Herkimer Next INC

About the Organization

Organization category

Public Charity

Country / State

United States / New York

Mission

Next strengthens communities across Herkimer County and the Mohawk Valley by building the capacity, systems, and infrastructure that enable nonprofits, municipalities, and community partners to create lasting impact.

Programs or services

* Nonprofit Capacity Building – Strengthening nonprofit organizations through governance, financial management, grant development, strategic planning, board development, compliance, and organizational assessments.

* Community & Municipal Development – Supporting municipalities and community organizations with project management, stakeholder engagement, economic development, comprehensive planning, and Pro-Housing Community Certification.

* Training & Professional Development – Delivering workshops, leadership development, board training, financial management, grant readiness, and customized educational programs.

* Regional Collaboration – Convening cross-sector partnerships and facilitating collaborative initiatives that address regional housing, economic development, infrastructure, and community revitalization challenges.

* Signature Programs – The Mohawk Valley Nonprofit Symposium and the Next Nonprofit Academy provide ongoing education, networking, and organizational development opportunities for nonprofit and community leaders.

Detailed programs

1. Nonprofit Capacity Building

Strengthening nonprofit organizations through grant writing, financial management, governance, board development, strategic planning, organizational assessments, compliance, and operational support.

2. Community & Municipal Development

Providing project management, community engagement, strategic planning, Pro-Housing Community Certification, economic development, downtown revitalization, and stakeholder facilitation to help communities achieve long-term success.

3. Education & Professional Development

Delivering workshops, customized training, board retreats, leadership development, grant readiness training, and financial management education for nonprofit and municipal leaders.

4. Regional Collaboration & Collective Impact

Convening organizations, municipalities, businesses, and community leaders to address regional challenges through collaborative planning, coalition development, and shared initiatives.

5. Signature Programs
Next Nonprofit Academy – An eight-month leadership and organizational development program for nonprofit executives and board members.
Mohawk Valley Nonprofit Symposium – An annual regional conference focused on nonprofit excellence, networking, and capacity building.

Target Audience

Nonprofit Organizations
Municipalities
Counties
Economic Development Organizations
Community Coalitions
Foundations Educational Institutions
Public-Private Partnerships

Geographic Focus

United States, New York (USA), Fulton County (NY), Herkimer County (NY), Oneida County (NY), Otsego County (NY), Schoharie County (NY)

Current projects

Next is currently leading several initiatives that strengthen nonprofit organizations and communities throughout the Mohawk Valley.

Our **Mohawk Valley Affordable Housing Coalition** brings together municipalities, developers, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and community leaders to address regional housing challenges through collaboration, education, and strategic planning. As part of this initiative, Next will host the **Mohawk Valley Regional Revitalization Summit** on October 28–29, featuring nationally recognized author, civil engineer, and Strong Towns founder **Charles Marohn**. The two-day event will focus on housing, infrastructure, economic development, and building financially resilient communities.

Next is also conducting its **Next Nonprofit Academy**, an intensive eight-month organizational development program that equips nonprofit leaders with the tools and systems needed to build stronger organizations. The current cohort will graduate in September 2026.

As a fiscal sponsor, Next is partnering with the **Village of Ilion** to raise $50,000 to replace the aging lighting system at the David P. Whalen Memorial Softball Field, ensuring the continued use of one of the region's most heavily utilized youth athletic facilities.

In addition, Next is providing ongoing capacity-building services to nonprofit organizations, including the conversion of four organizations from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online, grant writing and administration, financial management, governance support, strategic planning, and project management for nonprofit and municipal partners throughout the region.

Next is also advancing a redevelopment of its future Community Impact Center in the Village of Ilion, a project that will expand access to nonprofit services, collaboration, and community resources throughout the region. This will also be the home of our office, new training center, and co-working spaces will be available.

Organization goals

Next's goal is to strengthen communities throughout Herkimer County and the Mohawk Valley by expanding the capacity of nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and community leaders. We are committed to building sustainable organizations, fostering regional collaboration, advancing housing and economic development initiatives, and helping communities secure the resources needed to thrive.

Over the next several years, Next will expand its educational programming, technical assistance, and regional partnerships while developing the Next Community Impact Center as a hub for collaboration, training, innovation, and shared services. Through these efforts, we aim to increase organizational effectiveness, strengthen local leadership, and create lasting, measurable improvements in the communities we serve.

Leadership

Michele Hummel, Executive Director
Kayla Hartman, Director of Programs and Impact
Heidi Cochran, Director of Finance and Operations

Funding Needs

Grant categories you're seeking

Business, Capital Funding, Community and Economic Development, Community Services, Conflict Resolution, Education, Housing, Municipalities, Operating Support, Preservation, Quality of Life, Research and Evaluation, Small Business, Sports and Recreation, Technology, Transportation, Travel and Tourism

Funding needs

Next seeks funding to expand nonprofit capacity building, community development, and regional collaboration throughout the Mohawk Valley. Current funding needs include program support for the Next Nonprofit Academy, educational workshops and conferences, strategic planning and technical assistance for nonprofits and municipalities, housing and community revitalization initiatives, coalition development, and organizational capacity building. Additional priorities include staffing, technology, community engagement, and the future development of the Next Community Impact Center, which will serve as a regional hub for nonprofit collaboration, training, and shared resources.

Website & Social Media