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

March 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)

Typical awards $1,000–$5,000; one larger grant possible for innovative projects

Supports innovative projects to improve health and quality of life for Wayne County, NY residents, prioritizing youth, seniors, and key community needs.

--- ## Description The Wayne County Community Endowment supports projects aimed at improving the health and quality of life for residents of Wayne County, New York, with a particular focus on youth and seniors. The fund is designed to address critical community needs such as food insecurity, transportation, and housing challenges. Preference is given to initiatives that are new or expanding, demonstrate sustainability, and have a measurable impact on the community. The endowment is managed by a local advisory committee to ensure grants reflect community priorities. --- ## Due Dates - March 2027 (anticipated full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant size: $1,000–$5,000 per project. - One larger grant may be awarded for an applicant implementing an innovative approach to food insecurity, transportation, or housing challenges. - In recent years, the program has awarded over $150,000 in total across multiple grantees. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) organization or have a fiscal sponsor that is a charitable, nonprofit organization. - Projects must serve Wayne County residents. - Preference is given to: - Projects benefiting Wayne County - Initiatives that can be sustained beyond the grant period - Projects with measurable community impact - New or expanding projects (not continued support for ongoing activities) - Not eligible: - Individuals - Debt reduction - Religious activities (non-religious activities by religious organizations are eligible) - Fundraising campaigns (e.g., endowment or capital campaigns) --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via the [RACF grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=racfg). - The anticipated deadline for the next cycle is March 2027. - Future opportunities are announced in the foundation’s quarterly e-newsletter, [Grant Opportunities](https://eepurl.com/iJIU0Y). --- ## Additional Information - The endowment is guided by a local advisory committee knowledgeable about Wayne County’s needs. - The program emphasizes supporting projects that provide a “hand up” rather than a “hand out,” often requiring a matching component for larger grants. - Past funding has supported a variety of local nonprofits, with a significant portion directed to food pantries and services for vulnerable populations. --- ## External Links - [Wayne County Community Endowment Program Page](https://www.racf.org/grant/wayne-county-community-endowment) - [About the Wayne County Community Endowment](https://www.racf.org/collaborations/wayne-county-community-endowment/) - [RACF Grant Portal (Application Submission)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=racfg) - [Subscribe to Grant Opportunities Newsletter](https://eepurl.com/iJIU0Y) - [Recent Annual Report](https://www.racf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2024-Annual-Report.pdf) - [Rochester Area Community Foundation Home](https://www.racf.org) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Phone | Email | |---------------------|------------------------------|--------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Paige O’Connor | Rural Community Impact Associate | 585.341.4332 | [poconnor@racf.org](mailto:poconnor@racf.org) | | General Inquiries | Rochester Area Community Foundation | 585.271.4100 | [Contact Staff Page](https://www.racf.org/about/staff/) |

Wayne County Community Endowment

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