UpMobility Foundation Inc
UpMobility Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Little Falls, New York, established in 2015 by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Martin Babinec. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission centered on leveraging networks and partnerships to drive philanthropic impact. The foundation describes itself as using "an entrepreneurial mindset to scale philanthropic investments through connecting and collaborating with community partners."
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$6.1M
+38.0% YoY
Grant Count
55
+22.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$111K
+12.9% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
UpMobility Foundation's stated mission is to "activate networks and cultivate partnerships to spark innovation, scale solutions, and uplift lives." The foundation emphasizes three core principles in its approach:
- Connections: Leveraging connections and contacts to amplify impact
- Community: Fostering mutual support, shared goals, and a sense of belonging to strengthen the social fabric of communities
- Collaboration: Facilitating collaborations and resource sharing to address societal challenges more effectively
Primary funding focus areas include:
- Education and advancing education initiatives
- Community building
- Health and wellness
- Human services
- Racial equity
Grantmaking
Grant Range
$25,000 to $100,000+
Average Grant
amounts vary, with awards documented in the low five figures to mid six figures range
Review Cycle
- The foundation strongly encourages organizations outside the Mohawk Valley area to contact staff before submission
How to Apply
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
UpMobility Foundation prioritizes the Mohawk Valley region of New York State, with particular emphasis on Central New York. However, the foundation's mission extends to:
- The United States broadly
- International organizations and initiatives
The foundation has documented funding activity across multiple states including New York, California, Virginia, Washington, and others.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets:
- Total assets: $21.2 million (as of 2024)
- Total assets: $24.2 million (as of 2023)
Annual Activity:
- Total giving: $6.1 million (2024)
- Annual expenses: approximately $4.7 million (2023)
- Revenue: $8.85 million (2023)
- Total liabilities: $0 (2023)
Historical Investment:
- Since inception in 2015, UpMobility has invested over $25.4 million in supporting 140+ organizations and partners
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
172 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Martin Babinec - Founder, Director, President, and Treasurer
The foundation's leadership team includes additional members who work with minimal compensation, reflecting a commitment to the organization's mission.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Babinec | Director/President/Treasurer | 1 | — |
| Michael Sciotti | Chief Financial Officer | 1 | — |
| Peggy O'Shea | Interim Executive Director | 1 | $121,700 |
| Kevin Crosley | Board Member | 2 | — |
| Randall VanWagoner | Board Member | 2 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
UpMobility Foundation has established a strategic partnership with the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties to strengthen organizational capacity and expand impact. This partnership includes:
Announcing UpMobility Foundation's Partnership With the Community FoundationCo-hosting the annual Mohawk Valley Gives Day of Giving campaign
Community Foundation and UpMobility Foundation to Host Fourth-Annual GivingCollaborating on the MV Gives University initiative
Joint efforts to support nonprofits in the region
Recent grant stories highlight the foundation's work supporting diverse initiatives, including:
Community building efforts such as Holy Family Parish's Mohawk Valley Gives Campaign
Community Foundation and UpMobility Foundation Join Forces to Host MohawkSupport for veteran-focused organizations
Arts exposure programs for Utica youth
Educational and community development initiatives
The foundation received the Foundation of Hope Award in 2020 in recognition of its philanthropic work and impact.
Announcing UpMobility Foundation's Partnership With the Community FoundationSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Similar funders by location and focus area
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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