The Otsego Community Foundation (OCF) will join in a nationwide celebration of Community Foundation Week, November 12–18, to recognize the increasingly important role community foundations play in fostering local collaboration and innovation to address persistent civic and economic challenges.
For more than a century, community foundations have served as trusted partners and resources—improving lives and strengthening neighborhoods through mission-driven work. Community Foundation Week is a time to reflect on the stories of impact from the past year and to celebrate the power of generosity, leadership, and community.
How we are Celebrating:
- November 6th – We hosted Community Coffee Day at Brennan’s Up North. This event was our way of saying thank you to the incredible community that steps up so generously with their time, talent, and treasure. Whether you stopped by to chat, learn more about the Otsego Community Foundation, or simply share a smile — your presence meant the world to us.
- November 12th – We are hosting a special Nonprofit Exchange (NPX) – NPX is a monthly meetup, hosted by the OCF that allows local nonprofits to network and share. Each nonprofit in attendance has a chance to win a $1,000 Community Choice Grant. Click here to register to attend.
- November 14th – The OCF staff will be volunteering at the Community Meal at Gaylord First Congregational United Church of Christ. Interested in learning more and getting involved with the Community Meal? Click here to learn more.
What Is a Community Foundation?
This month, we celebrate the important and good work of community foundations across the country. But what exactly is a community foundation—and how does it differ from other nonprofit organizations? Below are some defining characteristics of the OCF and community foundations in general:
- Local Focus: Community foundations serve a specific geographic area. For the OCF, that’s Otsego County. Every dollar donated stays local, supporting projects and nonprofit partners that directly benefit our neighbors. When you give to the OCF, you’re investing in a stronger, more resilient Otsego County.
- Publicly Supported: Unlike private foundations, community foundations are funded by a broad base of individuals, families, and businesses. Anyone can give—whether through a one-time donation, a gift of stock or real estate, or by including the OCF in their estate plans. Every gift, no matter the size, helps build a better future for our community.
- Grantmaking: At the heart of our work is grantmaking. The OCF does not provide direct services, but we empower local nonprofits that do—through grants, scholarships, and strategic funding. These grants come from a variety of sources, including donor-advised funds, field-of-interest funds, designated fund, scholarship funds and our Funds for the Community.
- Endowment Building: We’re here for the long haul. Through careful stewardship and investment, the OCF builds endowed funds that will support Otsego County for generations to come. Our goal is to ensure lasting impact through sustainable philanthropy.
- Convening Leaders: One of the most important—and sometimes overlooked—roles of a community foundation is bringing people together. At the OCF, convening is a core pillar of our work. Whether it’s hosting community conversations, facilitating partnerships, or responding to crises like the recent ice storm, we serve as a connector and catalyst for collaborative solutions.
For over 30 years, the Otsego Community Foundation has been activating generosity to build a stronger Otsego County. We do this by partnering with generous donors, supporting local nonprofits, and engaging dedicated volunteers. We are an organization made with community since 1994.