Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties awards $27,000 in grants

UTICA, N.Y. — The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties recently awarded grants totaling $27,000 to fund programs at Young Scholars LLP, SUNY Poly Foundation, Midtown Utica Community Center, and Leatherstocking Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

“We are excited to be working with local agencies providing support for area women and girls,” Michele Sheridan, grant committee co-chair, said in a press release announcing the grants. “The funding this year includes opportunities for leadership development and mentoring programs for young women in our area as well as funding to assist with transportation and childcare for women who are participating in academic and personal-growth programs.”

According to the Women’s Fund, recent studies show that more than half the population of the U.S. is female, but less than 2 percent of charitable giving in the country concentrates specifically on that demographic.

“At The Women’s Fund, we know that even the smallest act of financial support for women and girls can make a difference,” Board of Directors President Janet Richmond said. “Providing financial assistance to these organizations helps the individuals in the programs grow and thrive, and that can have a positive impact in our communities.”

Young Scholars, LLP will use the grant funds for its Taking the Lead leadership-development program that helps girls develop skills and tools that empower them as leaders.

SUNY Poly Foundation will use the funding to support a mentorship program for young women in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) curriculum at SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

The grant funding will help Midtown Utica Community Center assist women who participate in their programs who may face barriers to participation including childcare support or transportation.

At Leatherstocking Council, the grant funding will allow young women to attend a leadership camp outside the area to expand their knowledge and opportunity to travel. It will also support and train female scouts.

The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit funded by donor contributions. Founded in 1997, it has awarded more than $700,000 to support women and girls in Herkimer and Oneida counties.