Community Foundation, United Way Ramping Up Pandemic Relief Efforts | MetLife Foundation Makes Major Contribution

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and United Way of the Mohawk Valley announced today that their joint Mohawk Valley COVID-19 Response Fund will be ramping up efforts to address the growing needs of the community stemming from the pandemic. To support these needs, MetLife Foundation has announced a $150,000 contribution to the fund. Nonprofit organizations addressing pandemic-related relief and recovery efforts in Herkimer and Oneida counties are encouraged to visit mvcovidfund.com to apply for funding.

“With the impact of COVID-19 growing in our area, it’s more important than ever that we all support the nonprofits helping the community get through this crisis,” said Alicia Dicks, president/CEO of the Community Foundation. “It’s clear that the services they provide will continue to see increased demand from those in need, and we want to ensure these organizations can continue to meet those needs.”

Over the last several months, Community Foundation and United Way have channeled more than $1 million in donor support to nonprofit organizations for personal protective equipment, technology needs, food, supplies and more.

“MetLife Foundation wants to help alleviate the growing burdens created by the ongoing pandemic,” said Brian Sciortino, vice president, MetLife Global Claims. “Along with its local partners, the Community Foundation is working to address the unique needs of people and small businesses in Utica and its surrounding communities. We have many employees living and working in the area and are proud to support these efforts.”

Members of the community are also encouraged to individually contribute via the Mohawk Valley COVID-19 Relief Fund site. In addition to its $150,000 contribution, MetLife Foundation will match individual donations dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000.

”Our region’s nonprofits have been experiencing an increase in need due to COVID-19 for almost a year,” said Erin Gutierrez Matt, CEO of United Way of the Mohawk Valley. “It is vital that we continue to work together with our community’s network of nonprofits to build capacity for these critical services especially during this pandemic.”

Nonprofit organizations serving Herkimer and Oneida counties can apply for funding on a rolling basis from the Mohawk Valley COVID-19 Response Fund by visiting mvcovidfund.com.