|
441 Ministries Strengthens Community Through Tenant Support
Over the past 18 months, a Call for Ideas Responsive Grant from the Health Foundation empowered 441 Ministries, a Christian nonprofit focused on neighborhood development, to expand tenant support in Rochester’s Beechwood neighborhood.
With grant funding, the organization was able to expand the hours of the part-time Property Manager, allowing him to dedicate 10 hours per week to building stronger tenant relationships, improving access to vital resources, and supporting financial literacy and workforce development. Monthly tenant meetings, guest speakers, and social determinants of health (SDOH) surveys helped shape responsive, community-driven programming.
| |
The results have been impactful:
- 65% tenant participation in meetings
- Job placements and financial assistance provided
- Improved tenant well-being through discussions on health, safety, and finances
- A Rent Forgiveness Program that offered financial relief
- Expanded services through partnerships with local organizations
| |
While challenges like financial insecurity, mental health, and long-term self-sufficiency remain, 441 Ministries is committed to deepening its efforts. Plans include expanding financial literacy initiatives, refining data collection, and finding new ways to involve tenants in lasting solutions. All grant-supported programs will continue to operate moving forward.
Beyond direct program support, the grant also helped 441 Ministries leverage $86,488 in additional funding for housing upgrades, safety improvements, and energy efficiency.
We are proud to have supported 441 Ministries in their work via our Call for Ideas Responsive Grantmaking, which is now open to local nonprofits. Click here to learn more about this funding opportunity!
| | |
Empowering Women at Every Stage: Celebrating Emerging Leaders & Changemakers in Rochester
We were excited to celebrate the graduates of the Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley's Immersive Grant Writing Program at Rochester City Hall last month!
Designed to advance equity in philanthropy for women of color leading local nonprofits, this second cohort helped bring the program’s total impact to $500,000 in secured funding. Program Officer Rachel Betts shared inspiring remarks, highlighting the program’s focus on community, compassion, and lasting change. The Health Foundation was honored to support this effort!
| | |
Related: In partnership with the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship, Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley hosted Girls Professional Development Day earlier this month, bringing together 30 young women from across Greater Rochester for a transformative day of learning, mentorship, and empowerment. Program officer Rachel Betts was proud to participate as a mentor during the event!
Learn more about the Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley here.
| | |
Rochester Deaf Kitchen Honored for Transforming Access & Equity in the Deaf Community
We are thrilled to celebrate our incredible grantee partners at Rochester Deaf Kitchen, recently honored with the Social Impact Award at the University of Rochester Presidential Awards for Inclusive Excellence!
This well-deserved recognition highlights their pioneering efforts to combat food insecurity in the local Deaf community, made possible by the dedication of University of Rochester faculty and staff who have been vital to RDK’s success. We’re proud to stand alongside RDK as they continue to drive transformative change!
Yet even as Rochester Deaf Kitchen is celebrated for their impact, they face devastating USDA food supply cuts that threaten their ability to feed the Deaf community. Visit their website here to donate, share, and stand with RDK in this critical fight against food insecurity — every action matters.
| | |
Our 2025 Call for Ideas Funding Opportunity is Now Open!
We're accepting proposals for our 2025 Call for Ideas funding opportunity now through 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 13. Non-profit organizations and entities in our nine-county region may submit proposals for funding consideration with a maximum request of $75,000, up to 18-months.
We're seeking proposals for community-centered health equity initiatives that share power, address systemic inequities, and benefit historically impacted groups, with funding available for various activities such as programs, general operating expenses, salaries/stipends, or advocacy efforts. Recognizing the shifting nonprofit and funding landscape, the Health Foundation will stay flexible to align resources with our health equity mission and community needs.
Visit our Call for Ideas webpage for full details and helpful resources, linked in the button below.
| |
Partner with Us to Strengthen the Financial Health of Our Grantee Partners
We believe that strong, sustainable nonprofits are essential to a thriving community. That’s why we’re seeking a consultant or firm through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to help strengthen the financial health of our grantee partners.
We’re looking for a consultant who brings both expertise and heart — with experience in nonprofit accounting, financial planning, and training to offer both group learning and personalized support, tailored to each organization’s unique needs.
If you're passionate about supporting nonprofits in growing their impact and achieving long-term sustainability, we’d love to connect with you! Submissions are due by 4 p.m., Monday, May 5. Click on the button below to access the RFQ for Financial Services Consultant.
| Health Foundation Staff Attend PEAK2025 Conference in New Orleans | |
VP & CFO Justin Rand and Finance and Grants Manager Kristin Verbanic are back from PEAK Grantmaking's 2025 Conference, the premier annual conference for grantmaking professionals who celebrated this year’s theme: “Onward: Leading with Courage.” The gathering brought together more than 1,300 changemakers to reimagine what’s possible in philanthropy. This was an incredible opportunity to explore bold ideas, share practical strategies, and advance equity-centered, effective grantmaking.
Colleagues from around the world connected through inspiring keynotes, skill-building workshops, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen their practice, amplify impact and be courageous in their work. It also gave the community a space to meet with their local chapters for a more intimate chance to collaborate and connect on how they prioritize tying practices to values (Shoutout PEAK Northeast)!
Justin and Kristin came back motivated and grateful for the powerful conversations that took place around trust, transparency, and advancing equitable practices.
| |
Empowering Health: Jordan Health Diabetes Awareness Event a Success!
At Rochester’s "Wake Up Call" clinic for Diabetes Alert Day, Dr. Linda Clark, CEO and President of Jordan Health, and Greater Rochester Health Foundation Board Member, emphasized the power of education and practical tools for managing diabetes. The March 26 event was held at Rochester City Hall and offered healthy tastings, chair yoga, and clinical resources to help the community prevent and manage the disease.
Dr. Clark, emphasized the importance of continuous education and practical tools in managing diabetes. "You can't hear something once and understand, so we have to talk about it over and over - then give solid tools," said Dr. Clark. "It's not, 'here's depressing news,' it's 'here's what you can do to prevent this in your life, or manage if you have it.'"
Access the 13 WHAM news story here.
| |
GOW CARES Alliance Rallies Community for Holistic Health
The GOW CARES Alliance, co-chaired by Greater Rochester Health Foundation Board Member Paul Pettit, held its first major post-pandemic meeting on April 2, uniting nearly 90 community members to address substance use, mental health, trauma, and suicide prevention in Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.
Pettit, public health director of Genesee & Orleans County Health Departments, emphasized the importance of collective action and tools like the GO Health dashboard to connect people with vital services. The event ended on a high note with a "Recovery Fashion Show," celebrating powerful stories of recovery and hope. Access a news report here to learn more.
| |
Resource Alert: Emergency Funds Bring Hope to Nonprofits Facing Federal Cuts
We’re committed to supporting our partners with tools and guidance during these changing times. As federal funding for nonprofits decreases, new rapid-response funds are emerging, led by intermediaries like Borealis Philanthropy. With support from major funders, Borealis is preparing to launch the SAFE initiative, offering grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to strengthen security, legal resources, and cyber defenses for nonprofits -- with other funders following suit. Read more here.
We'll share more details on this and other opportunity on our resource page, linked in the button below.
| | |
The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester Hosts Northeast Child Abuse Conference During Child Abuse Prevention Month
The Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester's Northeast Child Abuse Conference is set for Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24.
The Northeast Child Abuse Conference is the region’s premier training event for professionals working with children, including social workers, law enforcement, and medical experts. Featuring national and regional experts, it offers workshops on the prevention, treatment, and investigation of child abuse to promote collaboration in child protection.
Greater Rochester Health Foundation is proud to sponsor this important learning opportunity! Find out more and register here.
| |
Register Now for Common Ground Health's Speak Life Conference
Save the date for the 2025 Speak Life Conference, set for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 24. Organized by Common Ground Health’s Health Coalitions, including the African American, Indigenous, Latino, and New American Health groups, "Generational Resilience: Honoring Our Ancestors, Celebrating Today, Creating Hope for Tomorrow," will explore the health impacts of racism, how communities have overcome systemic barriers, and culturally-specific approaches to healing.
Greater Rochester Health Foundation is proud to sponsor this engaging event! Register here.
| | 2025 Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference: Addressing Complexities and Gaps in Care | | |
The Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking is hosting a free, virtual day of learning from 9.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14.
Join critical discussions on human trafficking, service gaps, and justice pathways with keynote speakers Jayne Bigelson (NOW NYC) and Melanie Thompson (Coalition Against Trafficking in Women). Engage in expert-led breakout sessions and a powerful survivor panel. CEUs are offered for social workers and registered nurses. Expand your understanding of systemic challenges and survivor-centered solutions.
Learn more and register here. The Health Foundation is proud to sponsor this important learning opportunity!
| | GRANT OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES | | |
NEW: Our 2025 Call for Ideas funding opportunity is now open! The Health Foundation invites non-profit organizations and entities in our nine-county region to submit proposals for funding consideration. This opportunity supports initiatives with a maximum request of $75,000, up to 18-months. We're accepting proposals through 4 p.m., May 13. Click here to learn more.
| |
Did you know that Causewave Community Partners is available to help small and mid-sized nonprofit organizations secure the funding to increase community impact? Learn more about the Grants Capacity Building Initiative offering free grant-writing support here. The Health Foundation is proud to support this important initiative along with our friends at Rochester Area Community Foundation.
| | |
NEW: The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is accepting Letters of Inquiry (LOI) through April 24 for its 2025 grant cycle. Eligible organizations committed to advancing the health and well-being of vulnerable New Yorkers are encouraged to apply through one of our five programs: Access to Healthcare, Basic Needs, Healthcare Workforce, Mental and Behavioral Health, and the General Fund. Click here to learn more and submit your LOI through the program that best aligns with your mission.
| | |
Grant applications are open for Fordham University’s Flourishing in Community initiative, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Inflation Reduction Act. This landmark program will distribute $40 million to support community-led environmental justice projects across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight federally recognized Indian nations. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply here.
| | |
Tribal Health Program Support Technical assistance and training for tribes that provides public health information, advocacy tools, policy analysis, and health promotion and disease prevention programming with the goal of elevating the health status of tribal citizens. Geographic coverage: Nationwide; Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Sponsor: United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc.
| | Greater Rochester Health Foundation is proud to sponsor the following events happening across our region! | | | | |
