Community Foundation of Greater Rochester

08/27/2026

Every year at the Tailgate Party, the Community Foundation announces the recipients of the Community Enhancement Grants, which are awarded annually for projects or programs that ENHANCE our community.

Last year we also introduced something new: the Tailgate Kicker, a $2000 grant booster to be given to one audience-selected Community Enhancement Grant recipient. Attendees of the Tailgate voted live for the project that should receive additional funding.

Last year's winner of the additional $2000 was the OPC for its Parkinsons exercise program. Join us at this year's Tailgate Party on October 8th to vote for who will receive the 2026 Tailgate Kicker!

To apply for a Community Enhancement Grant, visit cfound.org/grants/. Be sure to include a video to be considered for the Tailgate Kicker!

To register for the Tailgate Party on October 8th, visit cfound.org/tailgate-party/.

08/26/2026

Today marked a bittersweet day for us—Hannah’s last day as the Foundation’s office temp!

For the past several months, Hannah has answered your calls, kept you updated on the Foundation via social media, and been the first face saying hello when you walk in the office. We’re going to miss her and all her hard work!

While she’s saying goodbye for now, she has one more surprise for us that will be revealed at the Foundation’s Tailgate on October 8th! 😉

Best wishes to Hannah as she begins her last year of college!

08/20/2026

Do you hear that? 🌳🐦🪲🌸🦆

On Wednesday, August 19th, the Rochester City Beautiful Commission celebrated the opening of their most recent project: a Nature Sound Amplifier!

The amplifier was built by local Eagle Scout Pranav Redyshetty and members of his troop. This giant wooden megaphone offers an immersive experience to enhance the sounds of nature in the Southern Wet Meadow in Rochester Municipal Park.

In 2025, the Community Foundation awarded a Community Enhancement Grant to the City Beautiful Commission in support of this project. We’re thrilled to see it completed!

Have a project of your own? The Foundation is now accepting applications for our 2026 Community Enhancement Grant period!

Learn more and apply at www.cfound.org/grants/

08/19/2026

It’s that time of year again! 🎒🚌📚 Only a couple more days before the kids are BACK TO SCHOOL!

The Foundation works with numerous local organizations that provide support for families struggling with back to school costs. Neighborhood House, the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, Fueling Kids' Futures, and the school districts themselves run programs that provide school supplies and backpacks for families that are struggling.

If you're looking for a way to make an impact in your community, the Foundation is a safe and trusted place to donate in order to give back. Help us support back to school programs this fall with a donation for school supplies.

Follow the link below to support our local students:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6U9VEYQZVST9Q

08/14/2026

Do you know a non-profit that could use a donation of shampoo, soaps, and toothpaste?

The Foundation is facilitating the application to receive just such items, from the City of Rochester Hills RHISE Cup Bath & Body Drive!

To be considered to receive the items collected, fill out the application on the Community Foundation website.

https://cfound.org/rhise-cup-hygiene-drive/

08/14/2026

Don't know what a Nature Sound Amplifier is? Neither did the Community Foundation until we received a Community Enhancement Grant Application for funding. Fast forward and the project is done! Join the Rochester City Beautiful Commission on Wednesday August 19th at 4 pm for it's ribbon cutting and to learn more about this exciting addition to the Rochester Municipal Park. Location: from the main parking lot by Rochester City Hall, cross the bridge and walk to the east along the river.

08/12/2026

What legacy will you leave?

At the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, we can help donors create lasting gifts that support the causes they care about most.

George and Betty Seifert lived in Rochester for over 50 years, working and raising their family here, and becoming a part of the fabric of our community.

Through their estate plans, the Seiferts have made a commitment to continue supporting our community after they’re gone, helping to ensure that our community will continue to be a thriving place for future generations.

“When we became involved with the Community Foundation, we were impressed with how the Foundation maintains a discipline. We're confident that as we step back, the Community Foundation will continue to provide for the community.”

A legacy gift is more than a donation. It's a way to strengthen your community and create an impact that lasts long after you're gone.

If you've ever thought about including a charitable gift in your estate plan, we'd love to help you explore your options. Give us a call at 248-608-2804 or visit our website to get started today.

08/10/2026

It may still feel like summer out there, but fall is just around the corner--and that means FOOTBALL, and the Community Foundation Tailgate Party!

The Tailgate Party is the Foundation's signature event each year. It's where we amplify the missions of local non-profits, raise money for local charitable initiatives that deserve a boost, and engage with our donors to help us do what we do best: give back to the community we love.

Last year's Tailgate was our first time at the Rochester Hills Banquet Center, and we got so much positive feedback we're doing it again!

Join us on Thursday October 8th at the Rochester Hills Banquet Center for what we call Rochester's BEST party of the fall, the Community Foundation Tailgate Party!

Registration is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased by visiting https://cfound.org/tailgate-party/.

We'll see you in October!

The Tailgate Party is the Community Foundation’s signature event every year. Come for the vibes, stay for the impact. When you give to the Community Foundation, at the Tailgate Party or any old day, you’re giving back to your community. You’re making a difference. Join the community at the Roc...

08/07/2026

The Community Foundation's final general grant application deadline of the year is next Friday, August 14th. Our general grant application periods are for charitable projects of a wide variety.

Immediately following this general grant application deadline, we will begin accepting Community Enhancement Grant applications, which are due on September 18th, and the winners will be announced on October 8th, at the Tailgate.

The last grant application period of the year is reserved exclusively for funding requests from The Women's Fund. Applications will be due December 1st and will be reviewed in early December.

For our grant applications and for additional information on grants, please visit www.cfound.org/grants/.

08/05/2026

Scammers beware!

This morning, Ashley Chambers of Chief Financial CU and Deputies Casey Crampton and Rob Smith of the Oakland County Sheriff's Office delivered an illuminating presentation on how to fight back against fraud. They shared real-life examples of common scams and provided several practical strategies everyone can use to identify, avoid, and report fraud. Number one: don’t react in panic! The first tool in your toolbox is keeping your wits about you. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Stop and think before doing anything at all.

Thank you to all our presenters for helping us be more vigilant and teaching us to better protect ourselves and our assets from fraud. An additional thank you to Chief Financial Credit Union for hosting this event!

We’ll see you in November for the next forum on IRAs, QCDs, and making the most of your retirement funds in this ongoing community learning series!