Supporting the Work of Nonprofits in the Greater Rochester Area

The Community Foundation of Greater Rochester is uniquely positioned to support the crucial work of local nonprofits through grants as well as support services.

Grantmaking is the heart of the Community Foundation’s work enhancing the quality of life in the Greater Rochester area. The Foundation relies on more than 35 years of community service and expertise in effective philanthropy to assess community needs and funding opportunities.

The Foundation awards grants throughout the calendar year to nonprofit organizations for many charitable purposes, programs and projects in areas including social services, food insecurity, health, education, development, training, the environment, trails, recreation, the arts and youth. The Foundation strives to link people who care with causes that matter.

While some donors retain the right to recommend grants via a Donor Advised Fund, other donors make unrestricted contributions that allow the Foundation’s Board of Trustees discretion to make grants for community needs.

For all grantmaking the Foundation assesses community needs and seeks opportunities to support programs that deliver solutions and enhance quality of life. It provides ongoing dependable resources for local nonprofits and by pooling contributions it can award more impactful grants ensuring that donors of all means – individuals, families and businesses – make long-lasting differences in their communities.

Grant seekers are encouraged to email an informal inquiry to Jo Allen (jallen@cfound.org). Although not required, many organizations have found this approach helpful in communicating their vision for the requested funds. If the proposal meets the Foundation’s criteria and funding capability, applicants will be invited to submit a grant application.

For nonprofit organizations that want to direct more resources to their core mission and less to paperwork, the Community Foundation can manage and administer donations and event registrations. Gifts are directed to the Foundation for credit to a fund established for the benefit of your 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation receives, receipts, oversees and invests the funds, disbursing them to or on behalf of the organization. The contributions are accounted for on the Foundation’s 990 and included in its annual audit.

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.” Edmund Burke