UTICA, N.Y.—M&T Bank announced today it has surpassed $1 million in local grants distributed through a fund supporting organizations in Herkimer and Oneida counties.

These grants have been targeted to groups supporting education, health care and other general civic causes with some of the largest recipients including:

Utica Public Library –  $103,835
Since 2009, the M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund has supported the annual Summer Reading Program to promote youth literacy and engagement.

Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program – $103,496
Young Scholars is a collaborative project between Utica College and the Utica City School District that was launched in 1993. The multi-year program is designed by School District and College officials to meet the challenge of motivating teenage students to stay in school, earn a New York State Regents Diploma with the Advanced Designation, and pursue post-secondary education.

Mohawk Valley Community College Foundation – $67,800
M&T Bank assists returning adult students who are attending MVCC part-time and are working to complete a degree program through the New Career Scholarship Program. The fund also supports the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) at MVCC, which teaches middle and high school go-getters how to start and run their own businesses.

Herkimer Area Resource Center – $55,000
HARC is a service provider and resource for people with disabilities and others in the Herkimer community. M&T Bank support has included grants for an accessible recreation park, safe transfer equipment and a guardianship and consumer advocacy program.

“The local public schools, colleges and not-for-profit organizations play an important role in the future of the Mohawk Valley because those organizations contribute to improving our quality of life, training our local work force and revitalizing our local economy. M&T Bank looks forward to continuing to support these types of organizations in Herkimer and Oneida counties” said M&T Bank Regional President Allen J. Naples.

The M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund was created during the merger of M&T Bank and the former Partners Trust Bank with the goal of providing sustained and continued support for the Mohawk Valley community. The funds have been managed and distributed through The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc. since 2008.

David Manzelmann, Utica Market President for M&T, leads a group of local advisors in selecting the organizations for the grants.  

“Each quarter, the M&T Bank/Partners Trust Charitable Fund’s advisory committee meets to review potential grant recipients. The members are thoughtful and diligent in their review of grant opportunities, committed to funding programs and organizations that will have a strong and lasting impact in our community,” said Lindsey Costello, donor relations manager at The Foundation.

M&T Bank, headquartered in Buffalo, operates 12 branch offices and has more than 110 employees across the Mohawk Valley.