To understand the importance of the Rochelle Area Community Foundation (RACF), you must understand how powerful philanthropy is to our community.

Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others expressed through generous monetary gifts for good causes. Many times, philanthropy can be confused with charity. They differ because charity is providing immediate relief and is emotionally-driven where philanthropy is focused on problem solving over the long-term.

RACF has provided charity during catastrophic times over our 16 years of its existence. An example of this is when the tornado swept through Rochelle and the surrounding areas.

Charitable donations were made to RACF to provide immediate help to those who were left with the devastation caused by mother nature. Another example relates to the COVID-19 pandemic, when charitable giving was made to non-profit organizations through board-directed grants.

RACF continues to look at the need of our community and provide support to those who need it most. We are the vehicle to establish those philanthropic gifts to strengthen our community and build a positive future for those who follow.

The RACF is thriving with over 25 funds. It continues to grow endowments, donor-advised funds and agency funds that support our community’s youth, police, fire, arts, senior citizens, schools and so much more.

The Rochelle Area Community Foundation Endowment Fund also provides community grants that assist in funding a plethora of non-profit partners such as Serenity Hospice and Home, FLAP, Rochelle Christian Food Panty, Rochelle Senior Center, HOPE and the Vince Carney Community Theater just to name a few. 

If you would like to get involved, learn more about the Rochelle Area Community Foundation or are interested in making a gift, please call our office at 815-561-3600 or email director@rochellefoundation.org.

RACF is here to offer those with a philanthropic heart a simple way to make a positive difference in the community.

Emily Anaya is the executive director of the Rochelle Area Community Foundation.