Edwin J. Wadas Foundation gives $1 million every year for the betterment of local youth, says executive director
David L. Podos
Interview with Victoria Cataldo, executive director of the Edwin J. Wadas Foundation
Q: Many people in our area have never heard of the Edwin J. Wadas Foundation, in fact, I am a lifelong resident of this area and I just recently discovered it. What is the history of this foundation?
A: Well first let me tell you a little bit about the man who started it, Mr. Edwin J. Wadas. For about 60 years he was involved in local youth sports as an announcer or a scorekeeper. He just loved youth sports. He grew up locally in New York Mills, a suburb of Utica. Mr. Wadas never married, nor had any children. Regarding the foundation, in 1990 he established the foundation. His goal–mission was to invest money into youth sports in both Oneida and Herkimer counties.
Q: Youth sports encompass so much. Specifically, where is the money from this foundation going?
A: So, the money has gone to school districts, nonprofit organizations and municipalities throughout both counties. The money has to be used for youth ages 5-18. Mr. Wadas had a vision of enhancing already existing programs. So, for instance, enhancing can be different between all three areas. For example, for a school district enhancement of programs is not a budgetary substitution. An enhancement might be the school has a basketball team; we might give money to that school to purchase a “shooting machine” because that is what keeps it really fun for the kids.
For a municipality those enhancements are different. An example of this would be a town park. We would want to know what would it take for kids in that community to utilize that town park. We might put in a playground and-or a baseball field. Wherever we invest, our focus is supporting the joy of youth athletics.
Q: Let’s talk about the health aspects of playing sports. How important is that for our youth?
A: Playing sports certainly has physical, emotional and social benefits. So, what we have seen is this. Kids who participate in sports at an early age are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, they are more likely to become physically active adults, participating in physically active lifestyles. This can lead to lower rates of heart disease, lower rates of obesity, and diabetes, just to name a few of the health benefits.
Q: Let’s say for example I am a football coach at a local high school who is need of additional equipment. How do I start the process of being considered for a grant from this foundation?
A: Great question. One of things as the executive director that I felt was extremely important was to make sure the process of applying for funds was easy and not complicated. So, with that in mind, we accept applications on an on-going basis. We tell people to go onto our website; there they will find the grant application. The application has about 10 questions and once completed it is sent to me.
Q: When the application is received where does the process go from there?
A: Once I receive the application, I place a call to the applicant to go over everything as well as getting any other information I might think I would need so a proper assessment is made.
Q: Give me an idea of the dollar amounts that your organization gives out. Are you limited in the amount?
A: Well, it really depends on the need. We have funded things from a few hundred thousand dollars for instance, but it really depends on your program that you want funded, your need for additional money and how that is going to enhance youth sports.
Q: So, where does this money come from that fund your foundation?
A: Mr. Wadas created this foundation with his own assets. He was a self-taught and very savvy investor. When he passed in 1990, he left the remainder of his estate to the foundation. Presently, we have more than $20 million, because we are so fortunate to be fiscally solid, we do not accept financial gifts from anyone. We have a financial adviser that I, along with our board of directors, work very closely with. We roughly give away each year about $1 million.
Q: How does someone get in touch with you to start the process of potentially receiving a grant from the Wadas foundation?
A: They can call 315-982-9003. Also, please visit our website at wadasfoundation.org