Discover Non-Government Organizations in Rochester, NY dedicated to supporting and empowering your community. Our directory features organizations committed to addressing the unique needs and challenges of the community through advocacy, programs, and services.
PFLAG Rochester serves the Rochester, NY community as part of a historic movement that has supported LGBTQ+ families and allies for decades. As a chapter of the first and largest organization dedicated to this cause, PFLAG Rochester brings together parents, families, friends, and LGBTQ+ individuals who believe in the power of love and acceptance. The chapter is rooted in the understanding that families united with LGBTQ+ people are stronger when they support one another with compassion and authenticity.
The organization's mission extends beyond individual support to community education and systemic advocacy. PFLAG Rochester members work together to speak up as advocates, challenging misconceptions and fighting for policies that protect and affirm LGBTQ+ people. The chapter recognizes that LGBTQ+ youth today face unprecedented challenges, from efforts to censor classroom materials to restrictions on healthcare access, and PFLAG Rochester stands as a beacon of hope and resistance in the Rochester area.
What makes PFLAG Rochester unique is its intergenerational approach—bringing together families across different life stages and experiences, all united by a commitment to respect, value, and affirm LGBTQ+ identities. The chapter operates with accountability and transparency, holding itself and its members responsible for creating truly inclusive spaces. By joining PFLAG Rochester, individuals become part of a larger movement of 250,000 members and supporters nationwide who envision and actively work toward a world where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved.
Since its establishment in 1969, the Filipino-American Association of Rochester has been a cornerstone of cultural preservation and community building in Rochester, NY. FAAR serves as an inclusive forum where Filipinos, Filipino-Americans, and people from all walks of life gather to celebrate heritage, share perspectives, and strengthen bonds within the Greater Rochester area. As a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious organization, FAAR operates with a clear mission: to advance Filipino cultural heritage while providing educational and charitable support to the community. The organization's goals reflect a deep commitment to ethnic identity preservation through the arts, participation in local cultural exhibitions, and educational workshops open to all community members. FAAR takes pride in offering educational assistance to deserving Filipino-American students and fostering effective communication between members and various community groups. By organizing cultural events, raising funds for charitable causes, and celebrating the achievements of Filipino-Americans, FAAR strengthens relationships across diverse ethnic communities in Rochester. The organization's 50+ year legacy demonstrates its dedication to building a vibrant, connected community where cultural traditions are honored and new generations can maintain their heritage while contributing meaningfully to the broader Rochester community.
Founded on the vision of dedicated community leaders, the Italian American Community Center has been a cornerstone of Rochester, NY's cultural landscape since October 1997. This organization emerged from a grassroots movement that began with a monthly bilingual Italian-American newspaper, growing into the region's most comprehensive center for Italian American life. The Center's mission centers on strengthening family bonds, uplifting human services, and binding together the diverse historical traditions that define the Italian American experience. Serving the Rochester area, the Center honors the legacy of Italian immigration while creating meaningful spaces where community members can gather, celebrate, and support one another. Built through genuine cooperative effort, the facility reflects the values of unity and shared purpose that drive its work today. The organization is committed to sustaining social vitality and cultural vibrancy for Italian Americans of all generations, from children discovering their heritage to longtime community members passing traditions forward. By providing a welcoming environment for cultural celebration, family programming, and community service, the Italian American Community Center of the Greater Rochester Area continues to embody the spirit of connection and cultural pride that inspired its creation.
Founded in the 1980s by Rev. John Cavanaugh, CSB, and Bob Kelly, the Irish American Cultural Institute Rochester, NY Chapter has grown into a vibrant community organization committed to preserving and sharing Irish cultural heritage. The chapter continues the national IACI's mission—established by founder Eoin McKiernan in 1962—to foster appreciation for Ireland and the Irish American experience. Under the continued guidance of President Emeritus Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler, the Rochester chapter has become an integral part of the local cultural landscape, serving residents who value their Irish roots and broader Irish heritage. The organization's strong affiliation with St. John Fisher College reflects its commitment to academic excellence and cultural education within Rochester. The chapter's board of directors brings together dedicated volunteers who believe in honoring Irish-American history and making Irish culture accessible to all. As a federally recognized not-for-profit with The President of Ireland as its patron, the IACI Rochester Chapter represents a unique connection between the Rochester community and Ireland itself. The organization welcomes new members and volunteers interested in supporting Irish cultural programming, whether through event participation, board service, or other contributions. By serving the Rochester, NY area for over four decades, the Irish American Cultural Institute chapter has established itself as a trusted steward of Irish cultural traditions and community connection.
Rooted in a mission to preserve and celebrate Irish heritage, the Irish American Cultural Institute Rochester Chapter has served the Rochester, NY community since the 1980s. Founded by Rev. John Cavanaugh and Bob Kelly, the chapter was established by individuals who deeply believed in supporting and promoting Irish culture. Today, the organization continues this legacy under the guidance of its board of directors, building on decades of community engagement and cultural programming. The Rochester chapter is part of the national Irish American Cultural Institute, a prestigious organization with unique distinction as the only Irish American group to have The President of Ireland as its patron. This affiliation reflects the chapter's commitment to authenticity and excellence in cultural representation. The organization takes pride in its partnerships with local institutions and community groups, fostering a collaborative environment where Irish culture thrives. By hosting events at St. John Fisher College and working alongside organizations like the Irish Music Society and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the Rochester chapter creates spaces where community members can explore their heritage, learn about Irish history and arts, and connect with others who share a passion for Irish culture. Whether through educational programs, cultural celebrations, or community gatherings, the Irish American Cultural Institute Rochester Chapter remains dedicated to honoring Irish traditions while strengthening the bonds that connect Rochester's Irish American community.
Founded in 1969 by approximately 25 families with a shared vision, the Turkish Society of Rochester has grown into a vital nonprofit organization serving the cultural and community needs of Turkish Americans throughout Rochester, NY. What began as a simple gathering place during Turkish National and Religious Holidays has evolved into a multifaceted community institution that honors heritage while building lasting connections among members. The Turkish Society of Rochester recognizes that its members are part of a larger diaspora—one of over 750,000 Turkish Americans nationwide, with nearly 4,000 residing in the Rochester area—and remains committed to creating spaces where families can celebrate their identity together. TSOR operates as a member-driven organization, relying on the generosity and participation of its community to sustain programming and expand services. The organization welcomes new members and volunteers who share a passion for Turkish culture and community building. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Turkish Society of Rochester maintains transparency and accountability in its mission. The organization's enduring presence in Rochester, NY reflects its deep roots in the community and its dedication to preserving Turkish traditions while fostering meaningful relationships among families. By joining or supporting the Turkish Society of Rochester, individuals contribute to an institution that has served as a cultural anchor for over five decades.