For more than 65 years, the Rochester Area Foundation has partnered with donors to improve the quality of life, promote greater equality of opportunities, and develop effective methods to assist those in need in the greater Rochester area. Find out how the Foundation can connect you with the causes you care about most here.
Longtime RAF Trustee and Committee Member Passes Away
"Paul Olander served on the Rochester Area Foundation's Board of Trustees for nine years. During his tenure, he also served as Chair of the Foundation's Investment Committee and continued to serve on the committee after his term ended on the Board. Paul was the driving force in developing a sophisticated strategy for the investment of foundation assets. His diligence and leadership significantly improved the Foundation's investment processes. Thanks to Paul's initiative, the improved investment performance contributed immeasurably to the growth to the Foundation." - Steve Thornton, Former RAF Executive Director
A celebration of Paul's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 3 PM Friday May 17, 2013 with visitation one hour prior to the services. The family suggests that memorials be given to the Rochester Area Foundation or the First Presbyterian Church, Rochester, MN.
Information on Paul can be found here.
RAF chosen to participate in Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is the workplace giving campaign in which federal employees have the opportunity to donate to charities of their choice. They are able to do this through payroll deduction, cash, check or credit card. The campaign is divided into several geographic regions throughout the country, with Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin making up the Northern Lights division. Being chosen to the CFC will allow federal workers in our area to directly contribute to their favorite charities through the Rochester Area Foundation; making giving easier and growing philanthropy at the same time.
RAF proud to support MinneMinds Coalition
The MinneMinds Coalition is a network of foundations, non-profits and businesses in Minnesota that recognizes the critical need for access to quality early learning programs. Read our letter Governor Dayton and the State Legislature here on behalf of MinneMinds and its mission.
CROPS 2013
Another growing season is upon us! Community garden locations have plots available for reservation. We are pleased to announce Steven Kalwasinski as this year's CROPS on-site coordinator. Click the CROPS logo to view updated garden plot maps and print out your 2013 CROPS application. Here is our latest press release on the CROPS program.
Items of Special Interest
Now is a great time to give!
Stock values are up and gifts of appreciated stock provide a double tax benefit - full market value deduction AND avoidance of tax on capital gains - while making your charitable gift. Contact our development professionals now to discuss how to make a gift of appreciated stock!
Rochester Area Foundation announces spring grant awards
Breaking Free - $4,500 for continued funding for the sex-trafficking prevention program in Rochester scaled to 1 day per week.
Junior Achievement Upper Midwest - $2,000 will go toward the JA Finance Park Virtual program for 900 Rochester area students to assist in learning personal finances, financial markets and explore careers in finance.
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans - $3,000 will continue to support reaching out to homeless veterans through the Rochester StandDown outreach event.
Sports Mentorship Academy - $4,000 for after school programming with 100 inner-city male youth to provide activity, studies support, and service.
Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota - $5,500 towards working with the East African population in Rochester through a program called Youth power to provide resources and education to this under served population.
New Development Officers Announced
The Rochester Area Foundation has hired two new Development Officers. Steve Borchardt and Paul Harkess will meet with community members hoping to expand philanthropic efforts through growing charitable giving. Information on the two new officers can be seen here.
We are now on Facebook!
The New Year will bring new ways to connect to Rochester's premier charitable giving organization. Search for the Rochester Area Foundation on Facebook or click the link below.
Rochester Area Foundation Defined as Exemplary
The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations has recognized the Rochester Area Foundation as meeting its highest criteria. Click the link below for more details.
Rochester Area Foundation Recognized Nationally
Charitable IRA Rollover option reinstated as part of fiscal cliff deal
The News and Publications section has the full story.
Non-Profit Seminar series announced
The Rochester Area Foundation and The United Way of Olmsted County are set to provide a seminar series to strengthen the capacity of the nonprofits operating in Olmsted County and the greater Rochester area. Topics range from nonprofit finance, board development, employment law to marketing and communications. The seminars are designed for executive directors, staff and boards. As details of the seminars are made available information will be updated. Click here for the full seminar flyer information. To register for the fourth seminar on Board development please download the flyer here