Community Foundation and UpMobility Foundation Join Forces to Host Mohawk Valley Gives Day of Giving

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.  

Last year, more than 6,800 donors came together and raised nearly $2.5 million, directly benefiting 255 nonprofit organizations. Over 300 nonprofits in Herkimer, Oneida and Otsego counties have registered for this year’s event, which will take place at givemv.org on Friday, September 20.

“The collaborative partnership between the Community Foundation and UpMobility Foundation exemplifies the power of synergy in driving positive impact,” said Community Foundation President/CEO Alicia Dicks. “By combining our expertise, resources and networks, we are not only amplifying the reach of this event, but also fostering a richer experience for participating organizations and generating greater value for the community. This collaboration will allow us to appropriately evaluate and determine the future of Mohawk Valley Gives in a meaningful way.”

The UpMobility Foundation, located in Little Falls, is an organization that forges partnerships and collaborative efforts with nonprofit organizations, offering support beyond just grant funding. Impact areas include community building, advancing education and humanitarian aid and international development. 

In 2023, the UpMobility Foundation joined Mohawk Valley Gives as a match and challenge partner, offering match and challenge incentives to 35 local organizations, which resulted in $1.1 million being raised. 

 “At the UpMobility Foundation, we leverage an entrepreneurial mindset to amplify philanthropic investments by fostering connections and collaborations with our community partners,” said Martin Babinec, founder of UpMobility Foundation. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Community Foundation to scale up Mohawk Valley Gives, as both organizations embrace innovative approaches and strategic thinking to maximize the impact of community engagement. MV Gives helps us and other donors not only in providing financial support within our targeted investing themes, but also engaging in active partnerships that work closely with local organizations to create sustainable, long-term solutions. It’s through these collaborations that we strive to uplift and mobilize local nonprofits, communities and individuals to foster an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.” 

Mohawk Valley Gives is powered by the Community Foundation and UpMobility Foundation and is proudly presented by Staffworks and M&T Bank. Learn more at givemv.org.