FAQs
What does UpMobility Foundation fund?
UpMobility Foundation makes grants to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits organizations whose work falls into one or more of the following categories: Advancing Education, Strengthening Democracy, Entrepreneurship, Building Strong Families, Community Building, Healthcare and Helping Those with Special Needs, and Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB).
How do I apply for a grant?
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for funding from UpMobility Foundation during one of our thematic grant rounds held throughout the year. Please check the Funding Opportunities page for the dates and eligibility requirements of our next grant round. Please note that organizations in the Strengthening Democracy, Entrepreneurship, and International Development categories are eligible for grants on a rolling basis by invitation only.
Does UpMobility Foundation have a specific geographic focus?
While UpMobility Foundation has awarded grants to organizations both nationally and internationally, we are especially interested in organizations in New York state, and especially those in the Mohawk Valley region (generally defined as Oneida and Herkimer Counties).
What are UpMobility Foundation’s funding priorities this year?
UpMobility Foundation’s grant application cycle is designed to focus on different themes throughout the year (Advancing Education, Strengthening Democracy, Entrepreneurship, Building Strong Families, Community Building, Healthcare and Helping Those with Special Needs, and Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)). Please refer to the Funding Opportunities page on our website for the latest news about UMF’s grant programs. Within these themes, we are especially interested in working with nonprofits that see the value in or that already have a track record of collaborating with other organizations for maximum impact.
How can my organization be invited to apply for one of the funding themes that requires an invitation?
Please reach out to an UpMobility staff member to discuss your organization's needs. Invitations to select funding themes are made to organizations with deep connections to UpMobility and are highly selective. It should not be assumed that discussions with UpMobility staff will lead to an invitation to submit a proposal.
How much funding can my organization request from UpMobility Foundation?
UpMobility Foundation does not have an upper limit on how much we award partner organizations. In the base of our open grant rounds, suggested ask amounts will be included in the published grant guidelines. However, please note that recipients of six figure grant awards from UMF are typically organizations with whom we have longstanding relationships.
Does UpMobility Foundation award multi-year grants?
Organizations that present innovative and collaborative projects in their applications may be eligible for a limited number of multi-year grant awards.
Does UpMobility allow indirect costs?
Yes, however grant applicants should limit indirect costs to no more than 10% of the total grant request.
Will UpMobility staff review a draft of my organization’s proposal?
Yes. If your organization would like its proposal reviewed, please share it with Foundation staff well in advance of the proposal deadline. A review of the proposal and any advice given because of that review should not be viewed as a commitment to fund the proposal.
How are grant requests evaluated?
UpMobility staff members review all submitted requests using a rubric that reflects the Foundation strategic priorities and values. The Grants Committee discusses the proposals and proposes a slate of funding recommendations. Funding recommendations are forwarded to the Board for formal approval. The Board retains final approval authority for all grant requests.
UpMobility has a stated interest in funding organizations that are sustainable. How does the Foundation define sustainability?
The National Council of Nonprofits’ defines sustainability as an organization’s ability to maintain its operations and fulfill its mission over the long term. This includes financial sustainability, leadership succession planning, and ensuring the organization's capacity to deliver on its mission effectively.
Why is UpMobility emphasizing collaborations with other nonprofits?
UpMobility seeks to amplify the impact of the work supported by the Foundation. UpMobility believes that, through partnerships, organizations can maximize impact and efficiency, leverage resources, innovate, and ultimately lead to greater positive change.
How can my organization become an UpMobility Foundation Mohawk Valley Gives match recipient?
Selection of match recipients remains an internal process. Applications are not accepted.
Will UpMobility award multiple grants to one organization in the same year?
Occasionally, UpMobility will award multiple grants to an organization in the same calendar year. However, this tends to be the exception, not regular practice.