Latino Giving Circle Initiative

The Latino Giving Circle is a philanthropic initiative of the Rochester Area Community Foundation, designed to pool charitable resources from donors with a shared commitment to improving the lives of Latino residents in the greater Rochester, New York area. The Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, manages various community-driven funds and initiatives aimed at fostering equity, addressing poverty, and supporting diverse populations across an eight-county region. The Latino Giving Circle is one such effort, emphasizing community leadership, collaborative giving, and equitable investment in Latino/a/e/x-led programs and services. The primary goal of the Latino Giving Circle is to support programs, projects, and organizations that are developed by and for the Latino community. It aims to address the ongoing social, educational, economic, and cultural challenges faced by Latino residents while uplifting their voices and lived experiences. Funded initiatives must align with the Circle's mission and demonstrate a direct impact on Latino/a/e/x communities through collaboration and responsive, culturally informed programming. Funding may be used for general operating support or program/project support. The typical award amount ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 per grant. Grants may not be used for electioneering, political contributions or activities, or for distribution to individuals. The Circle particularly prioritizes proposals in the area of justice and equity—such as those supporting immigrant and migrant populations or strengthening community safety—but also considers a broad spectrum of eligible focus areas. These include education, economic mobility, healthcare and wellness, school success, community leadership, and arts and culture. Eligibility is restricted to organizations classified as 501(c)(3) or 509(a)(1) public organizations, as well as those working with an eligible fiscal sponsor. Faith-based, educational, governmental, and charitable institutions may apply, provided they operate within the Rochester Area Community Foundation’s eight-county service region: Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties. All applications must demonstrate a direct commitment to and impact on Latino/a/e/x communities. Applications open on June 26, 2025, and the submission deadline is Friday, August 8, 2025. Each organization is limited to one submission per cycle. Funding decisions will be announced in early September. Organizations that received funding from the Latino Giving Circle in 2024 are eligible to apply again in 2025; however, prior funding does not guarantee future support or create an ongoing funding relationship. Applications must be submitted through the Rochester Area Community Foundation’s online grant portal. Prospective applicants may register or log in to submit their proposals. For further information or assistance, contact Dawn Perry, Collective Giving Officer at the Foundation, by phone at 585.341.4330 or via email at dperry@racf.org.