The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties concluded another impactful year of community investment in 2025, awarding more than $17.9 million in grants, scholarships, and emergency relief funds—the highest total distributed in a single year in the Foundation’s nearly 75-year history. Donations received in 2025 totaled over $24 million, marking the strongest year on record in terms of dollars raised.

The For The Love of The Game Fund made its first award to a local student. The fund was created in memory of Robert “Bob” Warwick, a dedicated coach and mentor whose kindness, resilience, and selflessness left a lasting mark on all who knew him. 

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is pleased to announce a series of leadership transitions within its finance team, reflecting the organization’s continued growth and ongoing commitment to serving the community.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is proud to announce a new partnership with the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill (VVS) Education Foundation, a collaboration designed to strengthen higher education opportunities for students in the VVS School District for years to come.

Scholarships are awarded each year to local students in memory of Hinckley, NY teen Connor Lynskey through the Connor Arthur Lynskey Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties.

The Forest Hill Cemetery Preservation Foundation Fund was established at the Community Foundation to assist in administering and investing the organization’s charitable assets. Contributions will go towards maintaining, preserving and enhancing the cemetery for generations to come.

The Herkimer County Office for the Aging has announced the establishment of the Herkimer County Office for the Aging Charitable Fund through the Community Foundation, created to enhance and expand vital services for older adults throughout the community. 

For many, the end of the year represents a time of reflection and gratitude, and an opportunity to give back. But it’s also the most strategic time for donors to make charitable contributions that not only do good in the community but also make financial sense.

Through the Helpful Harvest Grant Round, supported by the Helpful Harvest Fund, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties awarded over $106,000 to 44 human service organizations including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and others to help alleviate food insecurity and support increased need around the holiday season and colder months.