The James M. and Olive Edmunds Memorial Fund, managed by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, provides targeted support for community-based projects that benefit the residents of the Village of Brockport and the towns of Sweden and Clarkson, New York. The fund focuses on enriching the quality of life in these areas by supporting local arts, historic preservation, poverty reduction, and community beautification initiatives.
Established to honor the legacy of James and Olive Edmunds, this grant is designed to uplift these western Monroe County communities through investments in their cultural heritage, public spaces, and social services. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $5,000, making them ideal for focused, local impact projects.
To be eligible, applicants must be local, community-based organizations located within Brockport, Sweden, or Clarkson, and projects must directly benefit residents of these areas. Eligible proposals must fall within one of four categories:
Arts and Culture: Grants support traditional and folk arts—not contemporary popular culture—performed by local groups.
Historic Preservation: Funds may be used for restoring historic buildings or maintaining monuments and other heritage items of local significance.
Poverty Reduction: Programs designed to lift individuals or families out of poverty are eligible for support.
Community Enrichment: This includes beautification and enhancement of public spaces to improve communal quality of life.
The current grant cycle deadline is Friday, May 9, 2025, at 5:00 PM. While all focus areas are eligible, priority will be given to historic preservation projects in this cycle. Awards will be announced by mid-August 2025.
Applicants must request an access code to the application system by contacting the Foundation directly. This can be done by reaching out to Annette Jiménez Gleason, Senior Program Officer for Vitality, at grants@racf.org or by calling 585.341.4372.
