In recent years, the Community Foundation has redefined its role in the community, moving beyond traditional grantmaking to become a dynamic leader and partner by spearheading innovative solutions for sustainable change. 

An emergency fund has been established by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties in response to the severe thunderstorms and tornado that impacted Rome and surrounding areas on July 16, which caused widespread power outages and destruction to homes, buildings, and historic landmarks. All donations made to the Rome, NY Emergency Response Fund will directly support relief and recovery efforts being undertaken by community nonprofit organizations and local municipalities. This effort will be a collaboration between several local foundations and funders to support the citizens of Rome.

Two local foundations—the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and UpMobility Foundation (UMF) — are partnering to co-host the third annual 24-hour online day of community giving, “Mohawk Valley Gives.” This collaboration will expand the reach and impact of the event, while also opening the door to exploration and growth opportunities in the future related to the giving day. 

The Mid-Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation (MUNPC) today announced the creation of a new Executive Director position, which will continue the organization’s 45-year history and mission of serving Utica’s Cornhill community.

The West Street Impact Center is the kind of space that can help this community come together and flourish.

The $74 Million Cornhill Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative took a significant step forward with the demolition of the Mid-Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation (MUNPC), or Leisure Time Activity Center building on West Street. The demolition clears the way to start construction on the West Street Impact Center which will serve as one of two anchors for this community’s historic transformation.

The Impact Centers will have basketball courts, but for this community they will mean much more. To borrow a basketball phrase, they're game-changers. 

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties announces the launch of SHINE, a collaboration with Johnson Park Center and Notre Dame Schools made possible by an anonymous donor’s endowed designated fund at the Foundation. SHINE offers opportunities for academic and personal growth to children of low-income households at Notre Dame Schools at no-cost. Eligible students are identified through Johnson Park Center programs.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties will host its second-annual 24-hour day of community giving, “Mohawk Valley Gives,” on Wednesday, September 20, to benefit local nonprofits serving the region.