Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc
Rochester Area Community Foundation is a public charity based in Rochester, New York. In partnership with philanthropists and community partners, it works to improve quality of life across the eight-county Greater Rochester region through leadership and strategic grantmaking.
Key facts about Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc
In short: Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc gave $1.9M across 27 grants in 2025 (avg $72K), mostly in New York. 48% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 80-0024332
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,938,465
- Grants made (2025)
- 27
- Average grant
- $71,795
- Median grant
- $25,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 48% first-time grantees (13 of 27, 2025)
- Total assets
- $1,493,301
- Primary geography
- New York (98% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- Review the available opportunities and their eligibility requirements, then apply through the online grant portal. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$1.5M
-27.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.9M
+54.3% YoY
Grant Count
27
+50.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$72K
+2.8% YoY
Is Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc open to new grantees?
48%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 13 of 27 grantees (48%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $35K; repeat grants $106K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $25K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to cultivate “a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.” Its strategic grantmaking areas are Upward Mobility, Arts, Culture & Narrative, and Environmental Justice & Sustainability.
Examples of organizations it supported in 2025 illustrate the range of grantees. PathStone Corporation received a grant for environment-related work; PathStone Housing Action Corporation describes its work as creating opportunities for farmworkers and other disenfranchised people and providing housing and related services. Encompass Resources for Learning received education funding; it describes its work as developing educational services for students and the families, schools, communities, and professionals who support them. Rochester Ecology Partners, which received an environment-related grant, says it helps people find nature where they live, work, and play. Other grantees include Children’s Institute, which describes its mission as raising every child’s complete well-being, and Action for a Better Community, which says it promotes opportunities for low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient.
Grantmaking
The Foundation oversees competitive grants through Equity and Vitality Grants, Giving Circle Grants, and Advisory Committee Grants. Staff and volunteer committees review applications before they go to the board for final approval. Applicants may apply for multiple opportunities if they qualify; the Foundation recommends applying to an opportunity that allows multiple applications no more than once every 12 months. Its website lists opportunities across areas including education, arts and culture, aging, youth, and county endowments.
Ready to take the next step with Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s general service area comprises Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties in upstate New York. Its eligibility information says grants generally support charitable activity in this eight-county area; public-sector entities are also eligible. In 2025, 98% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in New York and 2% to recipients in Washington, D.C.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 27 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $828K (2023) to $1.9M (2025). In 2025 it made 27 grants totaling $1.9M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Pathstone Corporation ($1.1M). Together the top 10 received $1.6M.
Grant Size Distribution
100 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 83 grants of 100 (83%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pathstone Corporation Rochester, NY | Environment | $1,109,265 |
| Encompass Resources for Learning Rochester, NY | K - 12 Education | $164,583 |
| Children's Institute Inc Rochester, NY | Child/Youth Dev | $54,522 |
| Rochester Ecology Partners Rochester, NY | Environment | $47,000 |
| Agape Haven of Abundance Rochester, NY | Fam. Stability | $41,200 |
| Urban Institute Washington, DC | Socl SCI Research | $36,881 |
| Action for a Better Community Rochester, NY | Human Serv/Genl | $32,350 |
| Horizons at Harley Rochester, NY | For General Support | $30,600 |
| Allendale Columbia School Rochester, NY | K - 12 Education | $28,440 |
| City of Rochester Treasury Dept Rochester, NY | Society Benefit | $27,500 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Reported filing-year figures:
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,493,301 | $2,756,360 | $3,146,442 | $1,938,465 | 27 |
| 2024 | $2,048,465 | $2,444,586 | $2,413,800 | $1,256,703 | 18 |
| 2023 | $1,761,637 | $1,936,576 | $1,773,800 | $827,872 | 17 |
Separately, the Foundation’s website reports $742 million in charitable assets and $542 million in permanently endowed assets.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,493,301 | $2,048,465 | $1,761,637 |
| Revenue | $2,756,360 | $2,444,586 | $1,936,576 |
| Expenses | $3,146,442 | $2,413,800 | $1,773,800 |
| Net Investment Income | $70,697 | $48,121 | $33,840 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS December 7, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS January 31, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 3, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS January 24, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS January 16, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS January 21, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The Foundation’s website identifies Simeon Ban as president and CEO. Officers and directors listed on the 2025 filing include David R. Ferris, chair; Adam P. Anolik, treasurer; and Flor M. Colon, secretary. Other listed members are Abigail J. Bennett, R. Scott Burdett, David P. Veniskey, Mark A. Eidlin, Ann H. McMullen, and Richard J. Riedman; Carolyn G. Nussbaum is listed as counsel.
Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc is led by Simeon Banister, President & CEO since 2024 (on filings since 2023); 2 of 22 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Simeon Banister
President & CEO
Vice President & CEO → President & CEO, 2024
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Megan Norris
Executive Director & Act Rochester
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$107K (2024) → $115K (2025)
Raegena Lawrence
Executive Director & Grasa
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$114K (2025)
David R. Ferris Esq.
Chair
Counsel → Member, 2023
Member → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amy S. Vars CPA
Senior Vice President & CFO
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Carolyn G. Nussbaum Esq.
Counsel
Member → Secretary, 2021
Secretary → Counsel, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David P. Veniskey CPA
Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard J. Riedman
Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Arline L. Bayo Santiago Esq.
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Francis J. Clement
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mollene B. Benison CPA
Member
Treasurer → Member, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
R. Scott Burdett
Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark A. Eidlin
Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Abigail J. Bennett
Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Flor M. Colon
Secretary
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Abigail A. Reinhard
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Adam P. Anolik
Treasurer
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ann H. McMullen
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James H. Norman
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William Valenti
Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patrick Cunningham
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Todd Butler
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (10)
- Former: Thomas S. Richards (2020–2024) — Member
- Former: Jennifer Leonard (2020–2023) — Vice President & CEO
- Former: Michelle A. Hutchinson Esq. (2020–2023) — Member
- Former: Ann Johnson (2020–2022) — Act Rochester Executive Di
- Former: Elizabeth A. Thorley Cfp Clu (2020–2022) — Member
- Former: Lori Van Dusen (2020–2022) — Member
- Former: Robert D. Baden (2020–2022) — Member
- Former: Carol H. Adams (2020–2021) — Member
- Former: Kim Vangelder (2020–2021) — Member
- Former: David A. Still (2020) — Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $115K, to Megan Norris (Executive Director, Act Rochester). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 500 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 271-4100
Website: https://racf.org
Frequently asked questions about Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc
How much does Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc give each year?
Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc gave $1.9M across 27 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.3M across 18 grants.
What is Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc's typical grant size?
Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc's median grant in 2025 was $25,000, and its average grant was $71,795, across 27 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc that year got $35K on average.
Where does Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc give grants?
Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc gives mostly in New York: 98% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Rochester, NY (25 grants).
Does Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 15% of Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (4 of 27) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Child/Youth Dev" (4 grants).
Who are Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc's largest grantees?
Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Pathstone Corporation ($1,109,265), Encompass Resources for Learning ($164,583) and Children's Institute Inc ($54,522), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 69% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc?
Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc reported $1.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.8M.
What does Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to cultivate “a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.” Its strategic grantmaking areas are Upward Mobility, Arts, Culture & Narrative, and Environmental Justice & Sustainability. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc?
Review the available opportunities and their eligibility requirements, then apply through the online grant portal. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc's EIN?
Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 80-0024332. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Rochester Area Community Foundation Initiatives Inc by hand.
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