John F. Wegman Fund Grant

The John F. Wegman Fund, administered by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, was established in 1953 through the will of John F. Wegman. Its founding mission was to support charitable, philanthropic, and educational initiatives that contribute to the welfare of the Rochester and Monroe County, New York, communities. The fund is guided by a unique advisory committee that includes representatives from the Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant faith communities, the United Way of Greater Rochester, and organized labor. It is important to note that this fund is not affiliated with Wegmans stores or the Wegman Family Charitable Foundation. The grant’s purpose is multifaceted. It seeks to address the concerns of older adults, foster character-building opportunities for youth, and improve labor/management relations through educational or other methods. The fund particularly supports new or experimental programs of limited duration, emphasizing innovative and participant-driven initiatives. Examples of recently funded projects include affordable transportation for seniors to health-related appointments, youth workplace skill development programs, and the republishing of a historical labor union book. Grants typically range between $1,500 and $10,000, with a median size of $7,300. These are generally one-time grants aimed at programs that are small-scale, start-up, innovative, or highly responsive to the needs of their participants. The fund does not support annual campaigns, capital building projects, fellowships, individuals, political or religious activities, or general operating deficits. Limited consideration is given to land acquisition, renewable grants, and staff training. Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Monroe County, New York. Organizations previously funded by the Wegman Fund may reapply only after 18 months have passed since their last funding and after submitting a final report. All applicants must adhere to this timeframe to be considered for future funding. The grant operates on a quarterly cycle with application deadlines in January, May, August, and November. The next deadline is at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025. Following submission, applications are reviewed and screened by the Advisory Committee, which may conduct site visits. The committee makes funding recommendations that are reviewed and acted upon by the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. Decisions are announced at the end of each review period. For application access or technical assistance, applicants are directed to the foundation’s grant portal or can contact Sara Bukowiec, Director of Rural Community Impact, at sbukowiec@racf.org or 585.341.4371. The foundation’s address is 500 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607-1912. Notifications regarding future opportunities are made through the foundation’s quarterly e-newsletter, Grant Opportunities.