UTICA, NY – The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties has released the results of
its 2026 Nonprofit Survey, offering an in-depth look at the needs, challenges, and priorities of nonprofit
organizations serving the Mohawk Valley.
Conducted in February and March 2026 in partnership with UpMobility Foundation and Research &
Marketing Strategies (RMS), the survey gathered feedback from 575 nonprofit representatives serving
Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, and Otsego counties. The survey was designed to better understand the
region's nonprofit landscape and help inform future funding opportunities offered by the foundations,
capacity-building programs, and other services.
Among the survey's key findings:
Nearly 78% of respondents noted rising community demand for their services
While 78% described their organizations as stable or in a good position to meet current
demands, approximately one in five organizations reported facing challenges and concerns
about the future
Financial stress, transportation barriers, and housing instability emerged as the top challenges
affecting the demographics the nonprofits serve
One-third of organizations reported they do not have enough staff or volunteers to effectively
carry out their work
Nonprofits identified staffing and volunteer recruitment, increasing client needs, organizational
capacity, and the complexities of serving rural communities as major challenges
The survey also highlighted differences in financial concerns based on organizational size. Larger
nonprofits reported greater concern about federal funding changes, while smaller organizations and
volunteer-led groups cited fundraising fluctuations and finding new revenue sources as primary
challenges.
When asked what resources would be most helpful, nonprofits identified a directory of local and
regional funders and foundations, a universal funding application among Mohawk Valley foundations,
nonprofit leadership training, grant writing support, and the continuation of the community-wide
fundraising event, Mohawk Valley Gives.
"Nonprofits are at the heart of building strong, vibrant communities," said Community Foundation
President/CEO Alicia Dicks. "The survey results provide valuable insight into the challenges
organizations are facing, the resources they need most, and the growing demand for services across
our region. We are grateful to the hundreds of nonprofit leaders who shared their experiences and
perspectives.”
The Community Foundation will use the survey results to shape future initiatives, training opportunities,
and strategic investments that strengthen the nonprofit sector throughout the Mohawk Valley. The
CONTACT:
Tiffany Thomason, Public Relations Coordinator
tthomason@foundationhoc.org
315-731-3726
findings will also help inform partnerships with funders, community leaders, and organizations working
to address regional challenges.
The full report of the 2026 Nonprofit Survey is available at foundationhoc.org/publications.
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Founded in 1952, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties envisions a vibrant region with
opportunity for all. In fulfillment of its “Engage. Invest. Lead” mission, the Community Foundation has transformed
decades of donor generosity into $150 million invested in social impact initiatives, collaborative leadership and
grantmaking. Find out more at foundationhoc.org.
