Rochester Area Foundation

Building & enhancing the quality of life in greater Rochester area through philanthropic leadership What a great question! Mo of Byron.

Many times we are asked what the Rochester Area Foundation does. An even more basic question is what is a community foundation? A community foundation is a grant making public nonprofit that exists to meet the needs of the community is serves. This is reflected in the community grants that we award, the academic scholarships provided to students, the charitable funds that we host, our affordable c

ommunity land trust homes, and the ability to make it easy for everyone to become a philanthropist. There are many benefits to our local community foundation! We are your local experts in the nonprofit community. The ongoing interactions that the Rochester Area Foundation team has with our area nonprofits gives us an extensive knowledge base and deep understanding of where the work is being done to improve various aspects within our community. We act as a convener regularly, hosting programs, learning opportunities, and access to community experts that provide knowledge and insight on pressing issues that we are facing. This drives conversation and initiatives that create solutions. We have the stability and permanence proven by our rich 77 year history in this community, administering over 430 charitable funds, many which are endowed to leave a legacy and provide support to nonprofits in perpetuity. We also understand that the work we accomplish is done through thoughtful partnerships and collaboration. We engage our fundholders, our donors, and our community leaders and governmental entities to ensure that we create a positive impact. The Rochester Area Foundation has deep roots within our area and will continue to strive to help our region prosper and grow, engaging our community in philanthropy to build better communities for all. Our History:

Rochester Area Foundation's genesis starts with the vision of the late Harry J. Harwick, chairman of the Mayo Foundation from 1939 to 1958. He suggested that a study group be formed in 1942 to determine whether a community foundation would work in Rochester. A special committee of the Rochester Community Chest was appointed on Oct. 23, 1942, to investigate the feasibility of a community foundation in the city of Rochester. On May 11, 1944, the committee of the community chest recommended to its president and board of directors that a community foundation be formed as quickly as possible. In December 1944, the Rochester Community Foundation was born. In 1948, the Foundation made its first grant for $5,000 to assist with the development of a Girl Scout camp. In 1949, the Foundation received its first major bequest from Jennie E. The Jennie Mo trust of $59,410 was dedicated to assisting blind persons and later was expanded to include organizations aiding persons with eye ailments and otherwise handicapped persons. With careful investment through the years, that fund has paid out several times the original investment in total grants to benefit our community. In 1961, the Foundation changed its name to the Rochester Foundation. The name changed again in 1978 to the Rochester Area Foundation, to reflect a wider area that the foundation was serving. In the same year, the Foundation gave its first area grant - $1,000 to the Chatfield Brass Band. In 1978, Isabel Huizenga was named the Chair of the Board of Trustess. She was the first woman to hold the position. In 1989, the first Donor Advised Fund was opened. In 1993, RAF trustees decided to pursue a challenge grant to help attract new endowment gifts. In October, the Bush Foundation awarded RAF’s first ever endowment challenge grant, increasing its assets to $10.5 million by 1997. In 2000, the First Homes program was established in collaboration with the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce in an effort to alleviate a severe shortage of affordable housing. Mayo Clinic provided a major gift in support of First Homes. In 2013, weGive365 is created as a way to engage the community in philanthropy. For only $1 a day, members have their dollars pooled together and vote annually to determine grant awards. In 2015, RAF moved into its permanent home on Broadway and Elton Hills Drive. The new building offers community rental and meeting space and a nonprofit incubator in addition to office space. In 2017, The Coalition for Rochester Area Housing is formed in partnership with the City of Rochester, Olmsted County, and Mayo Clinic to create and preserve workforce housing.

Photos from Rochester Area Foundation's post

06/10/2026

weGive365 members had a great time volunteering at Paws & Claws yesterday and getting a first look at the new vet clinic. Proud to support the amazing work they do for animals in our community. 💙🐾
If you would like to join us please visit - https://rochesterarea.org/giving/wegive365/

06/02/2026

Want to learn more about the Bush Fellowship Program and what you can do to prepare to apply for it?

Join this information session on June 23 to learn more from Adora Land and Malcolm Chapman at the Bush Foundation about this self-designed leadership program that supports individuals in furthering their skills and capacity to lead effectively.

This event is co-hosted by The Bush Foundation, United Way of Southeast Minnesota, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and Rochester Area Foundation.

Registration is free and light refreshments will be provided. Register using the link below: https://pledge.uwsemn.org/comm/SurveyNE.jsp?SurveyKeyHex=65313A41536B6D617A315775733966684A4B6F4F734C4E3835325168796E464832513965394645416C7359526941

Imagine what could be possible if you invested in your growth as a leader 💭

Join us on June 23 for a Bush Fellowship Information Session and discover how this unique, self-designed program can help you strengthen your leadership, pursue bold ideas, and create lasting impact in your community.

Visit uwsemn.org/bushfellowship26 to learn more and register! Admission is free.

📍United Way Building | 903 West Center St, Rochester, MN

05/21/2026

Only eleven days remain in the application period for this exciting and transformative cohort.

Considering sharing with your network or applying today.

Rochester Area Foundation is seeking seven dedicated individuals to join our inaugural Ambassadors for Equity and Belonging cohort. Inspired by the work of UC Berkeley’s Othering & Belonging Institute, this year-long program (starting August 2026) bridges world-class research with local action.

Beginning in August 2026, seven selected participants will:

𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞: Join the Rochester Area Foundation at the 2026 Othering & Belonging Conference for two days of learning from world-renowned researchers and policy experts, art and culture bearers, and other global changemakers.

*Travel and conference expenses are paid by Rochester Area Foundation*

Click here to learn more about the Othering & Belonging Conference: https://belonging.berkeley.edu/conference

𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Receive specialized training from local experts in public speaking, facilitation, and conflict mediation.

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲: Equip yourself to present on the importance of equity and belonging to local groups.

Receive $600 upon completion of the program requirements.

If you are passionate about creating a community where everyone truly belongs, we want to hear from you!

Please submit your application via our online form, https://form.jotform.com/260906522669060, by midnight on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Should you require an alternative application format, please contact me directly at [email protected].

05/11/2026

Tomorrow is our Spring Better Communities Grant Showcase! Join us from 5:00-6:30pm to learn about the Spring 2026 Better Communities grantees, meet representatives from those organizations, and explore the Salvation Army's Social Services Center. We hope to see you there!

05/07/2026

It was a great morning at Learn Local with RCTC LIFE: Learning Is ForEver and Rochester Area Foundation. An amazing art talk with Adrienne Lee, The Wandering Art Historian and time to visit with local art focused nonprofit organizations! The Rochester Civic Theatre, Rochester Art Center, Rochester Repertory Theatre Company, Rochester Community Education, Choral Arts Ensemble, and Rochester Symphony. Thanks to all who joined us!

04/29/2026

04/20/2026

Rochester Area Foundation staff and friends were elated to attend the Stand with Sam event to benefit Rochester, MN Salvation Army.

04/13/2026

We are excited to partner again with RCTC LIFE: Learning Is ForEver for a second Learn Local event. This free event has an Arts focus. Join us to learn, engage, and connect with others in the community. Use the QR code to register - we look forward to seeing you on May 7th!

Rochester Area Foundation Give for Good. Give Forever.

04/07/2026

Join the Rochester Area Foundation's weGive365 Program for April's Tools Day this Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 12 Elton Hills Drive NW.

🛠️ Spring cleaning or downsizing? Donate your tools!

Swing by the Rochester Area Foundation on Saturday, April 11, between 8am–11am to drop off your tools for April Tools Day.

In partnership with St. Joseph’s Tool Chest, Rochester Area Foundation is collecting and redistributing tools to local nonprofits.

Accepted items:
• Yard & garden tools🪏
• Hand tools🪛🛠️
• Power tools (corded or battery)
• Sewing machines🧵
• Emergency generators (high need)

Not accepted: electronics, appliances, TVs, printers, bikes, snowblowers.

📍 Drop-off location:
Rochester Area Foundation
12 Elton Hills Dr NW

Give your old tools a new purpose and support our community.

03/18/2026

Rochester Area Foundation weGive365 members are hosting
April Tools Day
Saturday, April 11
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Rochester Area Foundation
In partnership with St. Joseph's Tool Chest we are collecting tools! Time to clean out your garage or storage spaces and DONATE what you don't need or use.
Tools will be refurbished and redistributed. A great way to recycle!

Rochester Area Foundation Give for Good. Give Forever.

Claim ownership or report listing

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Rochester?

Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Location

Rochester

Contact the school

Click here to send a message to the school

Website

http://www.rochesterarea.org/

Address

12 Elton Hills Drive NW
Rochester, MN
55901

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm