8-county Greater Rochester region

We monitor community well-being by…

Catalyzing Improvement in the Culture of Decision-Making

Curating Knowledge & Information

Connecting People and Research for Action

Communicating Data in Context

to improve the culture of decision-making and establish a more equitable, inclusive, and vital 8-county region.

Our Purpose

Achieving Community Targets Rochester (ACT Rochester) is a data initiative of Rochester Area Community Foundation that uses community indicators, research expertise, and narrative to improve the culture of decision-making and establish a more equitable, inclusive, and vital 8-county region.

Our 8-county region includes Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties.

ACT Rochester focus areas align with the grantmaking goals of Rochester Area Community Foundation, outlined here.

Our Approach

ACT Rochester uses staff training and expertise to apply rigorous research design to our community by:

  • Helping you define the question/problem

  • Identifying data/information to address the defined question/problem

  • Connecting to others with similar questions or established solutions

We refer to this approach as The Four Cs

Curate Knowledge & Information

  • Engage national (i.e., Urban Institute) and local thinkers

  • Identify and filter research for best practices, salient articles/datasets

Catalyze Improvement in the Culture of Decision-Making

  • Identify key agents and key brokers to the decision-making process

  • Support Rochester Area Community Foundation programs in goal of catalytic changes

Communicate Data in Context

  • Present data with clear visualizations

  • Include complimentary narrative

  • Provide regular social media updates

Connect People and Research for Action

  • Inform collective impact

  • Leverage scholarly networks for technical assistance

  • Partner with Rochester Area Community Foundation to convene around key issues

Community Indicators

Quickly review our dashboards that assess important factors that contribute to a thriving community. Or create your own using data from available sources. Success begins and ends with measurement, so let’s get going!

Community Impact

Visit RACF’s page to learn the role we play in their impact!

Common Questions

Get answers to your FAQs and find help for your data needs.