FAQs
What is Riverside?
Riverside is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower people with disabilities to live rich and full lives. We are also the proud owners of One Cottage Street which serves as our home and as the base of a dynamic local arts community.
Why is Riverside conducting a capital campaign?
One Cottage Street was generously donated to Riverside in 1976. Since then, we have updated this former mill building as funds have allowed. Today we recognize that 912 aged, single-paned, uninsulated windows need to be replaced as soon as possible. We need your help to meet our fundraising goal of $1,135,000.
Why are these windows important?
One Cottage Street’s 912 large windows are so poorly functioning that they leak more than $50,000 in heating and cooling costs each year. New, energy-efficient windows will make One Cottage Street more environmentally sound, bolstering the structural integrity and longevity of this historic mill building and contributing significantly to the greening of Easthampton. The savings from reduced energy expenses will be reinvested in our innovative client services.
Why is Riverside asking the community to support the campaign?
Because Riverside is a nonprofit with modest reserves, we are limited in our financial ability to cover the considerable one-time cost for this deferred but essential maintenance. We turn to our neighbors, friends, families, colleagues and partners — all who benefit from or care about this remarkable building and its outsized impact on our community and region — to help.
Who may donate?
We welcome gifts of all dollar amounts from absolutely everyone —private individuals, families and businesses to faith and civic groups and other organizations.
Why should I make a gift or pledge now?
Your contribution today will enable Riverside to move ahead as quickly as possible to replace our failing windows, reduce energy loss, reinvest the savings in direct services to individuals with disabilities, and restore our historic building so that it can continue to touch thousands of people in Easthampton and the Pioneer Valley.
What about my annual gift or auction sponsorship to Riverside?
Your annual and auction gifts continue to be essential to Riverside’s operations and client services. Today, we ask you to consider an additional gift to support this one-time capital campaign for new windows.
May I make my gift with stock?
Yes. Making your gift with appreciated stock may have benefits for you as well as Riverside. Please contact Char Gentes for information on how to complete a stock transfer to Riverside. Char may be reached at 413-527-2711 ext. 155 or at chargentes@rsi.org.
Is my campaign gift tax deductible?
Yes. Gifts to Riverside and the Windows of Opportunity campaign are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.