Our Vision | To be greater Rochester's catalyst for community change.
Our Mission | We engage passionate philanthropists in improving our community.
We are pleased to welcome The Community Foundation to the Workforce Diversity Network.
The Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life in the greater Rochester region by evaluating and addressing community issues, promoting responsible philanthropy, and connecting donors to the critical needs of the community.
The Greater Rochester Community Foundation of the Genesee Valley was created on Sept. 18, 1972. It became The Rochester Area Foundation in May 1974 and Rochester Area Community Foundation in May 1997.
The Commuity Foundation maintains rigorous standards for effective grantmaking, and are confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.
Background
Knowledge, care and creativity are hallmarks of Rochester Area Community Foundation, serving greater Rochester for nearly 40 years. Known as both the steward of charitable funds and endowments and a leading grantmaker, the Community Foundation connects donors with changing needs throughout the region. Its relationship with legal and financial advisors helps donors attain both giving and tax-saving goals.
The Community Foundation currently administers more than 1,000 funds for individuals, families, organizations and businesses and has made more than $285 million in grants since its founding in 1972. With in-depth evaluations on local charitable programs, the Community Foundation staff aids donors with specific interests, as well as those who value the foundation's use of unrestricted gifts. Last year, the Community Foundation awarded more than $17.2 million in grants.
Donors may create a fund with investment options or use other giving methods, such as charitable gift annuities. They may set up a Charitable Checking AccountSM, where a deposit of one larger gift can later be used to make smaller gifts.
Rochester Area Community Foundation is building the region's permanent endowment — helping our community now and for generations to come. Under supervision of a distinguished board of directors, investments are managed by external professionals.
Through grants to hundreds of nonprofit organizations, Community Foundation donors assist residents of Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne and Yates counties. Donors also may designate gifts to nonprofits in other areas of New York state and the country.
Gifts from unrestricted funds are invested in strategic initiatives to achieve community-wide improvement in key areas, currently early childhood development, after-school programs and civic engagement. Other broad areas of donor interest include arts and culture, women and girls, successful aging, and the environment.
A resource for charitable estate planning and philanthropy, the Community Foundation brings national experts to seminars for local attorneys and financial professionals. Its creative support for philanthropy includes helping donors establish charitable programs where none exist, such as Quad A for Kids and the Common Good Planning Center.
The Community Foundation has 22 staff members. Jennifer Leonard has served as its president and executive director since 1993.
Saul Maniero, Program Officer, represents The Communtiy Foundation on the Workforce Diversity Network's council. He may be contacted at (585) 341-4356 or smaneiro@racf.org.
For more information on the foundaton please visit http://www.racf.org or call (585) 271-4100.
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