NextGen Rochester

NextGen Rochester is a peer-led form of philanthropy that involves young professionals (ages 21 to 45) who are interested in making “giving back” part of their lives through leadership, friendship, and philanthropy. Since it was launched in 2009, NextGen members have awarded more than $104,000 in grants.

The giving circle is comprised of a cross section of the community who find value in grantmaking to local charitable causes and addressing community needs. It is the intention of NextGen Rochester to not only build assets, but compassion, knowledge, and community engagement.

Each NextGen Rochester member contributes to a fund that makes grants to nonprofits selected by the members. By pooling their contributions, emerging leaders are given a seat of influence in greater Rochester and are able to create an impact far greater than each could individually.

You can learn more about NextGen Rochester on its website and by joining its group on Facebook, following its activities on Twitter, or checking out a list of current members.

Annual Dues

Annual Dues are offered at the following tiered levels:

  • Member: $100 – $249.99 
  • Investor: $250 – $499.99
  • Champion: $500 – $999.99
  • Activist: $1,000 +

Membership in NextGen for the current calendar year is accepted on a rolling basis through August 31. Members who join will immediately receive all member benefits and be eligible to participate in grantmaking each Fall. Dues can be paid on a quarterly basis, but members must initiate each payment. 

Gift Certificates

Give the gift of philanthropy to the young professionals in your life. NextGen Rochester offers gift certificates for a one-year membership in the Giving Circle. Gift certificates can be mailed to you or directly to the recipient. After purchase, a Community Foundation staff member will contact you to make arrangements.

Friends of NextGen

Do you want to help increase the impact of NextGen? With a donation in any amount, you can become a Friend of NextGen and help support the work of NextGen’s membership without being a voting member.

Join or Renew Today

You can join or renew now by completing our online payment form below or by mailing this form and payment to the Community Foundation at 500 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607. Checks are made payable to Rochester Area Community Foundation, with NextGen Rochester in the Memo line. If you have any other questions, email dperry@racf.org.

  • (Note: 10% of all annual memberships are automatically allocated toward endowment.) Enter dollar amount or percent.
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NextGen Rochester grants support organizations and activities that advance important work in the community. The funding priorities change from year to year and are selected by members. However, projects that receive support from this Giving Circle must accomplish some, if not all, of the following:

  • Keep the grant money in the community and support the local economy;
  • Involve a diverse group of participants, including but not limited to people of different races, ages, geographical residences in the organization’s programs or projects; and;
  • Encourage communication and cooperation among organizations, associations, agencies, and institutions in the community.

For more information about NextGen’s grant criteria and annual grant cycle, click here.