Keeping the Promise is the story of The Community Foundation's first 55 momentous years. It is a story of the commitment people of one generation made to the well-being of those who came after and how that commitment continues to be filled. We invite you to share in this inspiring story by enjoying our website and requesting a complimentary copy of our book by contacting The Community Foundation.

Follow the timeline below to trace The Foundation's history by selecting each decade

The community foundation movement in America took root in 1914 when the vision of Judge Fredrick Goff culminated in the establishment of The Cleveland Foundation. He envisioned a philanthropic organization that could play an influential role in defining needs and coordinating resources, while involving people of relatively modest means. By pooling donations derived from permanently endowed funds, it would become a significant charitable vehicle. The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc. was born out of this original concept.