The Vitality Grants: Preserving Historical Assets program, administered by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, is designed to advance the Foundation’s goal of strengthening regional vitality through the preservation of historical assets and the promotion of educational programming related to the region’s diverse history. This competitive funding opportunity is focused on projects that contribute to community identity, economic development, equity, and sustainability.

Nonprofit organizations in the Foundation’s eight-county service area—Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties—are eligible to apply. Funding is available for two types of projects:

Capital Projects that:

Preserve historical assets (buildings, landmarks, physical sites)

Provide economic benefit to the local community

Foster equity in which physical assets are preserved

Support neighborhood or community revitalization

Promote sustainability and cultivate a strong sense of place

Educational Programming that:

Engages communities with the region’s historical assets

Increases knowledge and appreciation of the histories of the area’s diverse populations

Grants typically range from $15,000 to $20,000, making this program particularly suitable for impactful capital or educational initiatives with community-wide relevance.

Applications for the current cycle are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, May 9, 2025, with decisions to be announced in mid-August 2025. Applications must be submitted online through the Foundation’s portal. Applicants who do not yet have a portal account will need to create one before submitting their proposal.

This grant program is supported by various endowed funds dedicated to historic preservation and community enrichment. Details about the funds are available through the Foundation’s website.

For further assistance, applicants should contact Annette Jiménez Gleason, Program Officer for Vitality, at grants@racf.org or by phone at 585.341.4372.