Rockland Community Foundation Continues to Improve the Community Through Philanthropy

The Rockland Community Foundation (RCF) has announced that its current assets under management now exceed $7 million, nearly twice the figure reported in March 2021. The growth is a result of the addition of several new component funds recently established with RCF. In addition, the number of funds stewarded under the Foundation has exceeded 100 representing significant growth since March 2021 when the number of funds was 80.

“Around the country, Community Foundations are an integral part of a thriving philanthropic environment and healthy and caring communities” said Ariel Aufgang, AIA - Board President of the RCF. “RCF is a vital link that connects generous donors to the causes that matter to them in their own backyards,” he continued.

Most recently, the Rockland Community Foundation opened a significant new fund – The Fund for East Ramapo’s Public-School Children Established by Latham & Watkins. This fund’s mission is to partner with the East Ramapo community to identify areas of greatest need for its public-school students and to support education and enrichment opportunities for those students.

In addition to stewarding over 100 charitable component funds (ranging from scholarships and donor advised funds to project funds and fiscal sponsorship) the RCF has several granting programs that benefit many of the county’s nonprofits. The Innovative Teaching Grant, which has been supported in large part by Verizon is entering its 15th year and awards roughly $10,000 to Rockland teachers in grades k-12. The Foundation also offers an annual Food Pantry Grant (in partnership with Shoprite/Inserra) which grants over $7,000 to area food pantries. During the initial stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic, RCF was also able to grant over $14,000 to area nonprofits as part of its Community Crisis Fund. Community Foundations continue to be one of the fastest growing sectors of philanthropy in the United States.

“Our staff is more committed than ever to help grow charitable giving in Rockland. We continue to evolve the way we do business to make it easier than ever for our fundholders to donate to organizations that need it most” stated Julie Sadowski, Executive Director of the Rockland Community Foundation. Sadowski, who has spearheaded the Foundation for three years, has propelled the Foundation into this period of growth by engaging the community and sharing the many benefits that the RCF brings to Rockland. “There is no question that philanthropy would look a lot different in Rockland if there was not a Community Foundation. Our ability to streamline the process for those who want to create funds and our capacity to house over 100 charitable funds under one roof translates into one simple word – sustainability. It is truly the foundation of Rockland’s philanthropic fabric,” she continued.

In March, the Rockland Community Foundation is hosting its annual Signature Rewards Reception. Each year the Foundation recognizes community members who have embraced the meaning of philanthropy through either the establishment of charitable funds or general community involvement. This year’s honorees are:

Paul Adler, Esq - Chief Strategy Officer, Rand Commercial

Sabrina HoSang-Jordan - Chief Executive Officer, Caribbean Food Delights

The Late Dennis J. Fleming - Posthumous Honor Community Champion, RCF Founder and Fund Holder

With a special thank you to Past Board Members Robert Fellows and Neil Winter. More information on this event, including sponsorship opportunities, tickets and tribute journal advertising can be found at www.rocklandgives.org.

About the Rockland Community Foundation

The Rockland Community Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for all people in Rockland County by increasing and simplifying charitable giving. Its mission is to connect people and businesses with the causes that matter most to them through the creation and administration of funds, across a wide range of interests, that donors create and the Foundation stewards.

Community foundations put philanthropy within reach, offering the ability to establish funds that will continue to give for years to come, with tax benefits that donors can take advantage of now. Most importantly, the funds stay in the community, which means donors will see the impact of their contributions in the place they call home. If you are interested in creating a fund and would like more information or would like to donate to one of our many funds, visit www.rocklandgives.org.