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.
Yesterday, Rochester came together to kick off Juneteenth with a citywide celebration honoring the history, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders in our community.
We were proud to join the City of Rochester, NY, Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello, and community partners in raising the Juneteenth flag. Our President & CEO Simeon Banister shared remarks recognizing the importance of preserving stories, celebrating achievements, and investing in a future where every generation can thrive.
Today, the celebration continues.
Join us at the Rochester Juneteenth Festival in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park for two days of culture, community, music, food, education, and joy. This free festival honors the legacy of Juneteenth while bringing our community together in the spirit of the Beloved Community.
Free and open to the public
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park
June 19–20
Featured performances include:
Strings for Success
Garth Fagan Dance
A Gospel Hour
Local artists, vendors, exhibitors, and family activities
🎤 Friday Headliner: SenjofromtheRoc
🎤 Saturday Headliner: Danielle Ponder
Come celebrate freedom, culture, and community with us.
racf.org/Juneteenth
Photo credit: City of Rochester
#Juneteenth #BelovedCommunity #RochesterNY #CommunityPowered #CelebrateFreedom ... See MoreSee Less
“We look at this as a tremendous opportunity to bring Carlton residents together for a common purpose that will ultimately increase pride in our community,” says Peter Bartula, Town of Carlton resident.
The Town of Carlton, Corfu, and Batavia are the first communities in Western New York to launch a national model for small town revitalization.
Read more about our newest initiative helping small towns identify the priorities, places, and traditions that matter most, and turning those elements into a brighter future for current and future generations.
www.racf.org/collaborations/community-heart-and-soul/ ... See MoreSee Less
For more than twenty years, Rochester Area Community Foundation has been a proud sponsor of Rochester International Jazz Festival.
To us, this festival is a testament to what is possible when we champion culture and connection. From fueling local businesses to bringing global talent to our backyard, this festival creates an inclusive space for creativity and community.
What jazz festival performance are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below.
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Rochester International Jazz Festival | June 19 - 27, 2026
rochesterjazz.com
New York’s largest jazz festival and among the top in the U.S., Rochester Jazz features world-class artists, new music, and 300+ live concerts across 19 venues.What does a Beloved Community look like?
It looks like neighbors gathering in celebration. It looks like honoring our history while investing in our future. It looks like a community committed to justice, opportunity, and belonging.
Join the Greater Rochester Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and Rochester Area Community Foundation for the 2026 Rochester Juneteenth Festival, June 19-20 at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. This event is free and open to the public.
As one of the region's largest community celebrations, the festival brings together thousands of people to commemorate Juneteenth and celebrate the culture, resilience, and contributions of African Americans through music, art, food, education, and community connection.
Join us for two days of live performances, music, and entertainment.
Festival schedule available at racf.org/Juneteenth ... See MoreSee Less
15 years of community. 15 years of impact. 🏳️🌈
We’re still riding the energy from last night's LGBT+ Giving Circle 15th Anniversary Celebration. Thank you to everyone who showed up to honor the people, passion, and progress that have shaped the past 15 years.
Feeling inspired? Visit racf.org/give-together to get involved in a giving circle community today. ... See MoreSee Less
Please congratulate the LGBT+ Giving Circle at the Rochester Area Community Foundation for reaching 15 years of community-driven philanthropy this June!
Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, co-chair of the Giving Circle and a member since 2021, said the organization demonstrates the power of collaborative philanthropy. Shared with the Rochester Business Journal, he states: “Giving circles offer an accessible, equity-focused way to get involved...having a strong shared identity and mindset often leads to a more sustainable and adaptable community at large.” ... See MoreSee Less
“Giving circles offer an accessible, equity-focused way to get involved,” explained co-chair of the Giving Circle, Jonathan Meagher-Zayas. “Having a strong shared identity and mindset often leads to a more sustainable and adaptable community at large.”
Today is our 15th anniversary celebration! 🎉 Read more about what 15 years means:
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LGBT+ Giving Circle celebrates 15 years of community impact
rbj.net
The LGBT+ Giving Circle at Rochester Area Community Foundation celebrates 15 years of grants and community impact.Tomorrow is the last day to get your tickets for Evening Out with Jazz 🎺
Help invest in artistic expression & historic preservation projects that tell our region’s story: www.racf.org/evening-out/ ... See MoreSee Less