Rochester Area Community Foundation/Yates Community Endowment

About Us

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission: We empower donors and community partners to strengthen our region through philanthropy.

Our Vision: We lead boldly to realize a more equitable, inclusive, and vital region by:

Encouraging generosity and civic unity;
Addressing urgent and persistent challenges;
Engaging donors, nonprofits, and other advocates;
Escalating strategic responses and resources;
Elevating broad community voice; and
Inspiring positive, enduring community change.
Known as the steward of charitable funds and endowments, the Community Foundation connects donors with the region’s current and evolving needs. As a leading grantmaker, the Foundation is focused on two broad goals:

Creating an Equitable Community: Working to close the academic achievement and opportunity gaps, fostering racial and ethnic understanding and equity, and partnering against poverty to help neighbors in need.

Strengthening Our Region’s Vitality: Supporting vibrant and diverse arts and cultural offerings, preserving our region’s rich historical assets, and promoting successful aging.