United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes is a public charity based in Rochester, New York. Founded in 1918, it mobilizes community resources and invests in nonprofit organizations, community initiatives, and strategies addressing local challenges.
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc at a glance
In short: United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc gave $18.1M across 329 grants in 2025 (avg $55K), mostly in New York. 18% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $18,057,710
- -5.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 329
- +22.8% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $54,887
- -22.8% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $14,866
- Total assets
- $183,174,930
- -0.0% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 18% first-time grantees (59 of 319, 2025)
- Primary geography
- New York (99% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc
- Review Cycle
- Community Responsiveness Fund applications are listed as open April 1–30, 2026.
- Deadline
- Community Responsiveness Fund applications are listed as open April 1–30, 2026.
- Contact
Mailing address: 75 College Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 242-6400
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was United Way of Greater Rochester ($872K). Together the top 10 received $6.1M.
Grant Size Distribution
1,716 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,292 grants of 1,716 (75%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The organization identifies its service region as Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. In 2025, 99% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 329 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc open to new grantees?
18%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 59 of 319 grantees (18%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $15K; repeat grants $66K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $18K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2021–2025). 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 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $18.1M (2025) to $28.3M (2021). In 2025 it made 329 grants totaling $18.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| United Way of Greater Rochester Rochester, NY | Agency Allocation | $871,769 |
| YMCA of Greater Rochester Rochester, NY | Allocation, Roc the Day, Grant | $750,804 |
| Community Place of Rochester Rochester, NY | Allocation, Roc the Day | $655,460 |
| Hillside Rochester, NY | Allocation, Roc the Day | $631,262 |
| Catholic Family Center Rochester, NY | Allocation, Roc the Day | $599,318 |
| Lifespan Rochester, NY | Allocation, Donor Designation, Roc the Day, Grant | $583,556 |
| Salvation Army Rochester, NY | Allocation, Donor Designation, Grant | $564,122 |
| Center for Youth Services Rochester, NY | Allocation, Roc the Day | $548,961 |
| Baden Street Settlement of Rochester Inc Rochester, NY | Allocation, Donor Designation, Roc the Day | $501,322 |
| Charles Settlement House Inc Rochester, NY | Allocation, Roc the Day, Grant | $443,070 |
Ready to take the next step with United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The filing identifies the organization as a public charity filing Form 990.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $183,174,930 | $31,752,740 | $35,882,253 | $18,057,710 | 329 | $5,027,339 |
| 2024 | $183,199,138 | $34,619,652 | $38,110,215 | $19,053,846 | 268 | $7,488,773 |
| 2023 | $175,130,559 | $31,306,632 | $44,522,537 | $20,235,793 | 317 | $2,891,539 |
| 2022 | $189,540,443 | $45,112,374 | $43,290,784 | $24,439,940 | 373 | $11,157,376 |
| 2021 | $196,725,346 | $71,376,155 | $44,656,900 | $28,327,274 | 429 | $13,192,634 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s mission is to mobilize the goodwill and resources of the community so that everyone can thrive. It says it works to advance health, youth opportunities, and financial security, while supporting community resilience and efforts to meet urgent needs.
Its grants support health and human service nonprofits, including programs and organizational capacity-building efforts. The grantees’ stated missions illustrate the range of organizations supported: Baden Street Settlement works to improve quality of life for neighborhood residents and address poverty; Charles Settlement House provides coordinated human services and works to improve neighborhoods; Goodwill of the Finger Lakes helps people facing barriers to independence become self-sufficient; and Foodlink uses food to address hunger and build healthier communities.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the organization reported 329 grants totaling $18,057,710. Grant amounts ranged from $5,001 to $871,769, with a median of $14,866. Listed recipients include the YMCA of Greater Rochester ($750,804), Community Place of Rochester ($655,460), Hillside ($631,262), Catholic Family Center ($599,318), and Lifespan ($583,556). Purposes included agency allocations, donor designations, ROC the Day, and grants.
Current opportunities described by the organization include multi-year program grants, capacity-building grants, innovation grants, and rapid-response grants. The Creating Synergy for a Stronger Future Grant supports one-time, time-limited investments in internal operations, systems, governance, workforce structure, or long-term sustainability; requests primarily for expanding direct services, adding program staff, increasing enrollment, or ongoing program delivery are ineligible. Eligible applicants for that grant are 501(c)(3) health and human service nonprofits in Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, or Wyoming County that meet the stated state registration, filing, and partnership agreement requirements. Applications for the Community Impact Multi-Year Program Grant open in early 2027. The Community Responsiveness Fund offers one-time grants of $50,000 to $200,000 to eligible health and human service nonprofits responding to disruptions, increased demand, or administrative burdens tied to public funding or policy changes.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Rufus Judson as chair and Dr. Mona Chitre as secretary. Listed board members are Jean Ellefson, Joe Wesley, Faheem Masood, Dr. Kevin Williams, Dr. Robert Mayo, Edward White, Dr. Heidi MacPherson, and Deborah Stendardi.
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc is led by Jaime Saunders, President & CEO on every filing since 2021; 10 of 42 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Jaime Saunders
President & CEO
On filings since 2021
38 hrs/week
$281K (2021) → $366K (2025)
Laura Gustin
Executive Director & Togeth
Director of Monroe County Syst → Executive Director & Togethernow, 2023
Executive Director & Togethernow → Executive Director & Togeth, 2025
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$125K (2021) → $151K (2025)
Aqua Porter
Executive Director & Rmapi
Rmapi Executive Director → Executive Director & Rmapi, 2023
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$125K (2022) → $139K (2025)
Rufus Judson
Chair
Board Member → Chair Elect, 2022
Chair Elect → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Laurie Ganon
Chief Financial Officer
On filings since 2021
35 hrs/week
$185K (2021) → $222K (2025)
Angela Brown
Senior Project Manager
Senior Project Manager & Togethernow → Senior Project Manager, 2025
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$107K (2024) → $111K (2025)
Nikisha Johnson
Assistant Director & Togeth
Assistant Director & Togethernow → Assistant Director & Togeth, 2025
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$124K (2024) → $140K (2025)
Teresa O'Loughlin Bianchi
Chief Development Officer
On filings since 2024
40 hrs/week
$133K (2024) → $137K (2025)
Dina Vazzana
Chief Operating Officer
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$51K (2025)
Jean Rollins
Chief People & Culture Officer
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$120K (2025)
Syed Ahmad
Chief Information & Technology Officer
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$187K (2025)
Deborah Stendardi
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Donald Culeton
Vice Chair & Regional Group
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Edward White
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Faheem Masood
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Heidi Macpherson
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jean Ellefson
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joe Wesley
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Williams
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lauren Dixon
Vice Chair
Chair → Immediate Past Chair, 2022
Immediate Past Chair → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Laurie Zaucha
Immediate Past Chair
Chair Elect → Chair, 2022
Chair → Immediate Past Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mary O'Connell
Vice Chair & Audit
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Matthew Cole
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Matthew Parrilli
Treasurer
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Melisza Campos
Chair Elect
Board Member → Chair Elect, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mona Chitre
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Naomi Silver
Vice Chair & Governance
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Peter J. Robinson
Vice Chair
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert Mayo
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tim Thaney
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Vincent Yacuzzo
Board Member
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Beth Talia
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Deanna Burt-Nanna
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shelly Clements
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephanie Schaeffer
Board Member
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chetna Chandrakala
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eric Logan
Vice Chair & Governance
Board Member → Vice Chair & Governance, 2025
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ryan Pettinella
Board Member
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Aebli
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lauren Gallina Payne
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shaun Nelms
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ted Jordan
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (18)
- Former: Carrie Andrews (2021–2024) — Vice Chair & Labor
- Former: Dolores Kruchten (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Fran Weisberg (2021–2023) — Former President & CEO
- Former: George Grobe (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Jennifer Cathy (2021–2023) — Chief Impact Officer
- Former: Lawana Jones (2023) — Former Chief Operating Officer
- Former: Selma Miles (2023) — Chief Technology Officer
- Former: Barbara Pierce (2021–2022) — Chief Development Officer
- Former: Cicely Strickland-Ruiz (2021–2022) — Chief Operating Officer
- Former: Daniel Burns (2021–2022) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: David L. Fiedler (2021–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Donna Shultz (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Emerson Fullwood (2021–2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Fabricio Morales (2021–2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: John P. Pusloskie (2021–2022) — Vice Chair & Labor
- Former: Maria Thomas Fisher (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Mark Siwiec (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Peter Carpino (2021) — Former President & CEO
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "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 $366K, to Jaime Saunders (President and CEO). 10 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc
How much does United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc give each year?
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc gave $18.1M across 329 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $19.1M across 268 grants.
What is United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc's typical grant size?
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc's median grant in 2025 was $14,866, and its average grant was $54,887, across 329 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc that year got $15K on average.
Where does United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc give grants?
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc gives mostly in New York: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Rochester, NY (209 grants), Canandaigua, NY (13 grants), Geneva, NY (8 grants) and Webster, NY (7 grants).
Does United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 329 grants with a stated purpose on United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Agency Allocation" (94 grants), "Donor Designation, Roc the Day" (83 grants) and "Donor Designation" (39 grants).
Who are United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc's largest grantees?
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc's largest 2025 grantees include United Way of Greater Rochester ($871,769), YMCA of Greater Rochester ($750,804) and Community Place of Rochester ($655,460), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 13% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc?
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc reported $183.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $31.8M.
What does United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc fund?
The organization’s mission is to mobilize the goodwill and resources of the community so that everyone can thrive. It says it works to advance health, youth opportunities, and financial security, while supporting community resilience and efforts to meet urgent needs. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc?
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc's EIN?
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 16-1015782. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 4, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 18, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 17, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 30, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS October 23, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-greater-rochester-and-the-finger-lakes-inc-morg_0bf50b002a4444c38da636e919b0060d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_161015782_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/united-way-of-greater-rochester-and-the-finger-lakes-inc-morg_0bf50b002a4444c38da636e919b0060d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. 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 United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc'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.
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?