Charities in Rochester, NY

Established in 1994, the Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley emerged from a vision to create lasting social change by managing a permanent endowment invested in programs benefiting women and girls across the Greater Rochester area. The Foundation amplifies the voices of all women and girls in the region and works to break down barriers to success through community-driven philanthropy and transformative partnerships. What distinguishes WFGV is its foundation in volunteer leadership—local women from the Rochester community serve as the driving force, raising, managing, and distributing funds to ensure resources reflect authentic community needs and priorities. The organization's mission centers on economic empowerment, recognizing that when women thrive, entire communities prosper. Operating at the intersection of education, empowerment, and economic equity, the Foundation serves women facing systemic poverty and barriers to opportunity. In Rochester, nearly 78% of female heads of household with children under 18 live below the self-sufficiency standard, underscoring the critical need for WFGV's work. The Foundation demonstrates deep commitment to inclusion, believing that girls with intellectual disabilities can thrive and deserve programs that recognize their potential without limits. Over nearly three decades, the Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley has awarded grants to more than 100 organizations, supporting approximately 20,000 women and girls yearly. The organization's volunteer network and community partnerships create a network of support that equips women with tools, skills, and access to opportunities for lasting financial independence. This Rochester-based foundation represents a grassroots approach to philanthropy, where community women lead the way in creating meaningful, measurable change for their neighbors.

Founded in the mid-20th century, the Italian Heritage Foundation of Rochester, NY emerged from a powerful vision of six prominent Italian Americans who recognized the need to challenge prevailing social perceptions and demonstrate the value of Italian American contributions to their community. Rooted in a commitment to social justice and community welfare, the Foundation was established to create awareness that Italian Americans were deeply capable of serving those in need and making positive differences in society. What began as a crusade to change perceptions has evolved into a meaningful charitable organization serving the Rochester, New York community with tangible impact. The Foundation's mission centers on helping students succeed academically by eliminating financial obstacles that might otherwise prevent them from reaching their full potential. Operating as a New York State Not-for-Profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status, the Italian Heritage Foundation of Rochester represents decades of dedication to educational opportunity and community empowerment. The organization honors its historical legacy while focusing on contemporary needs, believing that education is a transformative force capable of breaking cycles of disadvantage. Today, the Foundation continues to embody the original vision of its founders—demonstrating through action that community members are indeed capable of doing good for those less fortunate, one student's educational journey at a time.

Founded in 1962, the Rochester Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. represents over six decades of commitment to nurturing African American youth in Rochester, NY. The organization emerged from the vision of local mothers who recognized the value of structured peer support and developmental opportunities for their children, building on the success of Jack and Jill chapters in other communities. Today, the Rochester chapter continues this legacy as a membership organization of mothers dedicated to strengthening children ages 2-19 through meaningful relationships and shared purpose. What distinguishes Jack and Jill in Rochester is its focus on the whole child—combining leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and civic duty into an integrated approach to youth formation. Members become part of a caring community where mothers support one another while their children develop alongside peers who share similar backgrounds and aspirations. The chapter's emphasis on civic duty and community service reflects a deep belief that young people thrive when they understand their connection to something larger than themselves. By participating in volunteer initiatives and philanthropic activities, children in the Rochester community learn that leadership is inseparable from service. The organization's multi-generational approach—with mothers actively involved in their children's development—creates an environment of accountability, mentorship, and mutual growth. For families in Rochester, NY, Jack and Jill offers more than programming; it provides a supportive community rooted in shared values and a proven track record of helping young people become thoughtful, engaged citizens.