LGBT+ Giving Circle celebrates 15 years of community impact and philanthropy

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The LGBT+ Giving Circle at the Rochester Area Community Foundation is celebrating 15 years of community-driven philanthropy this June, marking a milestone of collective giving and sustained support for LGBTQ+ organizations throughout Greater Rochester. 

Members and supporters will gather June 10 at Fairport Brewing Company to honor the Giving Circle’s legacy and announce recipients for the 2026 grant cycle. The event will also spotlight the organization’s continued growth and expanding impact across the region. 

Since its founding in 2011, the LGBT+ Giving Circle has awarded 208 grants totaling more than $426,000 through the LGBT+ Fund for Greater Rochester.

Organizers say the group was created by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and allies committed to fostering inclusion, strengthening community connections and supporting organizations that serve or advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals. 

Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, co-chair of the Giving Circle and a member since 2021, said the organization demonstrates the power of collaborative philanthropy. 

“Giving circles offer an accessible, equity-focused way to get involved,” Meagher-Zayas said, adding that there are broader impacts, as well. “Having a strong shared identity and mindset often leads to a more sustainable and adaptable community at large.” 

He added that the circle continues to welcome new members and supporters interested in pooling resources around shared causes. 

The organization’s momentum has continued even amid economic uncertainty. Leaders say the Giving Circle’s endowment has grown to roughly $450,000, reflecting both long-term donor commitment and strong local support for LGBTQ+ initiatives. 

Paul Allen, the grants’ committee chair of the LGBT+ Giving Circle who has been with the circle more than two decades, said local giving strong and he expects that to continue.  

“There’s optimism for the future,” he said. 

Circle members contribute a minimum of $250 annually, with donations evenly divided between current-year grantmaking and long-term endowment funding to help ensure future impact. Membership has grown into the triple digits, further expanding the organization’s reach and funding capacity. 

This year, nearly 40 organizations submitted grant applications, with roughly $50,000 expected to be distributed among nonprofits in the health and human services and arts and culture sectors. Applications for the 2026 grant cycle closed May 1, and recipients will be announced during the June celebration event. 

To commemorate the anniversary, longtime Giving Circle supporters Jonathan Rosenfeld and Dr. Jerry Fisher have pledged a $15,000 matching gift challenge designed to encourage broader community participation. First-time donations, increased contributions and renewed gifts from supporters who have not given in more than a year will qualify toward the match. 

Rosenfeld and Fisher were recognized by the foundation last year for their philanthropy and support of several collaborative giving initiatives, including the LGBT+ Giving Circle, NextGen Giving Circle, African American Giving Initiative and the Black Giving Collective. 

In addition to grantmaking, the LGBT+ Giving Circle offers educational, social and engagement opportunities that connect participants with community issues and deepen understanding of philanthropy. Leadership is guided by a volunteer steering committee composed of co-chairs and standing committee leaders who typically serve two-year terms. 

Go to https://www.racf.org/collaborations/lgbt-giving-circle/ to learn more about the giving circle. Information on the anniversary celebration can be found at LGBT+ Giving Circle 15th Anniversary and Grants Reception – Rochester Area Community Foundation. 

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