UTICA — The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is partnering with UpMobility Foundation (UMF) to help the organization as it grows and builds capacity, the two foundations announced recently. “We are thrilled to collaborate with UpMobility Foundation in this transformative partnership because, in the end, it’s the community that benefits,” Community Foundation President/CEO […]
UTICA — The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is partnering with UpMobility Foundation (UMF) to help the organization as it grows and builds capacity, the two foundations announced recently.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with UpMobility Foundation in this transformative partnership because, in the end, it’s the community that benefits,” Community Foundation President/CEO Alicia Fernandez Dicks said in a statement. “Through this work, we will assist them in building a high-performing team, excelling in governance, articulating strategy, and ultimately enhancing the impact of their investments in this community and beyond.”
Based in Little Falls, UMF works to forge partnerships and collaborative efforts with nonprofit organizations, offering support beyond just grant funding. The foundation says its impact areas include catalyzing initiatives to build strong families and communities, advancing entrepreneurship and education, strengthening democracy through reforming government, and international development aimed at uplifting people to achieve their potential.
Since 2023, UMF has been a major supporter of the Community Foundation’s Mohawk Valley Gives day of giving, serving as co-lead for the event this year.
“The Community Foundation is a long-term ally that shares our collective vision for the community,” UMF Interim Executive Director and Board Member Peggy O’Shea said. “This groundbreaking partnership will significantly enhance UMF’s ability to scale our organization’s capacity and create lasting transformation in our communities and economy.”
The initial phase of the partnership will include hiring a new interim executive director while O’Shea continues serving on UMF’s board of directors. The Community Foundation has already begun searching for a new interim executive director for UMF. Once hired, the new director will work under the guidance of the Community Foundation’s leadership and alongside UMF’s board.
“UpMobility Foundation has reached a turning point, and we are excited to head down this new path with a partner like the Community Foundation by our side,” UMF Founder and Board Chair Martin Babinec said. “I am truly grateful to Peggy O’Shea for helping take UpMobility from an idea to a major funder in the Mohawk Valley and beyond. She will continue to guide us forward in her role on the UMF board as we take this next step in scaling up the volume and impact of our contributions across our core investing themes.”
The Community Foundation will further support UMF in strengthening its core operations from strategic planning to daily administration.
