Everyone Deserves Green Spaces
Protect Her Independence
Give Kids a Fair Chance
Preserve Our History
Expand Access to the Arts
Demand Racial Equity
Everyone can take action to make our world a more equitable and vital place. Since 1972, Rochester Area Community Foundation has connected donors to the critical needs of our eight-county region, leveraging financial expertise and community knowledge to maximize impact. At the Foundation, donors are partners and every gift is an investment in a better future.
This Black Business Month, we’re highlighting a multi-generational story of partnership right here in Greater Rochester.
When Eric Johnson, former president of Baldwin Richardson Foods, first met Tony Jackson, founder of Panther Graphics, decades ago, a natural friendship formed between the two.
Today, their daughters, Erin Tolefree and Tae'lor Jackson, are leading those same companies and continuing that legacy through a powerful new business partnership.
Commercial printer, Panther Graphics, and food manufacturer, Baldwin Richardson Foods, connected through Rochester Area Community Foundation's Rochester Procurement Expansion Program (RPEP) — an initiative designed to help both large and small businesses in Greater Rochester direct contracts to under-utilized local vendors.
By matching regional purchasers with local suppliers, RPEP is turning everyday business spending into local opportunity and community ties into strategic partnerships.
Read the full story of this multi-generational partnership: www.racf.org/news/rpep-launch/ ...
For centuries, our identity in Rochester has been shaped by our lakes. Before it appeared on modern maps, the body of water we now call Lake Ontario was first named by the Indigenous people who inhabited this region. The name "Ontario" derives from the Haudenosaunee language family to mean "beautiful lake" or "sparkling water."
Lake Ontario isn't just a geographical border. It’s part of Rochester’s DNA. It drives our local climate, shapes our region’s culture, and connects us to a shared Great Lakes ecosystem.
As Rochester’s community foundation, we take pride in honoring the historic roots and original naming of our Great Lake. We stand with our community in keeping Lake Ontario as Lake Ontario — reflecting our deep history, respect for Indigenous heritage, and local pride. ...
Earlier this week, members of our Latino Giving Circle joined DJ Johnny Mambo on PODER Radio to share more about its mission and impact in the Greater Rochester region.
By building a network of committed members, the Latino Giving Circle directly supports projects that uplift and enrich nuestra comunidad.
Meet members and hear from grant recipients at our annual grants reception on September 23rd.
Don't miss out — register before September 1 to receive an extra drink ticket! www.racf.org/lgc-reception ...
Applications are open for general operating micro grants of up to $2,500!
These micro grants are available to arts & culture organizations in Monroe County with less than one full-time employee.
Apply via our grant portal before the September 11th deadline: racf.org/grantportal ...
💡 What happens when financial advisors, fundraisers, and nonprofit advocates pull up a chair at the same table?
They talk about moments when generosity sparked a meaningful change in front of their eyes.
They swap stories about what motivates people to give back, from each of their unique vantage points.
They share what makes them feel hopeful about our community right now.
The takeaway from last week's Professional Advisor Summer Social was clear: we’re stronger when we collaborate and learn from one another's unique expertise.
Thank you to CFA Society Rochester and Association of Fundraising Professionals NY, Genesee Valley Chapter for helping us bring these groups together for an enriching time of collaboration and connection. ...
As summer comes to a close, we are reflecting on an inspiring season of learning, discovery, and community. 💡
When we invest in joyful, culturally responsive summer experiences, we refuse to let opportunity depend on a family’s income or ZIP code.
We affirm that every child deserves a summer that expands their world, strengthens their confidence, and prepares them to return to school knowing that their brilliance was never on pause.
Research shows that consistent access to summer learning drives measurable gains in mathematics, reading fluency, and social-emotional development — helping students return to the classroom with stronger academic mindsets, social skills, and self-confidence.
Thank you to our 22 summer learning grant recipients for creating joyful spaces for our youth all summer long. Here’s to carrying this momentum and curiosity into the new school year!
Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester NY
Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston
Clyde-Savannah Jr./Sr. High School
EnCompass: Resources for Learning
Freedom Scholars Learning Center
Gananda Central School Dist
Greater Rochester Summer Learning Association
Greece Central School District
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Holy Childhood
Horizons at Harley
Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester
Monroe Community College Alumni & Foundation
ProsperRochester, Inc.
Red Creek Central Schools
Rochester Childfirst Network
Rochester Ecology Partners
Sodus Central Jr-Sr High School
Urban League of Rochester
Waterloo Central School District
Finger Lakes Community Action
YMCA of Greater Rochester ...
We’re excited to host our Yates Community Endowment 2026 Grants Reception, celebrating over $700,000 grants distributed in Yates County since 2011.
Event Details
🎟️: Free (registration required)
📅: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
📍: Camp Cory Dining Hall, Penn Yan
RSVP at the event registration link below ⬇ ...
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Real client data. Real health transformation. 🍃
Our latest client survey highlights what happens when healthier homes lead to healthier lives and a healthier planet. Swipe through to see the impact RENEW is making in daily quality of life, mental health, and social connectivity. ...