Annually The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties awards grants to area nonprofits that have programs which support women and girls. This year $24,470 was awarded to fund programs at Rome Rescue Mission, Project Fibonacci Foundation, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Mid-Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation and Catholic Charities Herkimer County.

Funding for women and girls remains a priority for The Women’s Fund Board of Directors. Studies show that while half the population of the United States is represented by women and girls, less than two percent of the charitable giving activity nationwide concentrates on that demographic. The funding of these local agencies helps to begin to bridge that gap.

The grants awarded for 2025 are:

Rome Rescue Mission – The grant addresses a number of critical safety and structural needs in their transition housing for women and children.

Project Fibonacci Foundation – The grant will support speakers for the Foundation’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Women Rising Symposium.

Cornell Cooperative Extension – Funding supports the cost of a new Women in Agriculture Program.

Mid-Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation – Through the grant the organization will support the Bessie Hicks Program for Senior Women in Utica’s Cornhill neighborhood by expanding and enhancing the program’s theater initiative.

Catholic Charities Herkimer County – The funds will pay for twelve program sessions of HER Space, A Year of Connection, Creativity and Confidence which supports vulnerable women and their families.