Grant Process

The beginning of our grant cycle is announced in December of each calendar year on
the Rochester Area Community Foundation’s website.

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Proposals are due by March 1st and must be submitted via Rochester Area Community
Foundation’s online grant portal. To register, login, or begin a new application, click here. You can also click here for a read-only copy of the application and supporting documents.

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Each year we form a Grantmaking Committee made up of Giving Circle volunteers who review proposals and select grant recipients through a rigorous, six-week, three-phase process that begins in April. Each phase includes a distinct set of evaluation questions. Individual committee members review applications independently in Phases 1 and 2. Applications that advance to Phase 3 are reviewed by a team and involve meeting with the applying organization.

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The Committee then determines which grantees will be funded. Recommendations are
reviewed with the Leadership Team and then presented to the full Giving Circle membership in May. Grants are awarded in June.

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The Giving Circle then assigns a member to partner with each grantee and ensure open
communication about the progress of the program. Our partners demonstrate interest in the
programs and provide support by attending events and elevating the programs with our
membership.

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Grantees complete a report on the status of the program at the halfway point and at the end of the grant. We conclude the grant cycle by providing feedback to our members on the impact their dollars had in our community, focusing attention on program results and lessons learned.

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