About Us
The Community Foundation of Herkimer
& Oneida Counties, Inc. is a charitable endowment built with
gifts from donors who recognize our capacity to be a vehicle for
giving and a resource for social capital, now and in the future.
All charitable gifts made to the foundation become part of a pool
of philanthropic funds which exist in perpetuity - growing continuously...
Through prudent investing of our assets, a stream of income is
generated and returned to the community in the form of grants.
Grants are made directly to deserving charities and agencies that
are addressing the area’s most urgent needs and priorities.
In the year 2006, we awarded over $1.8 million from 368 grants to sustain, support, and enrich the
lives of others.
There are more than 700 community foundations in the United States
providing millions of dollars to the regions they serve. They
have become the fastest growing sector of philanthropy as donors
learn about the advantages they provide, understand the value
of financial planning, and recognize a foundation’s unique
familiarity with its community.
Foundations are tax-exempt, geographically focused, and publicly
supported. All gifts made to them are tax-deductible in accordance
with IRS rules for charitable contributions. New funds are created
by donors who have specific philanthropic goals and a commitment
to "giving back" to the community where they have lived,
worked, and raised their family. As steward of these funds, we
are their resource and charitable partner.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Foundation is to improve the lives of the residents of Herkimer and Oneida Counties.
In order to carry out this mission the Foundation:
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Identifies, analyzes and addresses the needs of the community as they exist, emerge and merit assistance.
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Builds a pool of charitable capital, preserving and enhancing the funds placed in its trust.
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Raises the capacity of non-profit organizations to serve the community through its grantmaking and other supportive actions.
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Develops a greater regional sense of community by promoting diversity and encouraging shared responsibility for community improvement.
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Assists donors by providing knowledge, methods and opportunities for advancing a wide range of important charitable interests.
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