ESL Grants $7 Million to Nonprofit Organizations in Greater Rochester Region in First Quarter of 2024

In the first quarter of 2024, ESL awarded 76 grants for a total of $7 million to local organizations that provide critical services and programs to individuals and families. 

“We’re pleased to provide necessary funding to the high-quality programs and resources offered by our community partners who help our community thrive and prosper,” said Maureen Wolfe, executive vice president /director, human resource and community impact, ESL Federal Credit Union. “As community partners, we are grateful to work with organizations to support and provide essential programs and services that strengthen the Greater Rochester region.” 

ESL and its Community Impact team partners with and reinvests in the community through philanthropic grants aligned with expanding individual opportunity through quality education and employment, building strong neighborhoods that are affordable and connected, and strengthening organizations. The team also works to share stories that highlight the organizations and people doing this important, benevolent work in the community. 

“With the help of ESL, we have been able to help more than 100 households receive free health and safety home repairs, and we anticipate helping more than 150 households over the next three years,” said Ryan Robbins, housing efficiency administrator, Wayne County Action Program. “Community collaboration helps us provide safer homes for members of our communities. We just received a call from someone that had a new door put on and he told us that we changed his life, just by replacing an old door that wouldn't lock. He said he hasn't felt safe in years, and now he can sleep at night. What we are given in return from the people we help is more than we could ask for. Their kindness and appreciation humble us, and that's why we do what we do. We look forward to what the next few years bring." 

A sample of the organizations that received grant commitments from ESL include:  

Organization: Wayne County Action Program Inc.

Project Title: Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Program (HRAP)

Grant Awarded: $1,600,000

Description: ESL funding continues to directly improve the health and safety of low-income clients, increase their ability to remain in their homes, and ensure that they receive housing rehabilitation and weatherization assistance in a timely manner.

Organization: Young Adult Manufacturing Training Employment Program, Inc.

Project Title: Job Retention  

Grant Awarded: $900,000

Description: The Young Adult Manufacturing Training Employment Program (YAMTEP) is dedicated to helping individuals change their community status through training and job search assistance regardless of skill level.” The anti-poverty and employment initiative provides training with a goal of matching trainees with employers, filling gaps, providing jobs and a potential career. With ESL funding, YAMTEP is focused on providing additional educational opportunities to the YAMTEP student population and providing transportation support, all leading to improved life and job satisfaction. 

Organization: ROC the Future Alliance

Project Title: Strengthening ROC the Future Alliance (RTFA) Data, Strategy and Collaborative Action to Improve Education Outcomes 

Grant Awarded: $450,000

Description: ROC the Future is a community-wide coalition that believes a child’s potential is not dictated by race, ethnicity, zip code, or circumstance. The Alliance’s goal is that every child is school ready, supported, successful, and college and career ready.  They engage Alliance members to co-create strategies and practices to improve outcomes in three main areas - education, health, and human service programs.  

Organization: Generation News (Operation GO)

Project Title: Operation GO 

Grant Awarded: $50,000

Description: Operation GO provides a career-exploration based after-school program serving 300 city youth annually. Career exploration is important for building self-awareness, learning about potential careers, creating a generational wealth mindset, and fostering team building principles. Taught by industry experts/professionals, youth move from consumer to producer in fields such as Game Design, Web Design, Video Production, Culinary Arts, Clothing Design, Character Animation, 3D Printing, Home Renovation, and Sneaker Design.

Organization: Black Physicians Network of Greater Rochester

Project Title: Medical Education Support

Grant Awarded: $50,000

Description: The Black Physicians Network is focused on reducing health disparities and improving the health of the community by increasing the number of black physicians. In their commitment to developing the next generation of black physicians, the network provides financial support to help medical students complete their education. As a community partner, ESL funding helps to support additional students.