Rochester Women's Giving Circle Grant Program

The Rochester Women's Giving Circle Grant Program supports women and girls in Monroe County on their journey to economic independence. By pooling resources, members fund programs that provide education, training, and job readiness skills. Grants, typically up to $25,000, are awarded to charitable organizations that align with the Circle's mission, focusing on sustainable self-sufficiency rather than crisis intervention. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and directly serve the target demographic.

Purpose
The Rochester Women’s Giving Circle (RWGC) is a community of philanthropic women who combine their financial resources to support area women and girls on the journey to economic independence. Member donations fund annual grants to programs in the greater Rochester area that help women and girls gain the education, training, skills, and jobs necessary to gain economic independence. Members determine how the money will be distributed.
The Rochester Women’s Giving Circle is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in Monroe County.
RWGC Funding Guidelines
The RWGC considers and funds programs for women who are not in crisis and have taken action to stabilize their lives and the lives of their children, and are on the path to achieving economic independence. Programs that serve males and females are eligible as long as RWGC funds are directed to the women and/or girls in the program.
The RWGC seeks to support programs that provide the following:
Education and training;Money management and financial literacy skills;Life skills and job-readiness skills;Leadership opportunities for women and girls;Mentoring programs for girls; andPrograms that put women to work.

Eligibility

Charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status whose activities and programs fit within the mission and scope of RWGC’s funding guidelines are eligible to apply. Organizations must be located in and serve women and girls in Monroe County.

Ineligibility

The RWGC does not fund the following:Private foundationsPolitical organizations and activitiesCapital campaigns and endowmentsBuilding improvements, furniture, fixtures, or equipmentIndividuals and scholarshipsPrograms requiring religious affiliation or membershipEvent sponsorshipInformation on RWGC's grant process can be found at www.therwgc.org.