Rochester Area Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life in the greater Rochester region by evaluating and addressing community issues, promoting effective philanthropy, and connecting donors to the critical needs of the community. With your help, we want to lead, inspire and support positive, enduring community change through our grantmaking and leadership activities.  OUR GRANTMAKING The Community Foundation promotes two broad grantmaking goals that align with our vision for community change: Creating an Equitable Community and Strengthening our Region's Vitality.  Under the equity goal, we work toward:  --Closing the academic achievement and opportunity gap; --Fostering racial and ethnic understanding ; and --Partnering against poverty. Under the vitality goal, we focus on: --Supporting arts and culture; --Advancing environmental sustainability and justice; --Preserving historical assets; and --Promoting successful aging. In 2020-21, the Community Foundation awarded $34 million in grants and scholarships. We have distributed $562 million since we were founded in 1972.   We maintain rigorous standards for effective grantmaking, and are confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.  OUR UPCOMING EVENTS September 17, 2022: A 50th Anniversary Gala at the Convention Center. Keep an eye out for details at www.racf.org/Events