A Day to Support Nonprofits in Upstate NY!
Mark your calendars for September 20, when the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and the UpMobility Foundation present the third annual Mohawk Valley Gives—a thrilling 24-hour community-wide day of giving dedicated to supporting over 320 nonprofits across the region. This exciting event invites residents of Utica, NY, and the surrounding Upstate NY communities to come together and contribute to local causes that matter.
Launched in 2022, Mohawk Valley Gives provides an incredible opportunity for donors to engage with their favorite nonprofits in multiple ways. Whether it’s sponsoring prizes, launching a fundraiser, or simply making a donation, every action helps make a difference.
In its inaugural year, the event showcased its potential with more than 135 participating organizations and raised over $630,000. Kristen Smith, fund and systems strategist at the Community Foundation, reflects on the event’s origins: “Coming off the pandemic, we needed a way to support organizations struggling with funding. An online day of giving was an innovative concept that allowed all local nonprofits to benefit while respecting social distancing.”
The second year saw remarkable growth, with 255 organizations joining in and the Staffworks Save a Life campaign matching donations for select animal welfare groups. This collaboration resulted in an impressive $2.48 million raised, all directly benefiting the participating nonprofits.
According to Mohawk Valley Gives donor Robert Bojanek, selecting which nonprofits to support is often guided by personal values and interests. The user-friendly search engine on www.givemv.org helps donors find and contribute to organizations aligned with their passions. The site’s “shopping cart” feature simplifies the process, allowing donors to support multiple organizations in a single transaction.
Robert Bojanek, co-founder of The Shoreline Group, LLC., and a Rome native, has been actively involved in philanthropy since his retirement in 2016. Alongside his wife Kathy, Robert supports causes related to food insecurity and education through their donor-advised fund (DAF) at the Community Foundation. “Our DAF allows us to set up matching donations for nonprofits we support. This amplifies our impact and motivates others to contribute,” Bojanek explains.
The best part? Every dollar makes a difference. With a minimum donation of just $5, every contribution helps organizations reach fundraising goals, unlock challenges, and win cash prizes awarded on September 20.
As Mohawk Valley Gives approaches its third year, it continues to highlight the power of collective philanthropy and offers a unique chance for Upstate NY residents to make a significant impact in their community.
To support local nonprofits and be part of this inspiring day of giving, visit givemv.org on Friday, September 20. Let’s come together to make a difference in our community!
