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, International Development, and Diversity, Equity Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB). Please note that, with the exception of organizations in the Strengthening Democracy, Entrepreneurship and International Development categories, UpMobility Foundation primarily funds nonprofit organizations serving the Mohawk Valley region of New York State (generally defined as Herkimer and Oneida counties).
How do I apply for a grant?
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for funding from UpMobility Foundation during one of our 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 seeking funding through our 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?
At this time, UpMobility Foundation is primarily interested in funding organizations in the Mohawk Valley region of New York state (generally defined as Oneida and Herkimer Counties). We are also open to funding nonprofits outside of the Mohawk Valley who are interested in bringing their programming and/or expertise to our area. Out-of-area nonprofit organizations can best position themselves for success by reaching out to UpMobility staff BEFORE submitting a grant application to gauge alignment. Please note that nonprofits in the Strengthening Democracy category, while not required to be in the Mohawk Valley, should have a significant focus on New York State and a desire to partner with our sister nonprofit organization, Unite New York.
What are UpMobility Foundation’s funding priorities this year?
The UpMobility Foundation's funding themes remain unchanged, however, we are now primarily focused on funding nonprofit organizations in the Mohawk Valley region of New York state (generally defined as Herkimer and Oneida counties). In 2026, UMF’s grant application cycle is designed to increase the effectiveness, efficiency, and vibrancy of the nonprofit ecosystem by focusing on capacity building and coalition building activities. Please refer to the Funding Opportunities page on our website for the latest news about UMF’s grant programs. Within all funding mechanisms, 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 case 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 which 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's 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. Financial sustainability includes revenue streams beyond UMF's support.
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?
Until 2026, the selection of match recipients remained an internal process. In 2026, UMF began accepting applications for UMF matches. For more information, please see our Funding Opportunities page.
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.
What is UpVentures and how is UpMobility connected to it?
UpVentures is an Upstate New York-based holdings company that features a suite of for-profit and nonprofit organizations, with focuses on everything from hospitality to democracy reform in New York State to philanthropy. As a nonprofit under the Upventures umbrella, UpMobility Foundation is especially interested in, when possible, collaborating with organizations that align with UpVentures other priorities. Often, this means bolstering our commitment to Strengthening Democracy through collaborations with our sister organization, Unite New York.
What distinguishes UpMobility Foundation from other family foundations?
In addition to our connection with UpVentures, UpMobility is currently engaged in a unique working relationship with the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. While UpMobility runs our own grant rounds and maintains our own Board of Directors, we rely on the Community Foundation for advice and support on our grantmaking. We believe this relationship exemplifies UpMobility's commitment to collaboration and community.