News
![Equity Advisory Group to Hold Community Forum](https://foundationhoc.org/assets/News/CF_PublicForumInvitation_Social1.jpg)
The Community Equity Forum will take place on Wednesday, October 20, 6:00-8:30 p.m., at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, with a report on the group’s work to date, and breakout sessions for attendees to share their thoughts.
![Hero Fund America Fund Announces Awards in Support of First Responders](https://foundationhoc.org/assets/News/HERO-fund.jpg)
The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties Hero Fund America Fund has awarded $10,000 to increase awareness, advocacy and support for fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and law enforcement agencies in New York and other states.
![Community Foundation Awards Over $2.5 Million to Nonprofits, Opens 15 New Funds](https://foundationhoc.org/assets/News/210719_cfhoc_levitt_091_smaller.png)
The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties announced more than $2.5 million in community investments during the first half of 2021 to organizations and initiatives primarily in the areas of equity, economic development, education, and pandemic relief. This total includes more than $376,00 in awards through the organization’s competitive grants process as well as activity of its 120+ donor-advised funds. Also included in that total is support from the Mohawk Valley COVID-19 Response Fund to 30 local nonprofit organizations.
![Donor Contribution to Advance the Work of Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program at Utica College](https://foundationhoc.org/assets/News/Young-Scholars.jpg)
A local youth program, Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program (YSLPP), has received $1 million in funding to enhance and grow its programming for area students.
Each year, several grants are awarded through this donor-advised fund of the Community Foundation, allowing Alexandra’s spirit to live on.
![Utica Native Keeps “Giving Back to Utica”](https://foundationhoc.org/assets/News/GBTU5.jpg)
Five students are getting real-world experience and helping out area nonprofits this summer thanks to a Utica native who’s never forgotten where he came from.
![Community Foundation Board Confirms New Leadership, Welcomes New Trustee](https://foundationhoc.org/assets/News/2021-New-Trustees.png)
The Community Foundation confirms Jawwaad Rasheed as board chair and welcomes new board member, Dr. Mark Warfel.
![Utica National Group Foundation Awards $250,000 to Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens](https://foundationhoc.org/assets/News/Utica-National-logo.jpg)
For the second straight year, the Utica National Group Foundation has awarded $250,000 to more than 30 local food pantries and soup kitchens.
![Community Foundation Marks Year Five of Lead-Free Mohawk Valley Initiative](https://foundationhoc.org/assets/News/Year_Five_Lead_Free.jpg)
The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and the Lead-Free Mohawk Valley Coalition partners are marking the fifth year of a community-wide commitment to reduce high rates of childhood lead poisoning in Oneida and Herkimer counties.