Black Giving Collective Awards $228,706 to 18 Nonprofits on Juneteenth

The Black Giving Collective announced $228,706 in nonprofit grants this Juneteenth — an example of grassroots philanthropy powered by and for the Black community. The grants will support a range of programs, from mental health services and literacy tutoring, to youth enrichment and wellness for seniors.

Selected from more than 75 proposals, 18 grants were made to nonprofits serving Rochester and the surrounding counties. New names in the applicant pool suggest relationship-building efforts are paying off, with 40% of proposals coming from organizations that hadn’t previously received Community Foundation grants.

Investing in Community, Together

The Black Giving Collective offers an outlet for anyone interested in uplifting the Black community in the greater Rochester region. Its grantmaking is powered by individuals who pool their resources to do more together than they could alone. The Collective builds on the legacy of the African American Giving Initiative, established at Rochester Area Community Foundation in 2011. 

“The Black Giving Collective reflects the heart of our mission — connecting donors and nonprofits in order to strengthen our region.”

— Dawn Perry, collective giving officer

Juneteenth: Reflecting on the Past, Looking to the Future

Juneteenth is a time for both reflection and action. It marks a pivotal moment on the path towards liberation: the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

By announcing grants that center Black-led solutions, racial equity, and community power, the Black Giving Collective is drawing a connection between this historical milestone and ongoing efforts toward justice and equity.

Insights from Black Leaders Inform Grantmaking

One year ago, The State of Black Rochester 2024 — a documentary film project by the Community Foundation — premiered at the Little Theatre. As part of that initiative, dozens of Black leaders were interviewed to gather data on the multifaceted Black experience in our region. Key community needs emerged, including support for emerging leaders, academic achievement and school success, health and wellness, community safety, and pathways to financial stability. 

Nonprofits applying for the Black Giving Collective grants were invited to propose solutions aligned with priorities from The State of Black Rochester 2024.

A panel of respected leaders from the Black community leveraged lived experience and insights to help evaluate proposals. The Community Foundation is grateful to those community members for their role in ensuring a thoughtful and equitable review process:  

Tonya Nichol Dickerson (Gates Chili Central School District); Barbara Jones (African American Giving Initiative, founding member); Ayette Jordan (Executive Director, The Little Theatre); Dr. Candice Lucas (Sr. VP, Equity & Advocacy, Urban League of Rochester); CaTyra Polland (Author, Writer, Founder/CEO, Love for Words); Septimus Scott (Formerly of East House); and Tejan Conteh (Director, Assistant General Counsel, Constellation Brands).

Do You Want to Support Black-Led Initiatives?

People are coming together through the Black Giving Collective to make a positive change in our region by focusing on challenges experienced most strongly within the African American community. Anyone can contribute and make more grants like these possible. Visit www.racf.org/BGC to learn more and support the mission.

Black Giving Collective 2025 Grantees

BreatheDeep, Inc.: Restorative wellness and mental health through culturally responsive programs 

Celebration of Life Community Inc.: Help Me Read One-on-one tutoring 

Coordinated Care Services, Inc.: Greater Rochester Parent Leadership Training Institute Teacher Diversity Project

Delphi Rise: Mental health and substance use prevention for youth in rural Wayne County 

Dolah Me After Care: The Mom A Hand Ahead (MAHA) Project and The AfterMath Support Groups 

Garth Fagan Dance: Garth Fagan Dance Student Ensemble 

Glow Up Girl Inc.: Investing in Rural Leadership through Out of School Programming 

Heritage Christian Services: Empower to Lead, increasing representation of women of color in leadership roles 

HOPE585: Strengthening Families to Prevent Child Welfare System Intervention 

Interdenominational Health Ministry Coalition: Community Counseling Circle Mental Health Program 

Jefferson Family Health Fund: African American Diabetes Intervention for Brown Square 

Rochester Education Association for the Development of Youth (READY): READY Liberation Teaching Academy 

Sankofa Family Counseling Services, LCSW, PLLC: Efficiency & Access to Care Upgrade Project  

Urban League of Rochester: summerLEAP learning program for children 

Visual Studies Workshop: Being Black in America Collective Action Project 

Voices of Community Activists & Leaders, Inc.: Growing Black Civic Power in Rochester 

YMCA of Greater Rochester: Empowering Connections for Black and Brown Seniors at Thurston Road YMCA Neighborhood Center 

Young Women’s College Prep Foundation, Inc. Preparing Young Women for Tomorrow