As always, the Upstate Foundation is here for you.

When the coronavirus found its way into Central New York in March 2020, everything changed in homes, workplaces, the community at large and, of course, at Upstate Medical University. Almost overnight, the Hospital transformed to become the center of coronavirus care, community information, testing and research for its 17-county service area.

As health care providers and front-line workers moved to high alert, donned PPE and risked their lives on a grueling, round-the-clock basis, Upstate’s students, faculty, researchers and other staff packed up files and labs, turned off the lights and headed for home. For most, the work continued, just in a different setting.

The Upstate Foundation took on the new and urgent goal to provide support to those most impacted by the crisis. Here are examples of the Foundation’s response – made possible by the generous support of the community – to the Covid-19 crisis of 2020. Thank you.

Here, with emergengy COVID-19 funds 

As quickly as the coronavirus descended on Central New York, the Upstate Foundation established three funds to focus support where it was needed most – to help patients, employees and students. The Foundation matched the first $10,000 donated to these funds.

Support of Upstate Employees Fund – #47681

Rapidly responding to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Upstate Foundation has established a fund to provide support for Upstate employees with unmet needs such as child and elder care expenses, and food. There is a $200 limit per family, although exceptions may be made for additional support.

To learn more or to make a donation, click here.

Virtual Visitation Fund for Upstate Patients – #47985

Established by the Office of Patient Experience, this fund provides electronic devices for patient use so that they may keep in contact with loved ones since there are currently severe visitor restrictions in the hospital. These devices will also be used to provide distractions for patients such as reading, browsing the web, watching videos and listening to music.

To learn more or to make a donation, click here.

Student Retention Emergency Fund – #44555

To provide financial assistance to Upstate students who experience sudden and /or significant financial hardship that may impact their ability to remain in school. Emergency assistance to students will not exceed $1,000 per hardship.

To learn more or to make a donation, click here.

Here for our donors

Even amid the coronavirus pandemic, our efforts to raise money for other important projects, programs and needs must continue unabated. Accordingly, the entire Upstate Foundation team, like other organizations, has transitioned to a combined remote work environment and in office, where we remain ready to assist our donors in any way we can. Whether the current state of affairs has inspired you to increase your charitable giving, establish a new fund to address issues brought on by COVID-19, or channel your concern through a fundraiser… Whether your company or organization is looking for ways to leverage collective strength to raise funds, volunteer time or donate resources in this time of need… Or whether you have questions about support previously given… Your Upstate Foundation development officer can assist you or answer any questions you may have.

Here for our beneficiaries

Fund advisors and those who benefit from financial support from the Upstate Foundation may also have questions or concerns regarding the pandemic’s impact on the flow of funding. Your contact at the Foundation is on hand to speak with and reassure you on such matters. 

How to contact us

The Upstate Foundation’s remote work plan has enabled us to maintain our regular operating hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. To reach us during these hours, please utilize one of the following methods and we will respond to you within one business day, maximum.

  •  Email: fdn@upstate.edu

  •  Phone / voicemail: 315-464-4416

Additionally, if you know the name of your Upstate Foundation contact, you are also encouraged and welcome to contact individual staff members via their phone numbers or emails, available on our [Meet the Staff] page.

After hours, please also feel free to send emails or leave voicemails, as we are diligently checking and responding to all inquiries, at all times, and across all lines of communication.