News that brightens the community

News

The work we do makes an impact which is why we openly share news and reports about the Foundation. We want to provide our community and partners with visibility into our work as well as inspire others to build new and creative solutions to brighten our communities.

Results You Can Measure. Belonging You Can Feel. The Power of Project Campfire.

February 10, 2026

Project Campfire is an unprecedented investment in Jewish life in Rochester, removing the financial barrier to Jewish overnight camp and dramatically expanding access to Camp Seneca Lake. Independent evaluations by Third Plateau Social Impact Strategies show that in its first summer alone,…

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Your Story Matters

January 22, 2026

Our 2026 Report to the Community shares stories from our grant partners and the people they serve, reflecting the impact of collaboration, creativity, and trust. We invite you to explore how these stories shape our work and our future.

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Farash Foundation launches pioneering Jewish youth initiative

September 16, 2024

The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation has unveiled a first-in-the-nation initiative aimed at making a formative Jewish youth experience accessible and attractive to all. Officials estimate spending approximately $16 million over the next nine years on the program, though the goal…

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Farash Foundation investing $16M in Camp Seneca Lake program for Jewish kids

September 13, 2024

The Farash Foundation is launching Project Campfire, a new initiative which makes it possible for Rochester-area Jewish children to attend Camp Seneca Lake for free.  

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Farash Foundation donates $16 million to offer free Jewish camp for all upstate New Yorkers

September 13, 2024

Full scholarships for a session at Camp Seneca Lake will be offered to all local Jewish children, regardless of the family’s income.

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Strategic compassion: Infusing ‘Hineni’ into the heart of Jewish philanthropy

May 21, 2024

eJewish Philanthropy April 10, 2024 During a recent call with a dedicated member of our local Jewish community, he ended the conversation with a poignant request — one which admittedly strayed from our foundation’s Jewish giving strategy: “Basically what I am saying…

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Local Foundation Launches Grant Program to Support Out-Of-School Time Efforts

February 5, 2024

Rochester Business Journal February 5, 2024   Rochester Business Journal article about the first round of funding grants the Foundation’s first round of major grants for out-of-school time programs and it’s strategic shift from general funding of educational programs to a specific…

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A Rising Tide

October 31, 2023

585 Magazine October 31, 2023   Jennie Schaff, Farash Foundation CEO is profiled along with leaders from other local foundations.

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Foundation Response to the Attacks on Israel

October 12, 2023

Farash Foundation Statement October 12, 2023   In the spirit of our founders, Max and Marian Farash, the Farash Foundation’s board of trustees and staff share a profound concern for the welfare of the Jewish people. The recent attacks on Israel have…

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Farash Foundation announces a renewed focus for grant giving

April 21, 2023

Farash Foundation News Release April 21, 2023 We are thrilled to announce that we’ve reexamined our grantmaking strategies and are bringing renewed focus to how we support our communities. With the continually evolving needs of individuals, this was a critical step toward…

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