African American Giving Initiative Grants

Overview

_NOTE: A call for proposals is expected in late December 2024 or early January 2025_**
African American Giving Initiative-**Who We Are

Established in 2011, this initiative is focused on creating an endowment fund with broad community support and to provide grantmaking for needs that are specific to the African American community in the greater Rochester region. Members are committed to making a positive change in problem areas experienced most strongly within the African American community.

The group’s goal is to raise $1 million to create a permanent endowment that will grow and respond to the future needs and aspirations of Rochester’s Black community — forever. Members’ gifts to the African American Giving Initiative Fund will be designated for two purposes — half for grantmaking that year and half to help build the endowment.

All contributors decide together how to best distribute the charitable dollars raised, taking full advantage of the power of giving together. We encourage giving to the Initiative from anyone who believes that a community is only as healthy as each person’s neighbor.

Purpose

The focus of the African American Giving Initiative is to build on the assets and address the challenges experienced most strongly within the African American community. Through its annual grantmaking, the Giving Initiative supports projects and programs that positively impact or directly reduce an identified disparity in the African American community and lead to systemic change. Collaboration with partners and/or the ability to replicate program achievements are also key components of a successful application.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* Organizations in Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties with 501(c)(3) status that are actively working to reduce disparities that affect the African American community.
* Consideration also be given to initiatives that receive fiscal sponsorship from a 501(c)(3) organization.

Ineligibility

* The Community Foundation’s competitive grants program generally does not fund special events, fundraising campaigns, religious activities, endowments, buildings (except for historical assets), or debt retirement.