What is the Community Foundation and why should you care? In this episode, Scott and Kelly sit down with Nick Grimmer and Kayla Ellis to pull back the curtain on one of the most impactful—and surprisingly misunderstood—organizations in our area. From helping small nonprofits thrive, to facilitating multi-million-dollar giving days like Mohawk Valley Gives, this team is doing way more than you think behind the scenes… and they’re just getting started.

You’ll hear how the Foundation has made giving not only easier but way more fun, why September 19th might be the most important day for local nonprofits, and how even a dollar in change from a kid can make a difference. Whether you're a donor, a business owner, or someone just looking to leave a legacy, this episode will make you rethink what’s possible when an entire community gives back—together.

🎧 Oh, and did someone say $8 million raised in just three years? Yeah, that happened.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
• How Mohawk Valley Gives has transformed local giving culture
• What makes the Community Foundation a “financial services firm for good”
• Why unrestricted donations are a game-changer for nonprofits
• The real benefits of setting up your own charitable fund (even with $0)
• How local businesses can turn giving into a win-win for team culture and marketing

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Intro & Who is The Community Foundation?
(3:50) - Amount of Nonprofits Locally
(4:50) - 4th Annual MV Gives
(9:20) - Raising Unrestricted Dollars
(10:20) - Donor Communications & Relationships
(12:25) - Leveling the Playing Field
(13:30) - Choosing Where Your Money Goes
(16:00) - Pools of Matching Dollars
(19:20) - $8 Million Dollars Raised
(21:00) - 20,000 Donors
(23:15) - Family Charitable Fund as Financial Planning Tool
(32:35) - Why September?
(34:45) - Incentives & Prizes
(39:15) - Most Inspiring Moments
(40:40) - Rapid Fire Questions



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The Community Foundation's Links
Mohawk Valley Gives - https://www.givemv.org
Community Foundation Website - https://foundationhoc.org
MV Gives FB - https://www.facebook.com/people/Mohawk-Valley-Gives/61566484477259
MV Gives IG - https://www.instagram.com/mvgives
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundationhoc
Community Foundation IG - https://www.instagram.com/foundationhoc

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com