Regional Fundraising Event Returns for Fourth Year With Record Participation

The Mohawk Valley’s largest charitable giving campaign officially begins today, bringing together nearly 400 nonprofit organizations in an unprecedented effort to strengthen community services throughout Herkimer, Oneida, and Otsego counties. Mohawk Valley Gives, organized by the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, represents the region’s most significant annual fundraising initiative, building on three years of remarkable success.

Record-Breaking Growth Shows Community Commitment

Since its 2022 launch, Mohawk Valley Gives has demonstrated exponential growth that reflects the region’s deep commitment to charitable causes. The numbers tell a compelling story of community generosity:

• 2022: $600,000 raised for 130+ organizations
• 2023: $2.4 million raised for 250+ nonprofits
• 2024: Record-breaking $5 million for 300+ organizations
• 2025: Nearly 400 participating nonprofits with ambitious fundraising goals

“This year’s participation level shows that our community understands the vital role these organizations play in making the Mohawk Valley a better place to live, work, and raise families,” said Community Foundation officials.

Five-Day Campaign Maximizes Impact Through Strategic Matching

The 2025 campaign runs from September 15-19, with the official 24-hour giving day scheduled for Friday, September 20. However, early donations are being accepted starting today, allowing supporters to contribute throughout the week.

The UpMobility Foundation partnership provides strategic matching opportunities that triple the impact of donations made through the official website. This matching program has proven crucial in previous years, significantly amplifying donor contributions.

Diverse Organizations Benefit From Regional Support

The 2025 campaign encompasses an impressive range of causes spanning multiple sectors:

• Arts and Culture Organizations – Including the newly opening Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts
• Health and Human Services – Supporting vulnerable populations across three counties
• Educational Initiatives – Enhancing learning opportunities for all ages
• Animal Welfare Groups – Caring for companion animals and wildlife
• Community Development Projects – Building stronger neighborhoods

Notable participants include Preserve Our Past, which is fundraising to restore Little Falls’ historic Burke Park bandstand, and the Humane Society of Rome, seeking support for animal care services.

Digital Platform Streamlines Charitable Giving

The givemv.org platform allows donors to browse organizations by category and make contributions starting at just $5. The user-friendly interface enables supporters to contribute to multiple nonprofits in a single transaction, with real-time updates showing campaign progress throughout the five-day period.

This streamlined approach has proven successful in engaging both longtime supporters and new donors who appreciate the convenience of consolidated giving.

Community Foundation Celebrates Regional Unity

“Mohawk Valley Gives represents more than fundraising—it’s about community members coming together to support causes they care about,” noted local organizers. The campaign’s structure ensures that 100% of raised funds remain within the region, directly benefiting local organizations and the communities they serve.

The initiative has become a model for rural charitable giving, demonstrating how coordinated efforts can generate significant impact in smaller communities often overlooked by major national campaigns.

As the 2025 campaign begins, participating organizations and community leaders express optimism about exceeding previous years’ totals while engaging new supporters in the vital work of strengthening the Mohawk Valley region.

Call to Action: Support local nonprofits by visiting givemv.org to browse participating organizations and make your contribution to strengthen our community.