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Where It Began

Visionary thinking has led to tremendous impact.

Seventy years ago, local leaders came together to create a kind of “community savings account,” a  trust fund that would grow in perpetuity to support future community needs.

Thanks to our founders, their insight, and their big idea, the Community Foundation has invested more than $100 million in Herkimer and Oneida counties, built hundreds of innovative community partnerships, and made lasting community improvements.

We believe, as our founders did, that our partners’ generosity and commitment make a powerful impact in our community.

A Detailed History

A Detailed History

The Community Foundation, originally the Utica Foundation, was formed in December 1952 to make it possible for individuals to create charitable endowments for our area. Rosamond Childs, a leading philanthropist in the community during her lifetime, created the Community Foundation’s first fund in 1956.

The Community Foundation grew slowly at first and was managed by a volunteer board whose members performed nearly all the daily operations. In the 1980s the Community Foundation began to see rapid growth through a series of large bequests. By 1989, the Community Foundation had $9 million in assets and its first full-time, paid staff.

During the 1990s, the Community Foundation saw both significant growth in assets and tremendous change in its operations, as the Board’s initiatives focused on maximizing the impact of entrusted funds. Major changes included new investment and grantmaking philosophies, expansion of our service area to include Herkimer County, and a name change to make the Community Foundation more accessible to all residents and organizations in Oneida and Herkimer counties.

Today, the Community Foundation works with donors, fundholders and community partners to advance and enhance our unique two-county community. Through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations, we channel our donated and invested assets where they can be most effective, and our continuing dedication is making a difference now—and building future capacity for further growth.

Our story has been and continues to be one of leadership, partnership, and innovation.

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“The Community Foundation is today’s answer to unforeseeable change.”

Utica Foundation Publication, 1953

Milestones

December 1952

The Utica Foundation is Incorporated

Utica Foundation incorporated to accept and use funds to care for the “indigent, sick, aged and helpless, young and underprivileged . . . improve living and working conditions, advance health and education.”

1956

First Fund is Established

First substantial gift, $6,000, received from Rosamond G. Childs, establishing the Foundation’s first fund.

1977

Dise Fund Established

Dise Fund established for the benefit of Little Falls, bolstering involvement in Herkimer County and bringing total assets over the $1 million mark.

1989

Staff Hired and Office Location Acquired

The first professional staff was hired and an office space established at 270 Genesee Street.

May 1996

Foundation Receives a New Name

Name changed to the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, reflecting expanded mission to address the broader needs of the two-county region.

1997

$1 Million in Annual Grants

Annual grants top $1 million mark for first time.

2015

New Location

Moved to a new building at 2608 Genesee Street and welcomed innovative community leader Alicia Dicks as President/CEO.

January 2016

Launch of Lead-Free MV

First major initiative announced; $1 million to launch “Lead-Free Mohawk Valley,” an effort to eventually eliminate childhood lead poisoning.

December 2018

$5 Million Commitment to Lead Initiative

Board approves additional $5 million, 10-year commitment to Lead-Free Mohawk Valley initiative.

July 2020

Launch of Community Equity Initiative

Community Equity Initiative announced, committing $10 million through 2030 as an initial investment to address systemic racism and inequity in Herkimer and Oneida counties.

September 2020

Community-wide Equity Pledge

Mohawk Valley Equity Pledge launched to build grassroots support for meaningful change.

January 2021

$100 Million in Community Investments

Total investments in the community top $100 million.

September 2022

Mohawk Valley Gives

Mohawk Valley Gives, the foundation's first community-wide giving day, launched to support nonprofits

(13 Total)
December 1952
The Utica Foundation is Incorporated
The Utica Foundation is Incorporated
1956
First Fund is Established
First Fund is Established
1977
Dise Fund Established
Dise Fund Established
1989
Staff Hired and Office Location Acquired
Staff Hired and Office Location Acquired
May 1996
Foundation Receives a New Name
Foundation Receives a New Name
1997
$1 Million in Annual Grants
$1 Million in Annual Grants
2015
New Location
New Location
January 2016
Launch of Lead-Free MV
Launch of Lead-Free MV
December 2018
$5 Million Commitment to Lead Initiative
$5 Million Commitment to Lead Initiative
July 2020
Launch of Community Equity Initiative
Launch of Community Equity Initiative
September 2020
Community-wide Equity Pledge
Community-wide Equity Pledge
January 2021
$100 Million in Community Investments
$100 Million in Community Investments
September 2022
Mohawk Valley Gives
Mohawk Valley Gives
Milestones
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Community Foundation
2608 Genesee Street
Utica, NY 13502

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