[Rochester Area Community Foundation](https://www.racf.org)

March 2027 (full application deadline, projected)

Up to $25,000 for single-year grants; annual cycle; multi-year strategic grants may be available

Supports Monroe County programs that help women and girls achieve economic independence through education, training, and related services.

--- ## Description The Rochester Women’s Giving Circle (RWGC) is a collective philanthropy initiative under the Rochester Area Community Foundation. It provides annual grants to nonprofit organizations in Monroe County, New York, aiming to help women and girls—particularly those living in poverty—achieve economic independence. Grants are intended for programs that offer education, job training, financial literacy, life skills, leadership opportunities, mentoring, and employment support. The RWGC emphasizes reducing inequity and supporting underserved women and girls. Funding decisions are made collectively by RWGC members. --- ## Due Dates - March 2027 (full application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant size: Up to $25,000 for single-year projects. - Occasionally, multi-year strategic grants (e.g., $100,000) may be awarded for pilot or capacity-building projects. - All grant dollars are distributed annually based on collective member contributions. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or 509(a)(1) status. - Organizations must be located in the greater Rochester area and serve women and/or girls in Monroe County, NY. - Programs may serve both males and females, but RWGC funds must be directed exclusively to women and/or girls. - Strong preference for programs that: - Reduce inequity and support underserved populations - Provide education, training, money management, financial literacy, life skills, job readiness, leadership opportunities, mentoring, or employment for women and girls - RWGC does not fund private foundations. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the [Rochester Area Community Foundation online grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=racfg). - Organizations will be required to report on outcomes linked to their application rationale via the [RWGC Agency Grant Report Form](https://www.racf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-Agency-Grant-Report-Form-1.docx). - Deadlines are annual; applicants should confirm projected dates and requirements on the program page. - Opportunities are announced in the RWGC quarterly e-newsletter. [Subscribe here.](https://eepurl.com/iJIU0Y) --- ## Additional Information - The RWGC has distributed over $2.6 million in grants since its inception. - 100% of member contributions (minus a small administrative fee) go directly to grants. - The Giving Circle encourages innovation and sustainability in funded programs. - Guidelines and funding priorities may evolve over time; applicants should review current criteria each cycle. --- ## External Links - [RWGC Grant Opportunity Page (RACF)](https://www.racf.org/grant/rochester-womens-giving-circle) - [RWGC Information & Mission](https://www.therwgc.org/) - [RWGC Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=racfg) - [RWGC Agency Grant Report Form (DOCX)](https://www.racf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2025-Agency-Grant-Report-Form-1.docx) - [RWGC Collaboration Page (RACF)](https://www.racf.org/collaborations/rochester-womens-giving-circle/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | Address | |-------------|------------------------------------------|----------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------| | Dawn Perry | Collective Giving Officer, Philanthropic Engagement | [dperry@racf.org](mailto:dperry@racf.org) | 585.341.4330 | 500 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 | For technical assistance with the portal: [grants@racf.org](mailto:grants@racf.org) ---

Rochester Women’s Giving Circle

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