polish Home, Ken can be seen volunteering at nearly every event—even climbing into the rafters to repair malfunctioning heating and air conditioning units. No job is too small for Ken. Kelly serves as an active board member at both the Fulton YMCA and the Fulton Polish Home, and together they are also involved in the Fulton Garden Club. Kelly and Ken are excellent examples of community activism, and we are deeply grateful for their support”

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2026 Fulton Block Builders:

·        Wednesday, March 3, 2026 – Community Information Meeting

·        Friday, March 20, 2026 – Neighborhood Recruitment Forms (pre-applications) are due

·        Friday, April 24, 2026 – Final applications are due

·        Friday May 8, 2026 – FBB grant awardees announced & home improvements begin

·        Saturday, October 31, 2026 – awardees must complete their work

Ken and Kelly Niccoli of Fulton proudly support Fulton Block Builders.

FULTON BLOCK BUILDERS RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM COUNTY LEGISLATOR ARDUINI

Oswego County Legislator Joseph Arduini recently presented Fulton Block Builders (FBB) with a donation to support neighborhood revitalization efforts in the City of Fulton.

“I represent the 22nd District, which includes parts of Fulton, and I am impressed with the positive energy FBB is bringing to our residents,” said Arduini. “I have personally been a Block Leader and can testify that FBB is a great way to meet your neighbors and become actively involved in the community. My wife, Deb and I are happy to show our dedication to the city of Fulton and our appreciation to the Fulton Block Builders with this donation of $850. We are honored to support their important work and believe that our contribution will help further their mission in meaningful ways. We look forward to fostering growth and positive change within the community by supporting these initiatives and strengthening the partnership between this organization and the people of Fulton.”

“As Fulton Block Builders celebrates our 10th Anniversary in 2026, we are excited to offer Anniversary Pride Grants of up to $10,000 — an incredible opportunity for residents and organizations to make BIG impacts in our city. It is because of people like Legislator Arduini that we are able to fund more Block Challenge Grants and Pride Grants” said FBB Founder, Linda Eagan. “We are energized again this year by the number of quality applications we are receiving. Remember the deadline to submit a Block Challenge Pre Application is March 20, 2026”

Oswego County Legislator Joseph Arduini presents Fulton Block Builders Founder, Linda Eagan, with a check for $850 in support of neighborhood revitalization efforts in the City of Fulton.

Shineman Foundation Awards Fulton Block Builders Matching $100,000 Grant for 2025 Block Challenge Program

“We did it, Fulton! Once again, you came through to support the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program,” said Tina Eusepi, FBB Director. “FBB has received the full $100,000 matching grant from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, thanks to all the community support. Most recently Brookfield Renewables donated $2,000, putting FBB over its $50,000 fundraising goal”

 The Richard S. Shineman Foundation’s vision is to act as a “catalyst for change” to enhance the quality of life in Oswego County. Shineman’s Foundation Director: Chena Tucker shared that the foundation’s board members are very encouraged by the increasing and unprecedented collaborations they see happening among groups like the Fulton Block Builders in our communities. “Fulton Block Builders has continued to exceed expectations for its very successful revitalization program, and our foundation is proud to continue its support of FBB by awarding another $100,000 for its Block Challenge program,” said Tucker.

“From the moment we started the FBB program, I have been amazed at the support and care there is for the Fulton community,” said Eusepi. “Fulton businesses, individuals, service groups and, of course, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation all contributed to make, what I believe, will be our best year yet. As a result, in 2025, FBB has been able to make 145 awards in 20 Blocks throughout the city. The support for the program is fantastic.”

Sue Collins purchased her Riverview home only a few years ago and has been able to make great improvements thanks to FBB. “Equally important are the relationships I’ve made with so many neighbors thanks to FBB. I work outside of Fulton and my co-works are always amazed at the FBB stories I tell and wish they had a similar program where they live,” said Sue.

The Richard S. Shineman Foundation presents Fulton Block Builders with a $100,000 grant. Shineman Foundation Director Chena Tucker and Kelly Green; Grant Program and Event Coordinator present Tina Eusepi; FBB Executive Director with a check while admiring the improvements Sue Collins has made to her home.