The Community Foundation - Rochester Area The Community Foundation

About Us

Close-up of hands holding a small model house.The Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life in the greater Rochester region by evaluating and addressing community issues, promoting responsible philanthropy, and connecting donors to the critical needs of the community.

We maintain rigorous standards for effective grantmaking, and are confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. You may also be interested in our backgrounder, fast facts, An Evening Out At Home fact sheet, 2012 Biennial Report, and financial record.

Get involved, stay current on our news and events, and learn about our Board, funds PDF, and community impact. Use our staff directory to contact us at your convenience.

Our Mission | We engage philanthropists and community partners to improve our region.
Our Vision | The Community Foundation leads and inspires positive, enduring community change.

Who We Are

Our President & CEO

Jennifer Leonard has been the president since 1993. Read more about her background in the community foundation field and in our community.

Our Name

The Greater Rochester Community Foundation of the Genesee Valley was created on Sept. 18, 1972. We became The Rochester Area Foundation in May 1974 and Rochester Area Community Foundation in May 1997.

Our Home


This Georgian home at 500 East Avenue was built in 1911 by William Delancy Ellwanger, an Oriental rug specialist whose father George Ellwanger was the famous nurseryman who helped create the Flower City. After several decades as a private residence, this building was converted to offices in the 1950s. We moved here in March 1998.