About Us
The Community Foundation of Greater Rochester is a Michigan non-profit corporation with an IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt designation. It is a member of the Council of Michigan Foundations and certified to the Council on Foundation’s National Standards. The Community Foundation is a resource for all donors and even as it remains committed to serving local communities, it strives to offer the flexibility desired by today’s donors. The Foundation’s daily operations are managed by two employees whose activities are overseen by a Board of Trustees.
The Foundation accepts, processes and manages donations and make grants from those donations in support of programs that serve the public. By pooling contributions, the Foundation makes more impactful grants ensuring that donors of all means – individuals, families and businesses – can make a long-lasting difference in their community. In addition, the Community Foundation manages funds for several non-profit organizations so the non-profits can focus on their core missions without getting overwhelmed by paperwork and reporting requirements.
Mission
To enhance the quality of life for citizens of the Greater Rochester area by serving as a community endowment builder, a community grant maker and community leader.
vision
To inspire and garner support for the Foundation’s Mission by connecting people who care with causes that matter and by being a resource that provides solutions for current and emerging community needs.
History
In 1983 Dick Huizenga, the Chief Financial Officer for the Rochester Community Schools, recognized a community need, a place for centralized giving. With a group of local leaders gathered around his kitchen table and a $3,000 donation from the Rochester Kiwanis Club, Dick conceived the idea of establishing the Greater Rochester Area Community Foundation (GRACF) now known as the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester. For years, Dick was the man with a plan, sharing with people his dream of a creating a permanent financial resource for Greater Rochester. As funds at the Foundation grew, grants were awarded for local projects and programs. Dick often quoted Theodore Roosevelt: “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for our community lives long after we are gone.”
2024 Board of Trustees
The Community Foundation of Greater Rochester is served by volunteers chosen for their knowledge and leadership in the Greater Rochester community. The Board of Trustees is charged with assessing the needs in our community, overseeing our endowment, cultivating new donors and make funding decisions.
- Nancy Salvia (Merrill Lynch) – Board Chair
- Beth Talbert (Oakland University) – Vice Chair
- Susan Tisdel (Susan Tisdel Ink) – Secretary/Treasurer
- Susan Bowyer (Henry Ford Health System/Oakland University) – Trustee
- Vern Pixley (Pixley Funeral Home) – Trustee
- Chad Rinke (Edward Jones) – Trustee
- Anita Saini (Tim Horton’s Rochester Hills) – Trustee
- Angie Schmucker (Schmucker Advising Group, LLC) – Trustee
- Russ Shelton – Trustee
- Pat Catlin (CPT Capital Investments) – Trustee
- Maria Willett (City of Rochester Hills) – Trustee
- Ryan Price (Molex) – Trustee
Office Staff
Johanna (Jo) Allen
President CEO
jallen@cfound.org
Melody G. Huisjen
Creative Marketing Specialist
mhuisjen@cfound.org
Tami L. Salisbury
President TLS Consulting & Fundraising, LLC
Development Consultant
tami.salisbury-consult@cfound.org
Ambassadors
Individuals who support the the Community Foundation’s Mission and provide volunteer service in its support are known as the Foundation’s Ambassadors. The Community Foundation welcomes anyone who is interested in serving our community.
Policies
Available upon request at the Community Foundation office during normal business hours: Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, IRS Determination Letter, names of investment manager(s), fees charged, names of Individuals serving on the Investment Committee and other Agreements, Policies, Procedures and Guidelines not listed above.
Document copies are available for a nominal fee.
Annual Reports
The Foundation makes available for public inspection the last three years of its tax documents, including Internal Revenue Service Forms 990 and 990-T (if applicable), any audit, and its tax-exempt letter. If the request for any of these documents is made in person, the requested documents will be provided on the day of the request if possible. If the request is in writing (including email), copies will be provided within 30 days of the request. There may be a nominal fee for copies. Questions concerning documents should be addressed to either the President or Board Chair of the Foundation.
Be A Part of Something Great!
The Community Foundation of Greater Rochester supports local organizations across Rochester Hills, Oakland Township and Rochester. Our grant recipients include green spaces, non-profit organizations, community outreach programs, and more.
Over the years, the Women's Fund has consistently given to the Assistance League of SE MI in support of Assault Survivor Kits. Any time a woman goes to the hospital as the result of reporting an assault, her clothes become evidence. Each Assault Survivor kit provides new clothing and toiletries for survivors of abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.