How does Mohawk Valley Gives uplift the entire community?

The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties is once again inviting the region to rally behind nonprofits with the return of Mohawk Valley Gives on September 19, 2025. Now in its fourth year, the community-wide day of giving, powered by the Community Foundation and UpMobility Foundation (UMF), continues to break records and expectations alike.

Proudly sponsored by Staffworks and M&T Bank, last year’s giving day raised an astounding $5.2 million for more than 325 local nonprofits. All donations received went directly to the participating nonprofits. 

“We always say that our community is so generous, and I think Mohawk Valley Gives proves that every year,” shares Kayla Ellis, director of marketing and communications at the Community Foundation. “The proof is right there — $5 million dollars raised by and for our community.”

A platform for every nonprofit

What makes Mohawk Valley Gives especially meaningful is its inclusiveness. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Herkimer, Oneida, or Otsego counties can participate—for free. This year, there are almost 400 local nonprofits taking part.

“This giving day gives nonprofits of all sizes the opportunity to raise funds for their missions,” Ellis said. “All year long, day in and day out, these organizations care for our community, often quietly and behind the scenes. Mohawk Valley Gives is our chance to step up, celebrate their work, and give back to the nonprofits that support us, our families, our friends, and the community we all share.”

To further enhance the giving campaign, the Mohawk Valley Gives team offers support to participating nonprofits, from webinars and one-on-one training sessions, to half-day programs like Mohawk Valley Gives University packed with fundraising insights, marketing tactics, and so much more. 

Powered by community — and matches

A cornerstone of the campaign’s success is its robust matching gift program, fueled in part by UpMobility Foundation, which officially became the co-host of Mohawk Valley Gives in 2024. UpMobility Foundation helps provide matching funds to selected nonprofits, doubling (or even tripling) the impact of individual donations.

Community donors and businesses can also set up their own matches for any organization or causes they care about.

“This giving campaign is an easy and accessible way for anyone to give,” Ellis explained. “With the shopping cart feature on www.givemv.org, donors can give to multiple organizations in one simple transaction. Whether you're donating $10 or $1,000, the cumulative impact of everyone’s donations is what counts.”

Events that inspire generosity

This year, Mohawk Valley Gives is expanding beyond screens with a lineup of in-person fundraising events across the region. “We’re starting to see more and more nonprofits get creative and host events during the week of Mohawk Valley Gives, and it’s so exciting,” Ellis shared.

Here are a few events the public can attend to support the cause in person:
Tap Into STEAM with Project Fibonacci: Sept. 15 from 6-9 p.m. at Copper City Brewing Company, 1111 Oneida St, Rome. This annual favorite combines STEAM innovation, community engagement, and local flavor. It’s a fun, interactive way to support education-focused efforts while learning about the local nonprofits participating in Mohawk Valley Gives.

Art 4 All with 4 Elements Studio: Sept. 15 from 6-8 p.m. at 4 Elements Studio, 809 Court Street, Utica. A celebration of community, creativity, and progress with an evening of art, entertainment, and connection.

Cheers to Change by Herkimer NEXT: Sept. 18 from 5:30-8 p.m. at BME Office Solutions, 5 Ann St., Mohawk. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, raffles, and a wine pull—all in support of local nonprofits. It’s a lively and meaningful way to toast to community change.

Growing a culture of generosity

The Mohawk Valley Gives team is already thinking about future growth, including more engagement with local businesses and younger donors. 

“Giving days are in,” Ellis says. “And Mohawk Valley Gives has proven that people are ready to show up for their community.”

Mark your calendar for September 19, and be sure to visit givemv.org to donate to all the organizations that matter most to you. Big or small, every gift counts—because when we give together, amazing things happen!

For more information on Mohawk Valley Gives, visit www.givemv.org.

Article originally published in the Daily Sentinel on August 22, 2025.