Winners announced!

Microgrant Contest

How could $300 make Herkimer County a better place? We offered a microgrant contest in 2021 to find and fund some great ideas. Check out the winners and applicants below.

We received thirteen great entries in the contest, and we hope every single one of these projects can happen one way or another. The top three winners each received a $300 microgrant and one received an additional $100 quick pitch prize for the best live pitch during our Activate Herkimer County Forum.

Want to connect with a project?

 

Got an idea or a resource for one of these projects?

Want to make a donation or help make a project happen?

Want to get involved, team up, or connect with an applicant?

Drop us a note and we’ll make the connection!

Winner!
Webb Town Center Mural Project

Mural in the center of Old Forge celebrating the town and its community spirit and a message of inclusion

Photo: Daniel Kiefer-Bach

Team: Daniel Kiefer-Bach, with View Center for the Arts and Culture, Souvenir Village, LivingADK, Central Adirondack Association

Why this matters: The town of Old Forge is a unique and special place that needs something to unite around. With Covid and national politics, our communities can be fractured or can feel that way. We as a town of 1,000 people however are more important than the discord and can rise above our differences over our love of our neighbors, our history and our future.

What they’ll do: The mural will be painted with the help of a local art intern from View Center for the Arts with the help from community volunteers.

How $300 would help: The $300 would pay for the supplies: mural paint, materials to ensure the wood does not break down, the planning and design.

Why the judges selected this winner: Public art is one of the most effective and efficient community development strategies around. Relatively low investments of time, money and resources can create big impacts for beautification and downtown revitalization, access to art and culture, appealing sites and destinations for visitors, unique community character and identify. The impacts are even greater when public art also engages community members in the design or creation, tackles important community topics like unity and common ground, or reflects shared community visions and identity.


Winner!
Herkimer Hub

Bringing together Herkimer High School students, teachers, alumni and community members to revitalize Main Street by cleaning up and energizing one vacant storefront at a time.

Team: Talia Baker, with Heather McCutcheon and Herkimer High School teachers

Watch the video pitch for Herkimer Hub, by Herkimer High School teachers Talia Baker and Heather McCutcheon

Why the judges selected this winner: Main Street revitalization is probably the most common theme we heard when asking about people’s visions for the future, and Herkimer Main Street has tons of potential. All across the country, local people have sparked major revitalization initiatives with incredibly small, simple, inexpensive actions — like cleaning up one storefront at a time, weeding one garden bed, or putting out one bench to sit on. Herkimer High School’s idea has great potential to spark that kind of change in Herkimer and demonstrate potential to other towns and villages in the county. This project is even better because it empowers high school students to lead the change and get involved in their community, it brings together teachers from many different disciplines to support a wide variety of future projects, and it will connect with business owners and community members.


Winner!
Dental Drive for Herkimer County

Community members pitch in to donate, collect and distribute dental supplies (tooth brushes, tooth paste, floss, rinses, denture tablets and denture adhesives) to people who need them.

Photo: Stefania and Sarah, NY Senior Action Council

Team: Melissa Kinney, with the Central New York Health Access Task Force and volunteers and the NY Statewide Senior Action Council

Why this matters: In a survey we recently conducted for NY state, we found that some families use the same toothbrush for the entire family. There are multiple barriers to dental care in our county. We would like to help.

Many people:

• Can’t afford to pay out of pocket for dental care

• Do not have private or public dental insurance

• Cannot find in-network providers

• Can’t get time off from work to get to dental care

• Live in communities where they don’t have access to fluoridated water and school sealant programs

• Lack oral health promoting foods or have high consumption of oral health damaging food

• Don’t have reliable personal or public transportation to get to dental appointments.

• Don't have access to child care while they visit the dentist.

What they’ll do: We’ll run a pilot dental drive and distribute supplies to people in Herkimer and Old Forge (or another remote community).

How $300 would help: $300 would help with supplies and likely some postage to mail the supplies to Old Forge vs driving them up. We will reach out to local dentists, to the NY dental association as well as private sponsors and organizations.

Why the judges selected this winner: Dental supplies might not come to mind as one of Herkimer County’s most pressing issues, but this application opened our eyes to how serious the gaps in dental care are for some people and families. While the majority of Herkimer County residents may have no trouble getting toothbrushes, the consequences are dire for those who can’t. Poor dental hygiene or lack of care can spread pathogens, lead to chronic disease, increase healthcare costs, and cause people to miss work or other opportunities. This project is a perfect example of how relatively small investments (like free toothbrushes and toothpaste) can have major impacts for people in need. It’s also a great opportunity to call attention to health inequities and some of the unseen problems that our neighbors struggle with everyday, and to involve partner organizations (like schools, food pantries, or doctor's offices) who may be able to help collect and distribute supplies.


Other Projects

 

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program aims to introduce literacy to young children by challenging them and their guardians to read 1000 books prior to entering Kindergarten.

Team: Nancy S., Children’s Librarian in Herkimer, with Mackenzie L. and the Frank J. Basloe Library staff

Why this matters: This program focuses on the critical need to create close personal connections between children and their families/guardians, and promote literacy development in young children living in Herkimer County.

What they’ll do: Every child receives one reading log with 100 spaces. As they read with their guardian, they fill in the spaces. They then bring the completed logs back to the library to receive their prize (a sticker) and a new log. Completed logs are hung in the library. Once the child has completed 10 logs, they have read 1000 books, and will receive a special award. We would use the $300 to purchase incentives and completion awards for the children that participate and read all 1000 books.

How $300 would help: We would use the $300 to purchase incentives and completion awards for the children that participate and read all 1000 books.


All Things Mohawk Valley


Building a Mohawk Valley website to centralize community and business information, local events, shopping and more.

Team: Bill Peterson, Ilion entrepreneur

Watch the video pitch for All Things Mohawk Valley, by Ilion entrepreneur Bill Peterson


Historical Signage Painting and Restoration

I will clean and apply a fresh coat of paint to as many historical signs as possible starting in the spring of 2022, and get other volunteers to actively participate.

Team: Anonymous community member, with Herkimer CAC and Greater Herkimer Lions Club

Why it matters: Beautification of our communities will have a positive impact on the residents and visitors of Herkimer County. Historical signage that marks the rich history of Herkimer County should be clean, neat, and visible. A fresh coat of paint will accomplish this task.

What we’ll do: I will clean and apply a fresh coat of paint to as many historical signs as possible starting in the spring of 2022. The plan is to reach out and get other volunteers to actively participate in the beautification of their community. Examples are the Erie Canal, West Canada Creek, two signs in Myers Park Herkimer. Stay with the traditional colors of a blue background with yellow letters.

How $300 would help: I will use the money to buy paint, and supplies.


Parking Area for Historic Trinity Church

Historic Trinity Church is available as a chapel and for historical education but it has no safe parking which we hope to remedy with a new parking area.

Team: William Dieffenbacher, with the Fairfield Restoration Association

Why it matters: Trinity is the mother church of many Episcopal churches in central NY. It has a long history and is visited by the public when open to learn of its history. The Fairfield Restoration Association holds meetings and programs there throughout the summer months. The busy traffic on Route 29 and the narrow shoulder of the road does not provide a safe parking area.

What we’ll do: We plan to tear down a concrete wall that was damaged by an automobile accident and put a parking area in front of and to the left of the church as viewed from the road. Taking down the already damaged wall, which is an eyesore, will not only make the property look nicer but will also provide a functional and safe parking area.

How $300 would help: $300 would be roughly 10% of the total cost. We must raise more and more from a grant such as yours would be helpful.


Spring Scavenger Hunt

I will partner with businesses and organizations in the community to host the scavenger hunt. Including challenges for chance to win prizes for reaching a monthly 200k+ goal of steps reached. 

Team: NaQuita J., business owner

Why it matters: To fight obesity, build immunity, and bring more awareness to living a healthy lifestyle with fun interactive ways with friends, family and community. Will bring the community together, bring exposure to locals businesses and also promote healthy habits by getting the community out particiapating in the step challenge.

What we’ll do: I'm still in the planning stage but will seek organizations to work with. 

How $300 would help: Will help with promotion and some marketing materials.

 

Adirondack Chairs for the Herkimer Downtown Chowdown

Volunteers will purchase, assemble and paint Adirondack style chairs for seating at The Herkimer Downtown Chowdown, a weekly food truck rodeo with live music

Team: Dana Sherry, founder of the Herkimer Downtown Chowdown, with the “Chowdown Chicks” (a group of four other women who run the Chowdown on a volunteer basis)

Why this matters: When I started this project in 2020 there were 2 benches for seating in the park. Community members and businesses donated 10 wooden picnic tables in 2020 and students built them . We are growing very fast and need more seating for 2022. Although community picnic table seating is great, it would be nice to have some chairs too. Painting them in a gathering will welcome and engage everyone in the community.

What they’ll do: Volunteers and residents will purchase the wood for Adirondack chairs and Boces students have agreed to build 10 chairs. We will invite the community to join us for a painting celebration when they are done.

How $300 would help: We will use the funds from the microgrant to paint /stain the chairs. We would also like to use the microgrant funds to create doggie stations in the park with baggies for clean up and water bowls.


Cultivating Love of Nature Through a Shared Family Experience

Cultivate love of nature and strengthen family connection with each other and with nature. 

Team: Thera Levi, business owner, volunteer, property owner, educator in Old Forge; with Mountain Mystics Guide Company, John Levi

Why it matters: Mindful connection with the outdoors is crucial for cultivating a balanced, inspired, and fulfilled life.

  • For your body: Release stress, breathe fresh air, and get moving.

  • For your mind: Settle your awareness on nature’s soothing atmosphere.

  • For your spirit: Venture into the woods to gain inspiration from the living earth.

What we’ll do: Participants will become more aware of their physical body, awaken their senses, and strengthen their innate understanding of the natural world. They will develop a feeling of belonging to family and the natural world through shared felt experiences. This sense of belonging will change their behavior to more environmentally friendly practices.

How $300 would help: We will use $300 to cover expenses and offer this program free of charge


Millers Mills Heritage Center

Local historical material, photos, and artifacts will be displayed in a regularly-changing exhibit for viewing by area residents.

Team: Donna Rubin, Columbia Town Historian and Planning Board, with Millers Mills Grange #581 and other local residents

Why it matters: Columbia is a town divided by school districts, post offices, and commercial hubs. This project would demonstrate the common heritage shared by town residents.

What they’ll do: Local historical material, photos, and artifacts will be displayed in a regularly-changing exhibit for viewing by area residents.

How $300 would help: Funding would provide help in preparing the display space (primarily painting), purchasing display supplies, and publicity.


Rochester Hardwood Floors of Utica - Frankfort Expansion

We will be building a new building in the next couple years at the corner of Higby and Jones Road in Frankfort, NY

Team: Kevin Claeys of Rochester Hardwood Floors of Utica

Why this matters: It would be expanding an existing business

What they’ll do: We are running out of space at our current location in Utica and would like to expand in Herkimer County. This would be our third location.

How $300 would help: It would go toward building


Through the Eyes of Our Seniors

Seniors living in senior housing, assisted living, or nursing facilities will be assisted in writing their personal history especially as it relates to living in Herkimer County and will be helped in sharing their stories with the community.

Team: Nancy Lee, Former teacher at MVCA in Little Falls; volunteer at Care Net in Ilion; volunteer at WVVC radio in Frankfort; Inspirational Writer (often focusing on local people); like-minded community members who want to help

Why it matters: I plan to start by finding a facility who shares my vision. If they will allow me to come in person to work with their residents, I will set up several meetings in which I will assist them in writing their memories of living in Herkimer County, and perhaps memories that have been passed down to them. For newer county residents, I will ask them what brought them to Herkimer County and why they stayed. I would search for local websites or blogs that would welcome stories from our seniors, and maybe the local radio station. Whatever works with the first facility, I hope would be duplicated in others, perhaps using volunteers.

What they’ll do: We are running out of space at our current location in Utica and would like to expand in Herkimer County. This would be our third location.

How $300 would help: I would love to compile a book of our senior's stories and have it published, hopefully drawing from facilities throughout the county.

About the contest

The microgrant contest is now closed, but you can scroll down to see how it worked.

Got an idea to activate Herkimer County?

It’s Happening in Herkimer County is closing out our 6-week challenge by awarding $1,000 in microgrants to kickstart some small community projects.

Anyone with a connection to Herkimer County can propose a project that they want to do in their neighborhood, community, or the county overall.

Projects can be really, really small. They just have to somehow make Herkimer County a better place to live, work, learn, play and visit.

The entry process is really, really easy. You can enter in one of three ways — pitching your project at pitch night, filling out a simple entry form, or sharing a video submission.

There are no strings attached. The contest winners get $300 as a prize for their ideas. We hope you’ll do the project and tell us about it, but you don’t have to report back or track your expenses.

Need Ideas?

 

Explore our Ideas section for great ideas from Herkimer County and beyond.

 

The Details

Scroll down to read how to enter, FAQs about the contest, and the fine print (terms & conditions)

 

What’s the timeline?

DEC 13 2021 | Pitch night and $100 quick prize (6:30 PM Zoom event)

DEC 14 2021 | Submissions close: (11:59 PM eastern)

DEC 22 2021 | Winners announced

JAN 5 2021 | Prizes distributed

What are the prizes?

  • (3) prizes of $300 each (awarded by jury

  • (1) quick prize of $100 (awarded to the best pitch at Activate Herkimer County pitch night on Dec 13)

Who’s eligible to enter?

Anyone with a connection to Herkimer County and a great idea is eligible. If you’re under 18, you must have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter and your guardian will have to officially receive the prize.

[The contest entry period is now closed.]

How to Enter

There are three ways to enter the contest. This is not a major grant application and we’re aiming to make this as easy as possible, so pick whichever way works best for you.


Entry option #1: Pitch your project at Pitch Night (Dec 13)

  • Register to attend Activate Herkimer County on Dec. 13 (6:30-8:00 PM on Zoom)

  • Sign up to pitch your project using this form.

  • You’ll have up to 5 minutes to pitch your project idea live. Read the “pitch info” list below to know what to tell us. You do NOT have to have a polished speech - just come tell us what you want to do and why you want to do it!

  • We’ll give away a bonus $100 to the best live pitch!

Entry option #2: Fill out our online entry form

  • Look at the “pitch info” list below to see what you’ll need to share with us.

  • Use this form to tell us about yourself, your project idea, and why you want to do it.

Entry option #3: Do a video pitch

  • Record a short (3-5 min) video that shares the info in the “pitch list” below.

  • Use this form to add your contact info and upload or link to your video.


Pitch information

Whichever way you choose to enter, we’ll ask you to share the same basic information. We’re not looking for novels — just a few sentences that tell us what you plan to do and why it’s a great idea.

  • Who you are: name, contact info, roles you play in the community or with the project you’re pitching (i.e. business owner, teacher, volunteer, resident)

  • Project basics: name of project, 1-sentence description, location of the project or area(s) it will serve

  • What you plan to do: what your project will do, how you’ll do it, and how a $300 microgrant will help

  • Why it matters: how your project will help your community, neighborhoods, neighbors, or Herkimer County overall, and why YOU want to make it happen

  • Contact details: name, email, phone, and contact info for any organization or team members involved

  • Photo or graphic: some sort of visual to go along with your project — a photo of the site or idea, of you and your team, a mockup of what it would look like, or anything that will help us tell your story

 

FAQ

What kind of projects can I pitch?

Anything that makes Herkimer County a better place to live, work, play, learn and visit. It can benefit the whole county, your town, or just your block. It can be a really, really small idea. It can beautify your street or help a small business, create an activity or improve food access, spread public art or share local history. The possibilities are endless!

The only key requirements are that your project be legal, that it not discriminate, and that you take responsibility for all liability and getting permission.

Do winners have to report on the project outcomes or expenses?

The contest “microgrants” are really prizes, awarded to three great winners for three great ideas. We really hope that winners will do the projects and share some photos, but there is no grant report or required follow up. If you’re unable to do the project, that’s ok.

Will you share the ideas and contest submissions?

Absolutely! The point is to keep sharing great ideas and connect people working on them. When you enter, you’ll need to confirm that we can share your name and town, or request that we not do so.

What if I don’t have an original idea?

No problem. Your idea doesn’t have to be original - you are welcome to pitch an idea that you’ve seen somewhere else or that another community has done. If you need some inspiration, check out our stories below.

What if I have lots of ideas?

That’s fabulous! You can enter up to three in the contest. Fill out the form once for each unique idea.

How will you choose the winners?

We’re inviting a small crew of community leaders from around the county to judge the entries. They will be looking at three main criteria:

  • Impact (making Herkimer County a better place and/or offering a new idea that other places can use) 

  • Feasibility (whether it’s doable and well thought-out) 

  • Creativity (whether it’s innovative and creative)

Can I enter a project I’m already working on?

Sure, if it’s a great idea and you need $300 to move it forward.

Can I share an idea if I don’t have a clear plan?

Definitely — your project can just be in the “idea” stage or you can be ready to move forward. Whether you win or not, we’re glad to connect and offer some tips or advice or help you connect with local resources.

 Terms & Conditions

When you enter, we’ll ask you to acknowledge and agree to the contest terms and conditions.

Entry process:

  • Entries must be received by the deadline to be considered (11:59 PM EST, Tuesday, December 14, 2021).

  • Entrants are responsible for ensuring that they see a confirmation page upon form submission. We are not able to provide technical support, but you may contact hello@itshappeninginherkimer.org to ask a question or ask for accommodations if you cannot access the form. It may take up to 24-36 hours for you to receive a response.

  • If you cannot upload a file directly in the entry form, you may email the file or a link to hello@itshappeninginherkimer.org.

Eligibility:

  • Anyone with a connection to Herkimer County, New York is eligible to enter (whether you work here, visit here, live here, or something else).

  • Any type of project or activity is eligible, as long as it is fully legal, non-discriminatory, and complies with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Entrants are responsible for knowing or researching all applicable laws and local policies.

  • It’s Happening in Herkimer County funders, Steering Committee members, and consultants are not eligible to win, but may share ideas.

  • Anyone under the age of 18 may only enter with the consent of a parent or guardian.

  • All entries must include a submission of our official entry form with contact info and project details.

Terms and Conditions:

  • Prizes in this competition are considered gifts, and are awarded in the form of check or Visa gift card to winners. Winners may use the gifts as they choose. Winners are responsible for paying all applicable taxes, fees and penalties. 

  • It’s Happening in Herkimer County Project and Sponsors are in no way liable for how winners use their gifts, any project or action undertaken by the winners, or any damages or liability resulting from actions taken by the winners.

  • Winners assume all liability for any projects or activities undertaken with the funding. Winners are solely responsible for knowing and complying with all state and local laws in using the gifts. 

  • Winners consent to Sponsors publishing their name, project info, video, photos, and any submitted content without restriction. Entrants who do not wish to have their names shared publicly must request the in the entry form.

  • Selection of the winner does not indicate the Sponsors’ endorsement of the specific project, the entrant, or any political or social causes to which they might relate.