John F. Wegman Fund Grant

John F. Wegman Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Rochester Area Community Foundation
Amount: US $1,500 - US $10,000
Last Updated: March 19, 2026

Summary

The John F. Wegman Fund, established in 1953, focuses on enhancing community welfare in Rochester and Monroe County. It supports innovative, small-scale programs aimed at improving the lives of older adults, youth, and labor relations through education. With a preference for one-time grants, the fund seeks to empower nonprofit organizations that address these critical community needs, ensuring impactful contributions to the region's quality of life.

Overview

Rochester Area Community Foundation Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking. Our Mission: We empower donors and community partners to strengthen our region through philanthropy. John F. Wegman Fund Purpose Concerns of older adults, character-building opportunities for youth, and improved labor/management relations through education or other means. Established in 1953 by John F. Wegman’s will, this fund addresses “charitable and philanthropic and educational purposes which will make for the welfare of the Rochester and Monroe County community … particularly giving assistance in the case of the aged, whether institutionalized or not, and to character building agencies … and in developing through educational work and otherwise, better relationships between capital and labor.” Since 1964, the John F. Wegman Fund has focused on “new or experimental programs for a limited period of time.” Membership of the committee established by the will includes members of the Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant faith communities, the United Way of Greater Rochester, and organized labor. The John F. Wegman Fund is not affiliated with the Wegmans stores or with the Wegman Family Charitable Foundation. Funding Criteria The John F. Wegman Fund has limited resources and looks for opportunities to provide small amounts of money that significantly impact community-based programs. Most awards are one-time grants for specific, participant-driven projects. The grant preference is for agencies, projects, and programs that are: Small scale Start-up Innovative (develop or adapt new strategies) Participant-driven (based on identified needs of beneficiaries) Examples of recent awards: Concerns for older adults: Funding to support affordable transportation for older adults to health-related appointments. Character-building opportunities for youth: Funding to empower at-risk youth through workplace skill development and educating students in a supportive, multi-sensory learning environment so that they all become successful learners. Improved labor/management relations: Funding the republishing of the book All These Years of Effort, to more accurately portray the history of Rochester’s central labor unions.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Monroe County, NY.

Ineligibility

The John F. Wegman Fund does not provide support for: Annual giving campaignsCapital buildingFellowshipsIndividualsOperating deficitsPolitical campaignsReligious activities The John F. Wegman Fund gives limited consideration to: Land acquisitionRenewable grantsStaff training