Community Collaboration: Two Local Foundations Joining Forces to Build Capacity and Enhance Community Impact

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties today announced a partnership to assist UpMobility Foundation (UMF) as the organization grows and builds up its capacity. The two foundations are both dedicated to driving positive change and investing in the local community.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with UpMobility Foundation in this transformative partnership, because in the end it’s the community that benefits,” said Alicia Fernandez Dicks, President/CEO of the Community Foundation. “Through this work, we will assist them in building a high performing team, excelling in governance, articulating strategy, and ultimately enhancing the impact of their investments in this community and beyond. Our organization has learned a lot over the last decade or so, and we’re hoping we can share some of that knowledge and experience with our partners at UMF, helping them to realize their full potential as an innovative leader.”

UpMobility Foundation, based out of Little Falls, is an organization that forges partnerships and collaborative efforts with nonprofit organizations, offering support beyond just grant funding. Impact areas include catalyzing initiatives to build strong families and communities, advancing entrepreneurship and education, strengthening democracy through reforming government and international development aimed at uplifting people to achieve their potential.

This isn’t the first time the two foundations have partnered. Since 2023, UMF has been a major supporter of the Community Foundation’s “Mohawk Valley Gives” day of giving initiative, and in 2024, they joined the day as a co-lead for the event.

“The Community Foundation is a long-term ally that shares our collective vision for the community,” said Peggy O’Shea, Board Member and Interim Executive Director for UpMobility Foundation. “This groundbreaking partnership will significantly enhance UMF's ability to scale our organization’s capacity and create lasting transformation in our communities and economy.”

The initial phase of this partnership will include hiring a new interim executive director as O’Shea continues as a member of UpMobility Foundation’s Board of Directors.

“UpMobility Foundation has reached a turning point, and we are excited to head down this new path with a partner like the Community Foundation by our side,” said UMF Founder and Board Chairman, Martin Babinec. “I am truly grateful to Peggy O'Shea for helping take UpMobility from an idea to a major funder in the Mohawk Valley and beyond. She will continue to guide us forward in her role on the UMF Board as we take this next step in scaling up the volume and impact of our contributions across our core investing themes.”

The Community Foundation’s search for UpMobility Foundation’s new interim executive director has begun. Visit foundationhoc.org/careers to view the job posting. Once hired, this individual will work under the guidance of the Community Foundation’s leadership and alongside UMF’s Board of Directors. The Community Foundation will further support UpMobility Foundation in strengthening its core operations, from strategic planning to daily administration, and beyond.

Founded in 1952, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties envisions a vibrant region with opportunity for all. In fulfillment of its “Engage. Invest. Lead” mission, the Community Foundation has transformed decades of donor generosity into $134 million invested in social impact initiatives, collaborative leadership and grantmaking. Find out more at foundationhoc.org.

Formed 9 years ago, the UpMobility Foundation has made over $15MM in philanthropic investments and is poised to significantly increase the scale and scope of its philanthropic activities in a variety of nonprofit initiatives across Central/Upstate NY, the United States and internationally. Find out more at UpMobility.org.