Edwin J Wadas Foundation Inc
The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in New York Mills, New York. The foundation is dedicated to enhancing youth athletic and recreational programs across the Mohawk Valley region. Founded by Edwin J. Wadas (1926-2018), the organization carries forward his lifelong passion for supporting youth sports and community involvement.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$19.8M
-0.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$920K
+3.3% YoY
Grant Count
41
-4.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$22K
+8.3% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Edwin J Wadas Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.0M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission Statement: The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation's mission is to enhance experiences for youths ages 5-18 who participate in athletics in Oneida and Herkimer Counties by providing financial resources to qualified organizations and educational scholarships to participants.
Primary Focus: The foundation funds programs that teach life skills through athletic participation. Research cited by the foundation indicates that 70% of kids drop out of organized athletics by age 13. The foundation aims to keep youth engaged in sports to ensure they experience the physical, social, and developmental benefits of athletic participation.
Eligible Program Areas:
- Sports and fitness programs
- Recreational activity programs
- Youth athletic equipment and facilities
- Learn-to-play programs
- Inclusive sports programs for children of all abilities
Grantmaking
The foundation awards two primary types of grants:
Grant Range
s:**
Review Cycle
has closed, with the next offering scheduled for 2027.
Grant Types
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation exclusively funds programs located in Oneida and Herkimer Counties, New York. Eligible recipients include school districts, municipalities, and non-profit organizations within these counties.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year 2024:
- Total Assets: $19,800,385
- Revenue: $1,016,838
- Expenses: $1,102,213
- Net Income: -$85,375
- Total Liabilities: $0
Tax-Exempt Status: Tax-exempt since July 1990 (EIN: 16-1361881)
Grant Activity:
- 2023: 43 grants awarded totaling approximately $1 million in distributions
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $19,800,385 | $19,885,760 | $19,262,722 |
| Revenue | $1,016,838 | $1,740,481 | $11,653 |
| Expenses | $1,102,213 | $1,117,443 | $1,120,816 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $999,909 | $1,021,026 | $1,026,482 |
| Net Investment Income | $919,961 | $510,994 | $248,421 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,043,398 | $1,007,183 | $1,005,673 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
233 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include City of Rome ($200,000), Mid-york Library System ($146,568), City of Utica ($69,991).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA - LEATHERSTOCKING COUNCIL UTICA, NY | NEED BASED CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS AND RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT | $14,684 |
| CAMDEN CENTRAL SCHOOL CAMDEN, NY | K-8 BIDDY BASKETBALL SHOOTING MACHINE | $6,226 |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ONEIDA & MADISON COUNTIES UTICA, NY | CAMP NAZARETH SPORTS PROGRAM | $27,704 |
| CHARLES H ADREAN DSC POST 625 UTICA, NY | IMPROVEMENTS AT HINKO FIELD INCLUDING SCOREBOARD | $36,706 |
| CITY OF ROME ROME, NY | NEED BASED CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS | $6,000 |
| CITY OF ROME ROME, NY | SKATEBOARD PARK | $200,000 |
| CITY OF UTICA UTICA, NY | WELLNESS AND FITNESS PROGRAM | $26,068 |
| CITY OF UTICA UTICA, NY | AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM | $69,991 |
| CLINTON LITTLE LEAGUE CLINTON, NY | DUGOUT REPLACEMENT | $22,800 |
| CNY BMX BRIDGEWATER, NY | NEED BASED SUBSIDY FOR RACE AND REGISTRATION FEES | $1,500 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- John E. Short - President
- Alfred J. Kupiec Jr. - Treasurer
- Gregory A. Hamlin - Secretary
- Erin Hamlin Hodge - Director
- Perry Nizzi - Director
- Victoria L. Cataldo - Executive Director (40 hours/week)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOHN E SHORT | PRESIDENT | 2 | — |
| ALFRED J KUPIEC JR | TREASURER | 2 | — |
| GREGORY A HAMLIN | SECRETARY | 2 | — |
| ERIN HAMLIN HODGE | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| PERRY NIZZI | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**2025:**
The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation announced a $101,508.96 grant to Arc Herkimer for installation of a new turf surface and dugouts at Basloe Field Little League infield at Arc Park. The project aims to create an inclusive play space for children of all abilities.
Game Changer Grant - The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation, Inc.**2023:**
The Westmoreland Little League was awarded the Game Changer Grant to construct a new youth sports park at the former Lowell Fireman's Field in conjunction with the Town of Westmoreland. The complex includes baseball and softball fields with backstops, fences, scoreboards, dugouts, bleachers, and a shared storage unit with concession stand.
Game Changer Grant - The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation, Inc.**Founder Legacy:**
Edwin J. Wadas was known as "Uncle Ed" by thousands of student athletes, coaches, and school administrators throughout Oneida and Herkimer Counties. A World War II Army veteran and successful entrepreneur, he dedicated over 60 years to volunteering at youth sporting events and personally supporting youth athletic programs in the region before establishing the foundation.
Game Changer Grant - The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation, Inc.Frequently Asked Questions
What does Edwin J Wadas Foundation Inc fund?
**Mission Statement:** The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation's mission is to enhance experiences for youths ages 5-18 who participate in athletics in Oneida and Herkimer Counties by providing financial resources to qualified organizations and educational scholarships to participants. **Primary Focus:** The foundation funds programs that teach life skills through athletic participation. Research cited by the foundation indicates that 70% of kids drop out of organized athletics by age 13. The foundation …
How do I apply for a grant from Edwin J Wadas Foundation Inc?
**Grant Types:** The foundation awards two primary types of grants: 1. **Community Grants** - Awarded to enhance existing sports, fitness, and recreational activity programs for youth ages 5-18 in Oneida and Herkimer Counties. Grants are designed to enhance existing programs rather than serve as substitutes for operational budgets. 2. **Game Changer Grant** - A competitive grant program with a maximum award of $250,000 designed to address obstacles preventing youth from accessing recreational a…
Where does Edwin J Wadas Foundation Inc make grants?
The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation exclusively funds programs located in **Oneida and Herkimer Counties, New York**. Eligible recipients include school districts, municipalities, and non-profit organizations within these counties.
What size grants does Edwin J Wadas Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Edwin J Wadas Foundation Inc awarded 41 grants totaling $920K — an average of about $22K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Edwin J Wadas Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Edwin J Wadas Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.0M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Edwin J Wadas Foundation Inc's EIN?
Edwin J Wadas Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 16-1361881. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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