Mohawk Valley Gives Breaks Records, Raising Over $8.1 Million for Local Nonprofits

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and UpMobility Foundation hosted the fifth annual “Mohawk Valley Gives,” on September 18, to raise funds for local nonprofits serving the region. The community came together and raised over $8.1 million thanks to contributions from more than 9,220 donors, making it a record-breaking year for the campaign. Of the 443 organizations that participated in Mohawk Valley Gives, more than 99% received at least one donation.

Community-driven matches and challenges helped build excitement across the region, motivating both nonprofits and donors. Various organizations benefited from match opportunities generously provided by UpMobility Foundation, the Staffworks Save a Life Campaign, and others, allowing donors to double or even triple their contributions during the giving period. 

Over 16,800 donations, ranging from $5 to $406,000, came in from 48 states and the District of Columbia, as well as Belgium, Germany, and Sweden, contributing to the record-breaking outcomes. As the campaign approached the historic $8 million milestone, Anita Vitullo and her Staffworks Fund at the Community Foundation stepped forward with gifts totaling more than $500,000, reflecting her longstanding dedication to supporting animal care organizations and strengthening the nonprofit community.

The top earners for the giving day are as follows, and the full list of results can be found at givemv.org.  

• Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society – $454,500+
• Munson – $413,800+
• Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center – $357,000+

"More than $8 million was raised because thousands of people chose to take part, give back, and invest in the causes helping the Mohawk Valley thrive, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their generosity," said Alicia Dicks, president/CEO of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. "We are equally grateful that our sponsors have made it possible for us to offer MV Gives at no cost to our nonprofits, other than fees resulting from external credit card/ACH transactions and the 3.5% platform fee for website management. As the hosts of MV Gives, the Community Foundation and UpMobility Foundation do not make a profit from the giving day, but this effort remains a worthwhile investment of our time, talent, and resources. With over $8M donated throughout this year's giving campaign, our community clearly agrees."

“Behind every Mohawk Valley Gives campaign is an incredible amount of work by participating nonprofits to engage their supporters and bring attention to the community needs they address,” said Amy Lindner, executive director of UpMobility Foundation. “This year’s results are a testament to their creativity, dedication, and hard work. We are proud to work with the Community Foundation to provide a platform that enables our nonprofit partners to reach more people throughout the region.”

Leading up to the giving day, Mohawk Valley Gives organizers and sponsors spent the week building momentum and celebrating participating nonprofits through a series of surprise visits, prize presentations, and community engagement activities across the region.

Mohawk Valley Gives team members made surprise “Heartful Moment” visits to seven randomly selected organizations. Each organization received tangible donations to support their work. Visits were made to Little Falls Youth & Family Center Community Co-op, Old Forge Library, Kinderwood Program, Utica Bike Rescue, The Carpenter Center (formerly the Rome Art & Community Center), Safe Schools Mohawk Valley, and the Mohawk Valley Latino Association.

The Mohawk Valley Gives “Prize Patrol” returned this year, visiting organizations across the region to announce the winners of five geographic jackpot prizes. The Community at Sunset Wood, CNY Veteran’s Outreach Center, Jervis Library, Mohawk Valley Ambulance Corps (MOVAC), and the Little Falls Historical Society each received $1,000 during the Publishers Clearing House-style check presentations. In total, over $55,000 in prizes were awarded throughout the giving day thanks to the support from Mohawk Valley Gives sponsors. All prize winners can be viewed at givemv.org/prizes. 

To celebrate the results of the giving day, more than 185 nonprofit representatives gathered at Saranac’s 1888 Biergarten on September 23, for the Mohawk Valley Gives “Nonprofit Celebration” presented by the F.X. Matt Brewing Company. Attendees enjoyed live music, a photo booth, and refreshments, along with additional prize announcements throughout the afternoon.

The continued growth and success of Mohawk Valley Gives would not be possible without the support of community-minded sponsors who invest in strengthening the nonprofit sector and fostering a culture of generosity across the Mohawk Valley.

Mohawk Valley Gives is powered by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and UpMobility Foundation, presented by Staffworks, M&T Bank, and Utica National Insurance Group, and made possible by the following sponsors: The Flemma Group at BAIRD, Griffin Charitable Foundation, Clinton Tractor, Bank of America, Bank of Utica, Pike Construction Services, First Source Federal Credit Union, Mele Family Fund of the Community Foundation, Pacemaker Steel, GPO Federal Credit Union, Caruso McLean Investment Advisors, Pulver Roofing, Lahinch Group, Mohawk Valley Materials, Beacon Bank, Clifford Fuel Company, Solvay Bank, Assured Information Security, Express Employment Professionals, Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse, Steve Lennon & Company Jewelers, Lafa Mediterranean by Zeina’s, F.X. Matt Brewing Company, and media partners including Galaxy Media, Sentinel Media Company, Townsquare Media, Park Outdoor, WUTR, and WKTV NewsChannel 2.

Mohawk Valley Gives is set to return on September 17, 2027! To learn more about the giving day, visit givemv.org.