To ensure that the legacy of Hinckley teen Connor Lynskey lives on, scholarships are awarded each year in his name through the Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties.

M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund (MTPT) at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties awarded nearly $585,000 to area nonprofits in 2022—a special year for the fund as it celebrated its 15-year anniversary supporting the Mohawk Valley. 

The Operation Sunshine Fund at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties has awarded $9,000 to nonprofits in support of summer camperships. Following the transition from a nonprofit affiliate of the Observer-Dispatch newspaper to a Community Foundation fund, Operation Sunshine Fund continues to uphold its original mission of providing underprivileged kids with a summer camp experience.

The Adirondack League Club Community Fund at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties awarded more than $118,000 to support over 20 area nonprofits in the third quarter of 2022.

The Helpful Harvest Fund, a newly launched field-of-interest fund at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, awarded $38,500 to more than 30 human service organizations including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters during the month of November to support increased need around the holidays and colder months.

M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund (MTPT) of the Community Foundation has awarded $50,000 to The Center to support Ukrainian individuals and families resettling in the Utica area. The funds will provide basic needs and personal items to the refugees seeking assistance. Formerly known as The Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees, The Center offers a variety of services to newcomers and non-native English-speaking residents of the Mohawk Valley region.

As part of its Community Equity Initiative, the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties has awarded a new series of “Power of Our Community Neighborhood Impact Grants.” Black- and Brown-led organizations as well as other nonprofit organizations located within and/or serving Utica’s Cornhill and West Utica neighborhoods were asked to apply.

The family and friends of Alivia “Livi” Paige Moylan continue to keep her memory alive through local community events, such as the first annual “Livi Strong” Soccer Fest held in June. A large crowd came together for the day to celebrate her life and love of soccer, and to benefit a scholarship fund established in her honor.

The Alexandra G. Kogut Memorial Fund was created by Becky and Mark Kogut in honor of their daughter, Alexandra, to support community organizations that share her passion and kindness. Each year, several grants are awarded through this donor-advised fund of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, allowing Alexandra’s spirit to live on. Grants are awarded to programs and organizations that reflect Alexandra’s interests, including swimming and her love for children.