Greater Rochester Health Foundation
The Greater Rochester Health Foundation is a private foundation based in Rochester, New York. It supports efforts to improve health and well-being across the Greater Rochester region, with an emphasis on health equity, community-informed solutions, and changing the systems and policies that shape health.
Greater Rochester Health Foundation at a glance
In short: Greater Rochester Health Foundation gave $8.9M across 204 grants in 2024 (avg $44K), mostly in New York. 29% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $8,935,848
- -5.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 204
- +7.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $43,803
- -12.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $273,823,517
- +4.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 29% first-time grantees (46 of 159, 2024)
- Primary geography
- New York (89% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Greater Rochester Health Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The foundation invites proposals through its Call for Ideas when that opportunity is open. Its filing states that applicants must meet published eligibility criteria, including being a tax-exempt organization in good standing with New York State; applicants must be located in or primarily serve the nine counties of focus; and grants must improve regional health and well-being and align with the foundation’s mission, values, and strategies. The filing refers applicants to a statement for application forms, materials, and deadlines.
- Contact
Application contact: Greater Rochester Health Foundation
Mailing address: 255 East Avenue Suite 402, Rochester, NY 14604
Phone: (585) 258-1799
Website: https://www.thegrhf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Greater Rochester Health Foundation
Greater Rochester Health Foundation: Community Event Fund Grant
Greater Rochester Health Foundation
Amount
Up to US $5,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Greater Rochester Health Foundation: Rapid Response Fund Grant
Greater Rochester Health Foundation
Amount
Up to US $75,000
Deadline
Rolling
GRHF Responsive Grants
Greater Rochester Health Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Greater Rochester Health Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency dba Common Ground Health ($991K across 5 grants). Together the top 10 received $4.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
799 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 526 grants of 799 (66%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s stated service area comprises Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties in New York. Its filing reports that 89% of 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in New York and 11% to recipients in Connecticut.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 204 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Greater Rochester Health Foundation open to new grantees?
29%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 46 of 159 grantees (29%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $43K; repeat grants $61K. How we count
Medians: $2K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 58% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+17%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 96% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $7.7M (2021) to $9.7M (2022). In 2024 it made 204 grants totaling $8.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Parent Leadership Institute Wilton, CT | Healthy Futures | $969,998 |
| Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency dba Common Ground Health Rochester, NY | Healthy Futures | $744,992 |
| Perinatal Network of Monroe County Rochester, NY | Healthy Futures | $650,000 |
| Children's Institute Inc Rochester, NY | Healthy Futures | $300,000 |
| Society for the Protection & Care of Children Rochester, NY | Healthy Futures | $300,000 |
| Villa of Hope Rochester, NY | Responsive Grants | $204,089 |
| Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wayne County Newark, NY | Neighborhood Health Status Improvement | $195,000 |
| S2AY Rural Health Network - DBA Pivotal Public Health Partnership Canandaigua, NY | Neighborhood Health Status Improvement | $195,000 |
| Society for the Protection & Care of Children Rochester, NY | Responsive Grants | $194,809 |
| Endless Highway Inc Rochester, NY | Responsive Grants | $193,294 |
Ready to take the next step with Greater Rochester Health Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $273,823,517 | $13,757,403 | $15,242,270 | $8,935,848 | 204 | $12,483,348 | $15,565,862 | $13,067,689 |
| 2023 | $261,225,436 | $10,581,311 | $14,905,811 | $9,456,489 | 190 | $13,166,184 | $10,141,291 | $12,370,805 |
| 2022 | $243,792,169 | $9,787,253 | $15,509,889 | $9,743,564 | 177 | $13,481,588 | $9,360,562 | $12,901,521 |
| 2021 | $301,243,101 | $15,276,322 | $14,760,512 | $7,650,834 | 104 | $11,725,522 | $14,955,920 | $13,985,481 |
| 2020 | $272,293,841 | $5,733,853 | $13,340,954 | $8,242,744 | 124 | — | $6,925,463 | $11,777,239 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Greater Rochester Health Foundation reported a distributable amount of $13.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to pursue and invest in solutions that build a healthier region where all people can thrive. Its stated strategic areas include Healthy and Equitable Futures, Racial Health Equity, and Neighborhood Health Status Improvement. Its website also describes Responsive Grants, Partnerships, and Targeted grants as its grantmaking categories.
The foundation seeks community-centered work that addresses systemic health inequities and is guided by community voice. Its grants have supported organizations with varied missions: for example, the National Parent Leadership Institute says it builds family members’ and organizations’ civic capacity to improve child and community outcomes; the Perinatal Network of Monroe says its Healthy Baby Network helps parents access information and support for a healthy baby and nurturing home; and Endless Highway says it promotes inclusion in sports, recreation, arts, and communities for people who use mobility devices.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 204 grants totaling $8,935,848. Grant amounts ranged from $250 to $969,998, with a median grant of $5,000. Its largest reported awards included $969,998 to the National Parent Leadership Institute for Healthy Futures; $744,992 to Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency, doing business as Common Ground Health, for Healthy Futures; $650,000 to the Perinatal Network of Monroe County for Healthy Futures; and $300,000 each to Children’s Institute and Society for the Protection & Care of Children for Healthy Futures. Other notable awards included $204,089 to Villa of Hope and $193,294 to Endless Highway for Responsive Grants, and $195,000 each to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wayne County and S2AY Rural Health Network for Neighborhood Health Status Improvement.
The foundation’s 2026 Responsive Grants Call for Ideas is closed. Its call described a multi-year opportunity with annual requests of $25,000 to $175,000 for up to three years, with an approximate total award pool of $2.5 million across an estimated 15–20 awards. When the opportunity is open, the foundation invites proposals from nonprofit organizations and government entities serving its nine-county region. Its Responsive Grants webpage says proposals may support programs, general operating expenses, compensation, or advocacy, and should be community-centered, share power with communities, and address systemic health inequities.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Matthew Kuhlenbeck as president and CEO and Justin Rand as vice president and chief financial officer. Listed board members include Sanford Mayer, who served as board chair through July 2024 and as a board member; Chenoa Maye; Christine Wagner SSJ; Connie O Walker; Hezekiah Simmons; James C Simmons, beginning July 2024; Jose Canario MD; and Kenneth Hines.
Greater Rochester Health Foundation is led by Matthew Kuhlenbeck, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 2 of 18 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Matthew Kuhlenbeck
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$278K (2020) → $315K (2024)
Sage Gerling
Board Chair
Board Member → Board Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sanford Mayer MD
Board Chair & Board Member
Board Member → Board Chair, 2022
Board Chair → Board Chair & Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Justin Rand
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$136K (2020) → $198K (2024)
Christine Wagner Ssj
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Connie O. Walker
Board Member
Board Chair → Board Member, 2022
On filings since 2020
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Hezekiah Simmons
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kenneth Hines
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael A. Scharf MD
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Bartlett
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Mucha
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Yissette Rivas
Board Member
On filings since 2020
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Paul Pettit
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jose Canario MD
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Linda Clark Md Ms
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Chenoa Maye
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
James C Simmons
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
SADY Alvarado-Fischer
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
1.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (8)
- Former: Bridgette Wiefling MD (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Robert X. Oppenheimer (2020–2023) — Board Member & Ex-Officio
- Former: Sady Fischer (2020–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Erika Augustine MD (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: James Gould (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Geoffrey Rosenberger (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Louis Papa MD (2020) — Board Member
- Former: Thomas Wesley (2020) — Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $315K, to Matthew Kuhlenbeck (President & CEO). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Greater Rochester Health Foundation
How much does Greater Rochester Health Foundation give each year?
Greater Rochester Health Foundation gave $8.9M across 204 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $9.5M across 190 grants.
What is Greater Rochester Health Foundation's typical grant size?
Greater Rochester Health Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $5,000, and its average grant was $43,803, across 204 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Greater Rochester Health Foundation that year got $43K on average.
Where does Greater Rochester Health Foundation give grants?
Greater Rochester Health Foundation gives mostly in New York: 89% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Connecticut (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were Rochester, NY (153 grants), Geneva, NY (6 grants), Canandaigua, NY (5 grants) and Albion, NY (4 grants).
Does Greater Rochester Health Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 204 grants with a stated purpose on Greater Rochester Health Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Community Events" (81 grants), "Matching gift" (35 grants) and "Responsive Grants" (34 grants).
Who are Greater Rochester Health Foundation's largest grantees?
Greater Rochester Health Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency dba Common Ground Health ($991,177 across 5 grants), National Parent Leadership Institute ($969,998) and Perinatal Network of Monroe County ($652,500 across 2 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 29% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Greater Rochester Health Foundation?
Greater Rochester Health Foundation reported $273.8M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $12.5M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $13.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Greater Rochester Health Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is to pursue and invest in solutions that build a healthier region where all people can thrive. Its stated strategic areas include Healthy and Equitable Futures, Racial Health Equity, and Neighborhood Health Status Improvement. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Greater Rochester Health Foundation?
The foundation invites proposals through its Call for Ideas when that opportunity is open. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Greater Rochester Health Foundation's EIN?
Greater Rochester Health Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-4301222. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Greater Rochester Health Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Greater Rochester Health Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/greater-rochester-health-foundation-morg_60112db098374b908a8de07e13c38f28
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_134301222_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Greater Rochester Health Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/greater-rochester-health-foundation-morg_60112db098374b908a8de07e13c38f28},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Greater Rochester Health Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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