Helping Art Thrive: Community Foundation Keeps Community Vibrant Through its Arts Grant Round

In Herkimer and Oneida counties, the arts are more than just entertainment—they are the heartbeat of community life, a bridge between cultures and a catalyst for economic growth. Recognizing the profound role creative expression plays in building a vibrant community, the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties has made a firm commitment to supporting the arts through initiatives such as its Arts Grant Round. 

“Art is a form of communication. It allows people from diverse cultures, and even different time periods, to connect through images, sounds and stories,” says Olivia Paul, director of community engagement at the Community Foundation. “Whether through music, dance, painting, literature or theater, the arts enrich everyday life, preserve history, foster learning and inspire connection across generations.” 

Through the Arts Grant Round, the Community Foundation awarded a total of $274,500 to 43 nonprofit organizations across the two counties. Awardees ranged from local theater groups to community arts centers.

The Arts Grant Round supported projects such as:

• 4 Elements Studio – Creative Connections: Art Classes for Families: Hosting free weekly art workshops for families in the West Utica area and Globe Mill Lofts, featuring:
  - Clay sculpting, pottery, painting, printmaking
  - Digital illustration and hand drumming
  - Focused on strengthening family bonds through collaborative creative experiences.
• Dodge Pratt Northam Art & Community Center – Connecting Youth Through Musical Theater: A summer theater workshop for ages 5–18 that includes:
  - Two musical theater productions grouped by age
  - Youth involvement in all aspects of the production
  - Mentorship from adult staff and volunteers
  - Culminates in live performances for the community after four weeks of intensive rehearsal.
• Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts – Summer Spotlights: Offers inclusive, art-centered summer programs for pre-K to 12th grade students, including:
  - First Stage Theater – Acting workshops and a junior musical
  - Band Camp – Musical training and a community concert
  - STEAM Camp – Art-infused innovation projects. These camps promote accessibility, creativity, and confidence in a supportive environment.
• Thea Bowman House – The Dance Goes On: Expanding an existing tap-dance program to:
  - Include jazz and ballet instruction
  - The program serves school-aged children, with plans to increase enrollment from 25 to 35 students. 

How a Grant Round Works

A grant round at the Community Foundation is a carefully managed, time-specific funding opportunity. Nonprofit organizations submit applications through the Community Foundation’s online grant portal (accessible via foundationhoc.org) during the designated application window. Each application is reviewed by a committee using a standardized rubric and scoring tool, ensuring fairness and equity throughout the process. 

“It can be very difficult and challenging because you want to fund everyone but ultimately it’s not possible,” Paul explained. “In the spirit of creating a vibrant region with opportunity for all, we do consider a few things: Does the application align with the grant round theme and meet the eligibility guidelines? And is the request meaningful and will it be impactful?” 

The Broader Impact of Supporting Local Arts 

The Community Foundation’s investment in the arts is about more than funding individual projects—it’s about creating a ripple effect across the community. A strong arts culture helps attract businesses, boost tourism and build a sense of pride and belonging among residents. 

In supporting the arts, the Community Foundation is investing in the soul of the community. Through every song sung, mural painted, dance performed and story told, the Community Foundation helps ensure that creativity continues to flourish across Herkimer and Oneida counties. Although the specific focus of future grant rounds may vary, the Community Foundation’s belief in the transformative power of the arts remains steadfast. 

Looking ahead, the Community Foundation remains committed to evolving its grant opportunities based on the community’s needs and the passions of its donors and fundholders. Nonprofits interested in future grant round opportunities can visit foundationhoc.org/grants or contact info@foundationhoc.org to be added to the Community Foundation’s newsletter distribution list. 

Article originally published in the Daily Sentinel on May 26, 2025.