The Urban League of Rochester kicked off its 26th annual membership campaign Sunday afternoon.
Director of Marketing and Development for the Urban League Joseph Calabrese says the funds help the over 25 programs the organization works with that don't receive significant government funding, including the Salute to Black Scholars Program.
"It's a program that recognizes students all over the Rochester area who are doing great in school, and helps them find scholarships so that they can attend college."
Funds also go towards the Youth Build program, that gives young people who struggled in school apprenticeships in the construction field.
The Urban League works with mainly African American and Latino populations through these projects to encourage economic and self reliance.
This years goal is $85,000 and the campaign runs through March 31 2017.
The kick-off event was a community wide worship service held at the Abundant Life Faith Center on Jefferson Avenue in Rochester.