Best Buffalo Grants for Nonprofits in New York

Focused on youth development and welfare, The Dan Paul Foundation invites Buffalo, New York nonprofits to apply for funding supporting child advocacy, early childhood development, and basic needs programs. Grants may benefit organizations working in education, health, homelessness, or environmental awareness for children and youth in the Buffalo community.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides Buffalo, New York nonprofits with funding for programs that support education, children’s health, and family economic stability. Organizations serving urban children and families in Buffalo may be eligible if their projects align with the foundation’s focus on improving opportunities for youth in low-income communities.

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation provides Buffalo, New York nonprofits with funding for economic development, workforce preparation, parks, and caregiver support initiatives. Organizations serving Erie County with innovative programs in these areas may be eligible. Nonprofits focused on community improvement and collaboration are especially encouraged to apply.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Western New York Foundation

The Western New York Foundation is a philanthropic organization created to support activities that improve the quality of life for people who live in the seven (7) counties of Western New York. Since 1951, we have had the privilege of partnering with nonprofits to amplify their good work and maximize their impact on the communities they serve. 

Small Grant Program

The Buffalo Bills Foundation and the Western New York Foundation are partnering to offer small grants to organizations working within our local and regional food system. Grants are available to support professional development, consultant support, specialty contract services, or certifications and accreditations that build an organization’s knowledge, skills, and leadership. 

Eligible Uses

Grant funds may be used for:

• Professional Development (trainings, conferences, courses, and related travel)
• Consultant Support (strategic planning, communications, evaluation, and similar services)
• Specialty Contract Services (legal, financial, accounting, or other professional services)
• Certification & Accreditation (costs associated with obtaining or maintaining certifications or accreditations)

Buffalo, New York caregiver support organizations can access funding through the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to enhance resources for caregivers of individuals unable to care for themselves. Nonprofits and government agencies serving Erie County, especially those assisting caregivers of older adults, may be eligible for support such as transportation, volunteer services, and training opportunities.

Focused on cultural enrichment, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo invites Buffalo, New York nonprofits to apply for support in historic preservation and long-term arts instruction for youth. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for projects that restore historic sites or expand arts access for under-resourced children and communities.

Focused on enhancing outdoor recreation, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo invites Buffalo, New York nonprofits to apply for funding that supports walkability, bikeability, and improved community access. Eligible projects may include greenways, trails, and recreation corridors, with a preference for sustainable and universally accessible design.

Focused on youth sports, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo invites Buffalo, New York nonprofits to apply for support that helps children access sports and physical activities. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving Erie County can propose projects that encourage free play, sport sampling, and coach training, making sports more accessible to local youth.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The BICA Microgrant, offered by the Buffalo Institute for Contemporary Art, provides a $300 no-strings-attached grant for artists and curators in the greater Buffalo area. This initiative aims to support creative projects that include public events and take place within a three-month timeframe. By offsetting costs associated with exhibitions and performances, the grant empowers underrepresented artists, fostering a vibrant cultural scene in Buffalo.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

With a mission to advance equitable growth, National Community Reinvestment Coalition Inc provides Buffalo, New York nonprofits with fellowship opportunities supporting community development, workforce preparation, and affordable housing. Organizations hosting fellows may benefit from innovative talent and training, especially those tackling local economic and housing challenges.

Buffalo, New York students interested in vocational and technical education can access funding through Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc. The Polk County Tech Scholarship provides a renewable $2,000 award for graduating seniors pursuing programs like automotive, construction, or welding at accredited two-year or vocational schools. Nonprofits supporting eligible students may benefit from this opportunity.

Buffalo, New York students pursuing higher education in chemical or mechanical engineering can access funding through Ashland County Community Foundation. Graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who plan to attend accredited colleges or universities outside Ashland County, including those in Buffalo, may be eligible for this scholarship opportunity.

Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Inc help Buffalo, New York nonprofits address economic stability, workforce development, and health and social services. Organizations serving the local community with programs in hunger relief, job readiness, or disaster aid may be eligible for support. Funding is available for project, operating, or capital needs.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Focused on academic scholarships, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo invites Buffalo, New York students to apply for college and career preparation support. Scholarships are available for permanent residents attending accredited nonprofit schools full-time. Nonprofits serving students in Buffalo may benefit by sharing these opportunities with eligible youth in their programs.

Grants from National Community Reinvestment Coalition Inc help Buffalo, New York organizations advance community development, affordable housing, workforce readiness, and small business growth. Nonprofits in Buffalo may benefit by serving as host partners for graduate student fellows working on equitable development projects that address local needs in these focus areas.

With a mission to advance human health, Pew Charitable Trusts provides Buffalo, New York biomedical researchers with flexible funding opportunities. Early-career assistant professors at eligible institutions in Buffalo may be nominated for this prestigious program, which supports innovative biomedical research. Nonprofits with a focus on health and medicine may benefit from this funding.

Buffalo, New York nonprofits can access funding through Robinson Foundation for programs in education, animal welfare, veterans’ services, health, and poverty relief. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status serving children, families, or offering humanitarian aid may be eligible. The foundation seeks to create meaningful, tangible impact for local communities.

Grants from Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo help Buffalo, New York nonprofits strengthen organizational resiliency and pursue strategic alliances. Local 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for funding to support collaborations, mergers, shared services, or dissolution planning that enhance long-term sustainability. This opportunity may benefit nonprofits seeking innovative ways to adapt and serve their communities.

Gupta Family Foundation supports social services in Buffalo, New York by providing grants to organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant. Nonprofits addressing issues such as poverty, disability, or disaster relief in Buffalo may be eligible, particularly if they are smaller organizations with strong founder-led missions and a focus on direct beneficiary impact.

Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo supports arts and culture in Buffalo, New York by offering grants to small and mid-sized nonprofit organizations. Eligible groups must have arts and culture as their core mission and an operating budget under $500,000. Nonprofits in Buffalo focused on creative programming may benefit from this opportunity.