FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I donate?
Individual donors, companies, funders and other organizations are encouraged to contribute to the fund at www.mvcovidfund.com. Donations can also be sent to The Community Foundation, 2608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY, 13502, but giving online will help us get funds to nonprofit partners quicker.
Donors who need help facilitating stock transfers or grants from private foundations can contact Nick Grimmer at ngrimmer@foundationhoc.org.
Will there be fees of any kind for my gift?
United Way and The Community Foundation are not taking any fees to process this fund. Donations made through credit cards have the option to cover credit card processing fees.
Can I restrict my donation to a specific organization?
The Mohawk Valley COVID-19 Response Fund was created to provide a coordinated response to support human service organizations serving those in greatest need as a result of the pandemic. To ensure we efficiently respond to the needs of communities most impacted, we are not considering restricted donations for this fund at this time.
Should I give to this fund instead of making other donations?
This Fund was created to help focus a regional response in a time of crisis. This is a critical time for so many, including the nonprofit organizations that have benefited from your giving in the past. This fund will allow many organizations to continue to work diligently to provide services to our community members affected by this pandemic. Now is the time to double down for our community if you are able. You should decide how to help in a way that best agrees with your charitable goals.
My organization is interested in applying for grant resources from this fund. Can we be considered?
We understand the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting nonprofits in many ways, including increased demand for their services, lost revenue due to closures and cancellations, as well as other challenges. United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area, The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties and our community partners are working together to ensure that the grants awarded meet the critical needs in communities disproportionately impacted by
COVID-19. Funding will be provided to organizations located and operating in Oneida and Herkimer counties.
In order to move resources quickly and let us know of your organization’s needs, please visit www.mvcovidfund.com and complete the short application. You may email us at info@mvcovidfund.com with any questions.
Is there a geographic area of focus for the fund?
The Mohawk Valley COVID-19 Response Fund will serve organizations in Herkimer and Oneida counties.
Where is funding going? What will be the impact of my donation?
This fund will help nonprofit organizations meet human service needs of those affected by the pandemic’s impact. Organizations are applying for awards from the fund and applications are reviewed by United Way and The Community Foundation. The goal is to have the greatest possible impact on the largest possible number of community residents in need.
How are organizations chosen to receive funds and when will funds be awarded?
Nonprofit organizations meeting human service needs for those affected by the pandemic’s impact are applying for awards from the fund. Applications are under review by United Way and The Community Foundation.
When will you share who you fund?
We anticipate making a first round of investments in the coming week and will publish the list of selected grantees on our website, along with short descriptions of the services and support they are providing.
I'm looking for information and resources right now. Where can I go?
As always, United Way’s 211 hotline is available 24/7 to connect our community members with health and human service needs by calling the three-digit phone number, 2-1-1. Phones that do not support three-digit dialing may call
1-844-DIAL-211. Also available is our searchable website, www.211midyork.org.
I'm an individual who's been affected by
COVID-19. Can this fund help me?
By law, funding can be awarded only to nonprofit groups. We understand many individuals and families have been affected by the outbreak already and more will continue to be affected. The purpose of this fund is to move resources to community-based organizations that are directly supporting residents and families who are most affected by emerging health, economic and social impacts.
While the Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, it is funding community-based organizations that have experience and history of providing people and families with services and support. As we begin to award grants, we will post them to our website at www.mvcovidfund.com.
If you are an individual looking for resources we encourage you to contact United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area’s 211 hotline by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-844-DIAL-211, or by visiting www.211midyork.org.
Are there other local funds to help those affected by the community impact of this pandemic?
Many worthwhile organizations in our two counties need support during this crisis. To our knowledge, this is the only coordinated, community-wide funding effort in Herkimer and Oneida counties.