Our History
Building on Years of Generosity
In 1952, our community leaders were planning ahead.
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
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.
“The Community Foundation is today’s answer to unforeseeable change.”
Utica Foundation Publication, 1953
Milestones
