The Rochester Women’s Giving Circle (RWGC) is a philanthropic initiative aimed at improving the lives of women and girls in Monroe County, New York. The program pools financial resources from women in the community to fund annual grants for programs that empower women and girls to gain economic independence. The primary mission of the RWGC is to help these individuals achieve self-sufficiency by supporting initiatives that provide education, training, and job opportunities. The focus is on women and girls who are actively working to improve their lives and that of their children, and who are on a clear path toward economic independence.

RWGC members determine how the funds will be allocated each year. The grants are intended for nonprofit organizations that align with the mission of helping women and girls transition from poverty to economic self-sufficiency. The giving circle is particularly interested in funding organizations that work to reduce inequity and serve underserved populations within the target group. These organizations must be based in Monroe County and have 501(c)(3) or 509(a)(1) status to be eligible for funding.

The grants from RWGC typically provide up to $25,000 for single-year programs. The focus of funded projects is on education and training, money management and financial literacy, life skills and job-readiness, leadership opportunities, mentoring programs for girls, and workforce development for women. The RWGC considers applications from programs that support both male and female participants, as long as the funds are used to specifically benefit women and/or girls.

Nonprofits that meet these criteria are encouraged to apply for funding. The grant application process is managed through an online portal, with the opportunity to submit applications by the deadline of March 1, 2025, at 5 p.m. The RWGC is open to receiving applications from a wide range of organizations but will not fund private foundations. The guidelines for funding may evolve, so applicants are encouraged to stay informed by subscribing to the quarterly e-newsletter, which announces upcoming opportunities and updates.

The application process requires applicants to provide a detailed rationale for how their programs fit within the RWGC’s mission and funding guidelines. Additionally, organizations must be prepared to report on their progress through a grant report form. The RWGC encourages collaboration with organizations that are focused on the intersection of education, economic independence, and empowerment for women and girls.

For inquiries, applicants can contact Dawn Perry, the Giving Circle Associate, at the Rochester Area Community Foundation. Dawn Perry can be reached via email at dperry@racf.org or by phone at 585.341.4330. The foundation is located at 500 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607.