Rochester Area Foundation aims to unite people from diverse backgrounds to enhance community life in the Rochester area. As a philanthropic leader, it distributes grants funded by donors passionate about seeing the community flourish. The foundation's endowment thrives on these donations and market growth, guiding the community through complex problems without simple solutions.
Better Communities Grants by Rochester Area Foundation offer unrestricted funding to vital community organizations to support and expand their core missions. These grants aim to empower nonprofits in their growth and improve operational capacity, acknowledging the challenge of obtaining general operational funding. The 2024 focus areas are divided into spring (Youth + Education and Vibrant Communities) and fall (Historically Marginalized Communities and Basic Needs + Economic Mobility), emphasizing the foundation's commitment to addressing a wide range of community needs. Additionally, they provide an Emerging Nonprofit Grant Award to organizations that are small, new, or financially limited, showcasing RAF's dedication to supporting organizations at various stages of growth and development.