Established in 1953 by John F. Wegman's will, this fund addresses "charitable and philanthropic and educational purposes which will make for the welfare of the Rochester and Monroe County community ... particularly giving assistance in the case of the aged, whether institutionalized or not, and to character building agencies ... and in developing through educational work and otherwise, better relationships between capital and labor."
Since 1964, the John F. Wegman Fund has focused on "new or experimental programs for a limited period of time." Membership of the committee established by the will includes members of the Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant faith communities, the United Way of Greater Rochester, and organized labor.
Main concerns of the foundation are related to the elderly, character-building opportunities for youth, and improved labor/management relations through education or other means.
The John F. Wegman Fund has limited resources and looks for opportunities to provide small amounts of money that significantly impact community-based programs. Most awards are one-time grants for specific, participant-driven projects. The grant preference is for agencies, projects, and programs that are:
- Small scale
- Start-up
- Innovative (develop or adapt new strategies)
- Participant-driven (based on identified needs of beneficiaries)
The John F. Wegman Fund is not affiliated with the Wegmans stores or with the Wegman Family Charitable Foundation.