Amid Funding Threats By The Federal Government, Senator Cooney Announces State Funding Opportunity For Local Organizations

(ROCHESTER, NY) - Today, Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester), announced that amid funding threats from the federal government, he will be making a round of funding available for local nonprofits and community-based organizations to apply for. The “Reinvesting in Organizations that Care” (ROC) Grants will allow local organizations to apply for funding to cover the costs of capital projects, with a total of $1 million being made available in state funding for this grant program. 

“From New Americans and older adults, to reproductive healthcare and anti-poverty advocacy, there are many organizations performing lifesaving work every day in Rochester and Monroe County,” said Senator Cooney. “While the federal government is cutting vital funding to community-based organizations, we are stepping up to meet the needs of Rochesterians. ROC Grants are about proving that New York will never stop prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations. I’m proud to deliver $1 million in new state grants to Greater Rochester and I encourage organizations to apply.”

"We’re hearing every day from local nonprofits that the demand for services is growing — while resources are shrinking. This funding comes at a critical time, and we applaud Senator Cooney for recognizing that public investment is essential to keeping these vital programs going," said Simeon Banister, President & CEO Rochester Area Community Foundation

Senator Cooney was joined by representatives from the Council of Agency Executives, Rochester Area Community Foundation, United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, and the Greater Rochester Health Foundation to attest to the need for this funding in our community.

The $1 million in funding will be broken up into grant awards for selected organizations. The deadline for organizations to apply for ROC Grants is July 4th and awardees will be announced this summer. To apply, organizations should visit rocsenator.com/rocgrants.

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