Many times we are asked what the Rochester Area Foundation does. An even more basic question is what is a community foundation? A community foundation is a grant making public nonprofit that exists to meet the needs of the community is serves. This is reflected in the community grants that we award, the academic scholarships provided to students, the charitable funds that we host, our affordable c
ommunity land trust homes, and the ability to make it easy for everyone to become a philanthropist. There are many benefits to our local community foundation! We are your local experts in the nonprofit community. The ongoing interactions that the Rochester Area Foundation team has with our area nonprofits gives us an extensive knowledge base and deep understanding of where the work is being done to improve various aspects within our community. We act as a convener regularly, hosting programs, learning opportunities, and access to community experts that provide knowledge and insight on pressing issues that we are facing. This drives conversation and initiatives that create solutions. We have the stability and permanence proven by our rich 77 year history in this community, administering over 430 charitable funds, many which are endowed to leave a legacy and provide support to nonprofits in perpetuity. We also understand that the work we accomplish is done through thoughtful partnerships and collaboration. We engage our fundholders, our donors, and our community leaders and governmental entities to ensure that we create a positive impact. The Rochester Area Foundation has deep roots within our area and will continue to strive to help our region prosper and grow, engaging our community in philanthropy to build better communities for all. Our History:
Rochester Area Foundation's genesis starts with the vision of the late Harry J. Harwick, chairman of the Mayo Foundation from 1939 to 1958. He suggested that a study group be formed in 1942 to determine whether a community foundation would work in Rochester. A special committee of the Rochester Community Chest was appointed on Oct. 23, 1942, to investigate the feasibility of a community foundation in the city of Rochester. On May 11, 1944, the committee of the community chest recommended to its president and board of directors that a community foundation be formed as quickly as possible. In December 1944, the Rochester Community Foundation was born. In 1948, the Foundation made its first grant for $5,000 to assist with the development of a Girl Scout camp. In 1949, the Foundation received its first major bequest from Jennie E. The Jennie Mo trust of $59,410 was dedicated to assisting blind persons and later was expanded to include organizations aiding persons with eye ailments and otherwise handicapped persons. With careful investment through the years, that fund has paid out several times the original investment in total grants to benefit our community. In 1961, the Foundation changed its name to the Rochester Foundation. The name changed again in 1978 to the Rochester Area Foundation, to reflect a wider area that the foundation was serving. In the same year, the Foundation gave its first area grant - $1,000 to the Chatfield Brass Band. In 1978, Isabel Huizenga was named the Chair of the Board of Trustess. She was the first woman to hold the position. In 1989, the first Donor Advised Fund was opened. In 1993, RAF trustees decided to pursue a challenge grant to help attract new endowment gifts. In October, the Bush Foundation awarded RAFโs first ever endowment challenge grant, increasing its assets to $10.5 million by 1997. In 2000, the First Homes program was established in collaboration with the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce in an effort to alleviate a severe shortage of affordable housing. Mayo Clinic provided a major gift in support of First Homes. In 2013, weGive365 is created as a way to engage the community in philanthropy. For only $1 a day, members have their dollars pooled together and vote annually to determine grant awards. In 2015, RAF moved into its permanent home on Broadway and Elton Hills Drive. The new building offers community rental and meeting space and a nonprofit incubator in addition to office space. In 2017, The Coalition for Rochester Area Housing is formed in partnership with the City of Rochester, Olmsted County, and Mayo Clinic to create and preserve workforce housing.
