Building a Healthier Region

Our July 2026 newsletter is out and we’re shining a spotlight on Rochester Deaf Kitchen as they invite the community to join them for the Pride Parade and Festival. Learn about exciting updates as they grow to serve communities beyond Rochester.

Learning & Engagement Opportunities this month include the Mental Health in Communities of Color Symposium Series, a Changemaker Retreat with M.K. Gandhi Institute, and a special event designed for nonprofits serving Orleans County to engage with local funders.

We’re sharing information about a proposed OMB rule released May 29 that would formalize recent executive orders into federal grant regulations and could significantly affect how federal funding is awarded and managed. The proposal includes changes such as expanded political review of awards, prioritizing funding aligned with presidential policy goals, new restrictions related to certain DEI and gender-related activities, increased reporting and oversight, and consideration of applicant history and indirect cost rates.

The rule would make these policies binding federal regulations rather than agency guidance, potentially affecting nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, healthcare providers, local governments, and others that rely on federal funding.

Public comments are open through July 13.

Our June 2026 newsletter is out, with our Grantee Spotlight shining on Project STEPS as they celebrate 13 years of uplifting community-led change to improve neighborhood health in Southern Seneca County!

Learning & Engagement Opportunities this month include an evening of health, healing, and Indigenous Knowledge with Gary Farmer, Celebrating a milestone with RACF’s LGBT+ Giving Circle, and building organizational resilience with Causewave Community Partners!

As always, check out new grant opportunities, and explore many community events happening across the region.