Photo by Cathy Contant

A 25-Year-Old Fund Adapts to a Future Where Expectations Remain High

The Feinbloom Family Fund Will Live On, Forever

Joan and Harold Feinbloom’s legacy is one of generosity and an active personal commitment to the public good. In 1989, the couple started the Feinbloom Supporting Foundation at the Community Foundation with a $3 million gift from the sale of Rochester-based Champion Products, Inc.

Since then, a dedicated board comprised of members of the Feinbloom family and community representatives has awarded 527 grants totaling nearly $7 million to the Greater Rochester region. These grants focused on three areas close to Joan and Harold’s hearts: prevention of youth violence, arts and culture, and programs for school-aged children.

After Harold’s passing in 2014, Joan continued her steadfast leadership on the board, reviewing each grant application and advocating for the causes and organizations that aligned with the couple’s long-held vision. Some of the largest grant recipients throughout the years have been Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester, Garth Fagan Dance, and The Partnership for Ontario County.

Sustainable Support Through a Field of Interest Fund

After 25 years of unflagging community support, Joan, the Feinblooms’ sons David and Stephen, the board, and Foundation staff made the decision to transition the supporting foundations’ dollars and decision-making to a permanently endowed field of interest fund at the Community Foundation. David Feinbloom, who lives with his family in Detroit, says, “We are very proud of our parents’ support of organizations benefitting the Rochester community and feel the timing is right for this transition.”

Community Foundation Senior Program Officer Sara Bukowiec reflects on the evolution, “I was able to work with Joan for so many years that I can almost imagine her lighting up when we review a particularly strong grant application.”

The Feinbloom Family Fund, a testament to the couple’s foresight and dedication, will make grants supporting youth and families, with a focus on the arts and upward mobility — forever.