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.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and UpMobility Foundation hosted the fourth annual “Mohawk Valley Gives,” on September 19, to raise funds for local nonprofits serving Herkimer, Oneida and Otsego counties. The community came together and raised over $6.5 million thanks to contributions from more than 8,100 donors, making it a record-breaking year for the campaign.

For nearly a decade, the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties has worked alongside residents, nonprofits and local leaders to revitalize one of Utica’s most historic neighborhoods. The Cornhill Revitalization Project, now well underway, represents more than just new buildings. It’s a long-term commitment to creating safe, vibrant spaces where families, young professionals and residents can thrive.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and UpMobility Foundation will host the fourth-annual online day of community giving, “Mohawk Valley Gives,” on Friday, September 19, 2025, to benefit local nonprofits serving Herkimer, Oneida and Otsego counties.  

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties has adopted a new investment management model, naming longtime consultant Crewcial Partners as its Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO). Based in New York City, Crewcial has worked closely with the Community Foundation for several decades, and this expanded partnership marks a new phase in managing and growing the Community Foundation’s charitable assets. 

A storm relief fund has been established by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, in partnership with Oneida County, in response to the severe thunderstorms and EF1 tornado that impacted Clark Mills, the Town of Kirkland, and surrounding areas on June 22, which caused widespread power outages and destruction to homes and buildings.

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, community members, nonprofit partners, and local leaders gathered together for the highly anticipated Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the newly reintroduced Cornhill Empowerment Center. The event, held at 230 James Street in Utica, marked an exciting new chapter for the neighborhood and was a major success. 

The Ian J. Amendolare Blue Collar Trade Award was recently established at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties by the family and friends of Ian J. Amendolare, a West Canada native whose kindness, resilience and selflessness left a permanent mark on those who knew him. Created in the wake of his untimely passing, the fund serves as a meaningful and lasting tribute aimed at providing support to students who are passionate about pursuing a career in the trades. 

The Elizabeth Gerling Legacy Scholarship Fund was recently established at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties to honor the life of Columbus Elementary School Principal Elizabeth Gerling, whose compassion, strength and dedication left an enduring impact on those who knew her. Created in the wake of her untimely passing, the fund serves as a meaningful way to continue the work and values Elizabeth held dear—whether through helping others in need or fostering educational opportunities for future generations.