The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties has created the Helpful Harvest Fund to address increased community need during the fall months, particularly due to economic hardship and food insecurity. This fund is specifically designed to support human service organizations serving residents of Herkimer and Oneida Counties during the critical holiday months of November and December. The aim is to provide timely resources to nonprofits that are on the front lines of service delivery, ensuring vulnerable populations have access to essential supports.

Funding is intended for organizations that directly serve individuals experiencing food insecurity or housing instability. The Foundation encourages applications from human service organizations such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. Applicants should demonstrate that they are either in significant need of resources or are serving a high number of residents during the eligible timeframe. Preference will be given to those meeting these criteria.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, groups operating under a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, government entities, and faith-based organizations, provided the project or program is focused on non-religious needs and serves diverse populations regardless of religious affiliation. Each organization may only submit one application.

Applications for the Helpful Harvest Fund will be accepted beginning Monday, September 1, 2025, and must be submitted no later than Tuesday, September 30, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. Award notifications are expected to be sent in October. Applications submitted during this grant round may be shared with Community Foundation fundholders for potential support, although this does not guarantee funding.

The Foundation emphasizes the importance of maximizing impact through this grant and aims to direct resources to organizations that align with the fund’s core objectives. All applicants are encouraged to articulate how their work addresses immediate community needs during the specified months and the scale of their services to Herkimer and Oneida County residents.

For any inquiries or assistance related to the application process, the primary contact is Olivia Paul, Director of Community Engagement. She can be reached via email at opaul@foundationhoc.org or by phone at 315-731-3736.