A Vibrant Region with Opportunity for All

Driven by our vision, the Community Foundation’s mission is to Engage, Invest, and Lead to strengthen Herkimer and Oneida counties.

See how we make a difference

Our Foundation

Build, Enhance & Sustain the Community in Which We Live

Welcome to the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, a leading community foundation in Upstate New York! Our experienced and dedicated staff and trustees are committed to matching donor support with community and nonprofit organization needs through innovative, solution-based community investments aimed at positive regional impact. Our community project funding, local grant programs, and initiatives have allowed us to move the Herkimer and Oneida County region forward.

For 70 years, we have grown and stewarded community resources to ensure greater capacity for future needs and unexpected challenges. On top of creating endowed funds and setting up planned charitable giving options, we've also created many scholarship and community grant opportunities.

If you'd like to learn more about our community funding opportunities, how to set up a planned giving partnership, or ways to support Herkimer and Oneida County nonprofits, we welcome you to contact us today!

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Our Mission

Engage

We partner with donors and community organizations to determine funding solutions to residents' needs, advancing and enhancing community development.

Invest

We maximize donor impact through long-term stewardship, and commit funds and resources to nonprofit partner organizations for the greatest possible community impact.

Lead

We provide leadership to bring community partners together for collaborative impact, acting as a trusted advocate that can bridge differences and build meaningful coalitions.

Annual Figures as of December 31, 2024

$210M

Total Assets

$16M

Donations

2,600

Donors

550

Active Funds

$15.7M

Community Investments

$210M

Total Assets
$16M

Donations
2,600

Donors
550

Active Funds
$15.7M

Community Investments

Our Story is Your Story

Strengthening Our Community Together

Grant Opportunities

Ways to Give

Create a Fund

Who We Are

We Are Here to Better Our Community

Through nonprofit partnerships we work to strengthen our community, enhancing neighborhood vibrancy, creating jobs, educating, and addressing racial equity and social justice challenges.

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In Their Own Words

“My wife and I had talked about establishing a foundation, and as we discussed it more, we began to see all the potential challenges involved. How do you manage it? How do you decide what agencies to give grants to without the ability to supervise it all? The more challenges that we considered, the more it seemed that the Community Foundation was the place that could handle all of these matters and handle them very well.”
Donald Van Waes, Fundholder

“It has been an unbelievable relationship. We’ve been able to figure out a way to utilize the Community Foundation’s resources for some great projects that have turned into stories that we’ve been able to tell in various ways about how amazing the organization has been in helping us reach our goal of building community.”
Kevin Crosley, President/CEO, Arc Herkimer

“Every day, I’m proud to be part of a community so rich in promise and possibility—as we turn challenges into progress. Together we can realize our collective potential so that everyone’s opportunity to succeed contributes to a bright future for all.”
Alicia Dicks, President/CEO

(3 Total)

More to Explore...

All News All Stories

How the Helpful Harvest Grant Round Strengthens Food Security Across the Mohawk Valley

Every fall, as the season of giving approaches, the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties connects a network of donors, fundholders and nonprofit partners to tackle one of the community’s most pressing issues: food insecurity.

Community Foundation Awards Over $7.7 Million to Nonprofits in Second and Third Quarters, 14 New Charitable Funds Created

In the second and third quarters of 2025, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties awarded more than $7.7 million, which is comprised of grants to nonprofits, scholarships to students, and support for those impacted by the June 2025 severe weather that impacted Clark Mills, the Town of Kirkland, and surrounding areas. Grants were awarded primarily in the areas of human services, arts and culture, education, and animals.

Fund Established in Honor of Bob Warwick to Benefit Graduating Utica University Hockey Players

The For The Love of The Game Fund was recently established by the family and friends of Robert “Bob” Warwick. The fund serves as a meaningful and lasting tribute aimed at providing support to a graduating member of Utica University’s hockey team who exemplifies the values and spirit that defined Bob’s play.

Peter Corigliano, IV Memorial Fund Established to Support Families Facing Medical Challenges

The fund is dedicated to helping children and families dealing with complex medical conditions, with a special focus on congenital heart defects, by providing support to ease the burden of care, provide comfort, and offer hope—giving every child the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face on their health journey.