East Hill Foundation

The East Hill Foundation is a privately funded family foundation, which evolved out of the Wilson Greatbatch family's tradition of stewardship. Funding was initiated through small grants out of the family owned business, Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. In 1986, with the help of Peter Greatbatch, the family's youngest son, the East Hill Foundation was established. The family's hope was to further the tradition of stewardship which could be enhanced and passed on to future generations. With the upcoming sale of the company in 1997 and the abrupt death of the Executive Director, Peter Greatbatch in 1998, the Foundation was restructured. Ami Greatbatch was added to the Board and was named Co-Chairman with husband, Warren Greatbatch. The Foundation's area of interest was extended to eight counties of Western New York. One full-time staff member was added to the office, Michele Schmidt, as the Grants Director.

The Board, throughout its history, has been made up of mostly family members. The Board is now comprised of five Board members (three family and two non-family members).

In 1999, the Board decided that it was time to start involving the rest of the family. Since the family was so geographically dispersed, it was difficult for many of the family members to feel included in the Foundation's activities. Therefore, the Family/Board Sponsored Grant Program was established. Family members (over age 18) Board members and Officers may annually sponsor projects from nonprofit, charitable organizations in the United States. Family members, Board members and Officers generate their own grant opportunities by personally inviting charities to apply to East Hill Foundation.

The Foundation went through another change in 2004. Eleanor Greatbatch made a significant donation to the endowment. The Board hired Jenny Dulian (part-time) to create a program that focused on educating and involving the Next Generation entitled, East Hill NxGen Giving Program. All NxGen members who have graduated from high school are eligible to paticipate. Currently, there are 14 members in this program.

East Hill Foundation grant funding is currently divided into three components: Western New York Grants, Family/Board Sponsored Grants and the new initiative, NxGen Giving Program.

NxGen Giving Program:

The goal of the East Hill NxGen Giving Program is to fund a maximum of four grants per year chosen by participating NxGen Family Members. Grant applications are provided by invitation only. A focus area is selected annually by the NxGen Family Members.