Rochester Area Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life in the greater Rochester region by evaluating and addressing community issues, promoting effective philanthropy, and connecting donors to the critical needs of the community. With your help, we want to lead, inspire and support positive, enduring community change through our grantmaking and leadership activities. OUR GRANTMAKING The Community Foundation promotes two broad grantmaking goals that align with our vision for community change: Creating an Equitable Community and Strengthening our Region's Vitality. Under the equity goal, we work toward: --Closing the academic achievement and opportunity gap;--Fostering racial and ethnic understanding ; and--Partnering against poverty.Under the vitality goal, we focus on:--Supporting arts and culture;--Preserving historical assets; and--Promoting successful aging.In 2017-18, the Community Foundation awarded $28.9 million in grants and scholarships. We have distributed $454 million since we were founded in 1972. We maintain rigorous standards for effective grantmaking, and are confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. OUR UPCOMING EVENTSSeptember 20, 2018: Philanthropy Awards and Annual Report to the Community Luncheon Every year since 1991, Philanthropy Award recipients have been recognized for their creative and effective giving that inspires others while strengthening the communities in greater Rochester's eight counties. RSVP to attend this year's event at www.racf.org/Luncheon. Read more about past honorees at www.racf.org/Awards.