In 1970, a second descriptive publication was produced, Utica Foundation, Inc. — For Those in Need … Today and in the Years to Come. It carried a sub-theme of Living Beyond Our Lifetime. The booklet reported that as of July 1 of that year, the Foundation’s eight existing funds, along with the value of two funds known to be forthcoming, gave the organization total resources of nearly $515,000. From its inception it had disbursed almost $166,000 in grants.

Although by now a vital, maturing organization, the Foundation continued to mark milestones in the 1970s. In 1972, under Addison White’s leadership, the practice of publishing an annual report each year was instituted. In 1974, Muriel Hineline became the first woman to serve as an officer, when she was elected vice president. Her tenure on the board ultimately spanned 28 years, during which she also distinguished herself as an insightful member of the screening committee.

The organization’s role in Herkimer County was reinforced in 1977 with the establishment of the Harry F. Dise Fund, which was earmarked specifically to benefit causes in Little Falls. Dise grew up in that community and although he spent most of his career as a successful businessman in the Prescott, Arizona area, he retained strong feelings for his hometown and its people. The fund was created by a substantial bequest from his estate and was designated to support well-being in perpetuity within the area of Little Falls.

The addition of the Dise Fund helped the Foundation reach a milestone that year when its assets crested the million-dollar mark for the first time, standing at slightly over $1,154,000 at year’s end. Fifteen funds now comprised the endowment. Grants for the year numbered 27, totaling over $48,000.