Search Through Cattaraugus County Grants for Nonprofits in New York

The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation

The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation has been the region's supportive, responsive and trusted Community Foundation for more than 25 years. Established in 1994, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is a public 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in our region. Grants from the foundation support many areas including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service and youth development.

CRCF has a 20-member board of directors and primarily serves Cattaraugus County, but also has funds established with donors in Pennsylvania and other New York counties.

The Community Foundation currently manages some 300 funds and scholarships, totaling over $30 million in assets.

Field of Interest Funds

Grant Seekers

The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation currently manages more than $23 million in assets for more than 170 different funds, including endowed, non-endowed, scholarship and agency funds. Since its inception in 1994 the Foundation has helped to distribute more than $5.6 million in grants and scholarships. We also encourage responsive grantmaking from our funds to provide needed support to essential community causes.

Field of interest 

Benefits broad charitable purposes such as arts, education or human services.

Visual Arts Alliance Endowment Fund

The Visual Arts Alliance Fund supports the visual arts in Cattaraugus County through various means including annual shows, open studios and tours, and art programs in the schools.

Mission

The DanPaul Foundation will use its resources to help train teachers and parents in early childhood development, protect children from abuse and neglect, stimulate children's personal social responsibilities, and offer them opportunities for enrichment and growth.

The Foundation will also encourage children to be concerned and informed about the environment and the underprivileged, particularly with regard to clean air and water, and adequate housing and nutrition for all.

Beliefs

The DanPaul Foundation believes that children should have ample opportunities for enrichment in their lives, and thus strives to provide many different ways to enrich and expand children's minds through direct programs and monetary support to organizations doing similar work.

We have provided or currently provide grants related to the following program areas:

• Workshops, Conferences, + Seminars: We strive to offer educational workshops, conferences, and seminars for parents and teachers on topics related to early childhood development.
• Student Scholarships: We aim to help students attending post-secondary education institutions by providing need-based and academic scholarships.
• Scientific Endeavors: We desire to advance scientific endeavors which seek to improve the quality of life for everyone in the world.
• Clean Air + Water: We hope to pass on knowledge and practical life skills to youth regarding their personal responsibility to the environment, teaching them about issues surrounding clean air and water.
• Child Advocacy: We believe in protecting children from abuse and neglect and particularly love to support programs that provide education and assistance to children as well as organizations advocating or caring for vulnerable children.
• Homelessness: We want to encourage young people to take a personal interest in seeing that adequate housing and proper nutrition, especially for the underprivileged and homeless, are available.
• Poverty + Neglect: We seek to help those in poverty as well as educate youth about their responsibility to consider the underprivileged and take care of those most in need of life's basic essentials like adequate housing and proper nutrition.
• Refugee Enrichment: We wish to help refugee youth by supporting programs that provide them enrichment and help them transition to life in a new country.

The DanPaul Foundation provides grants to 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organizations as defined by the IRS. The Foundation is interested in providing funding to programs that directly serve the health, education, development, and welfare of the world's youth.

Grants range from a few hundred dollars up to $15,000 per calendar year.

Global Impact Cash Grants

Identifying and incubating innovative early-stage solutions. We identify, incubate, and develop innovative early-stage solutions with the highest potential for impact. Global Impact Cash Grants go to nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that address a significant social problem. We're looking for programs that fit within our investment sectors, focus on the underserved, and use technology to improve the reach and efficiency of services.

We accept applications year-round from eligible organizations. A brief Letter of Inquiry (LOI) is used to determine whether your organization will be invited to complete a full application. Please expand and carefully review each of the three sections below to learn more

Our priority social impact sectors

We focus on investing in innovative, tech-enabled solutions to the challenges and opportunities that matter most to communities in need, prioritizing four social impact sectors:

Cisco Crisis Response

Mobilizing to provide essentials to communities in need and those in crisis, including food, housing, secure connectivity, and disaster relief

By leveraging Cisco’s people, technology, financial resources, and strategic partnerships, we help strengthen community resilience and drive long-term recovery from crises.

Education

Supporting students, teachers, and schools by increasing engagement, building skills, promoting subject mastery, and expanding their capacity to thrive

Cisco is committed to inclusive access to digital skills training and supporting those who use technology to educate. Through programs like Cisco Networking Academy and social investments in education, we create new opportunities for individuals to thrive.

Economic Empowerment

Transforming communities through skill development, long-term career opportunities, entrepreneurship, and access to financial products and services

Strategic grants that unlock economic prosperity and growth for individuals and communities.

Climate Regeneration

Building an inclusive, regenerative, and resilient climate future through education, regenerative agriculture, conservation, protection, and clean energy solutions

Our efforts began in 2021, when the Cisco Foundation committed US$100 million over 10 years to fund nonprofit grants and impact investing in climate solutions. 

Your project should be in line with the Foundation’s mission, vision and values, and support one or more of our three focus areas:

Focus Areas

We consider funding programs that are in line with our mission, vision and values, and support one or more of our three focus areas:

Older AdultsAs one of the only funders in the region with a specific focus on aging, the Health Foundation has always taken a lead in developing and advancing programs and policies to support healthy aging. We believe that healthy aging and maintaining a high quality of life is possible for all older adults, and that older adults are valued and valuable members of our community.Supporting resources and programs to improve the lives of older adults is a key part of the Health Foundation’s overall efforts to achieve our strategic plan and organizational vision, a healthy central and western New York where racial and socioeconomic equity are prioritized so all people can reach their full potential and achieve equitable health outcomes. Read more about our strategic plan here.Our strategic plan and vision include a variety of strategies in support of our long- and mid-term goals that address the unique needs of older adults and their caregivers. See below for a closer look at some of these strategic approaches.

• Challenge: Age-Friendly Communities : We believe that healthy aging and maintaining a high quality of life is possible for all older adults, and that older adults are valued and valuable members of our community.
• Challenge: Support Caregivers:  Providing support to caregivers is essential, so we’re committed to finding the most effective ways to help caregivers take care of themselves and those they care for.

Click here for our programs related to vulnerable older adults.

Young Children Impacted by PovertyIn western and central New York, nearly one in five families with children under age 5 have incomes below the poverty level. Many more families straddle that line – only one job layoff or illness away from joining the official statistics.For these families facing day-to-day struggles, prioritizing, finding and accessing high quality health care for their children can be a constant challenge.The first few weeks, months and years of a child’s life are the most critical – and when children are most vulnerable. The developmental milestones and early learning experiences children have before age 5 will shape their health and well-being as they grow. And children who miss out on these milestones often continue to face challenges.Recognizing the challenges families impacted by poverty face – such as unemployment, transportation difficulties and inflexible work schedules – the Foundation focuses on helping families access services, and bringing services to the places children already go, like preschools and child care centers.Our work in this focus area aims to get families the care, information and tools they need so their kids are physically, socially and emotionally healthy when they enter kindergarten – an important stepping stone toward a bright and healthy future

• Challenge: Social-emotional learning support: Research demonstrates that children with well-developed social and emotional skills are more prepared for kindergarten, have better overall academic outcomes and a healthier physical and emotional trajectory throughout their lifespan.
• Challenge: Maternal and infant health outcomes: The U.S. still ranks last among 17 developed nations in infant mortality. For women living in poverty, life issues, along with a lack of access to care, results in high-risk pregnancies, babies with low birth weights and even infant death.
• Challenge: The need for trauma-informed care: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have significant long-term consequences for physical and emotional health. Living in poverty and experiencing trauma are both influential risk factors for young families.

Click here for our programs related to young children impacted by poverty.Community Health CapacityTo improve the health of underserved populations in western and central New York, we must bolster the health care systems they depend on. We understand the strength and long-term sustainability of our community partners is essential to achieving our vision.The Foundation has been funding community health capacity since its inception, though it didn’t become a formal focus area until 2009. This work is aligned with our other focus areas, improving the health of vulnerable older adults and young children impacted by poverty, and is designed to provide the resources, tools, strategies and training to enhance the capacity of organizations to improve health outcomes in our community.We have two strategies to build community healthy capacity:

• Developing a network of diverse, driven and skilled leaders who will work collaboratively toward goals that can only be achieved by people working together; and
• Giving organizations the resources and expertise to respond strategically to a shifting fiscal and regulatory environment, as well as the breathing space to shore up their infrastructure for long-term success and sustainability.

Our programs in this focus area typically support leadership development, community health planning, organizational development and community education.

• Challenge: Fiscal and regulatory upheaval: With the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid redesign transforming how health care is delivered and paid for, organizations need to change the way they do business. They need to be strategic and proactive to increase quality and reduce costs.
• Challenge: Need to collaborate: The health challenges in our region can’t be tackled by any one organization acting alone. Working in silos leads to gaps, duplication of services and missed opportunities. Leaders at local non-profits must work collaboratively.

Click here for our programs related to  community health capacity.AdvocacyHealth Equity Requires Systemic Change Our efforts to improve health outcomes will succeed only if all people have access to the quality, affordable health coverage they need and deserve. To achieve transformational change in health care, we must address the laws, regulations, and other systems that contribute—positively or negatively—to the health of the community. That’s why the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York advocates for increased access to high-quality, affordable health care and supports policies that aim to make our health care systems fairer and more equitable.Our Advocacy Strategies

• Defend existing programs that provide access to care

We monitor and respond to threats to existing programs, and support opportunities to strengthen them, so that all communities can access care.

• Improve the reach and affordability of existing programs that provide access to care, and support the development of policies that improve the health of everyone in the community.

We support measures that will expand the reach of existing programs, and improve outreach and enrollment to those who are eligible for coverage but are not insured.

• Continue to contribute to public education efforts related to increasing the access to and affordability of health care.

We partner with other health equity advocates to share information about ways to expand and improve coverage, so that more people understand how increased coverage for all can lead to a healthier, more just community.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation

We believe every person deserves equitable care and education.

In 2020 Labcorp established a private charitable 501(c)(3) foundation to advance our desire to bring quality healthcare access to all by supporting education and our local communities. 

Common grant opportunities include:

• Supporting food pantries and meal programs
• Providing healthcare and patient services for underserved populations
• Encouraging STEM programming
• Advocating for healthy lifestyles through ongoing medical research and screening

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. believed effective change should make an impact from the start, yet carry long into the future. To do both, he earmarked a portion of his estate and the eventual sale of his beloved Buffalo Bills to fund his namesake foundation. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation began operations in 2015 to continue his legacy—one of generosity and innovation, healthy risk taking and collaboration, and an unshakeable community focus.

And today, his hand-picked Life Trustees have determined to focus the efforts of the foundation on Mr. Wilson’s home and adopted home regions of Southeast Michigan and Western New York.

With a structure that dictates spend-down of our funds by 2035, we match the urgency that people in need feel every day and focus on collaborative investments that consider both immediate impact and long-term benefit.

Our time is short. But with collaboration, vision and a healthy dash of courage, transformation that shifts the very foundations of our communities is possible.

Grantmaking Focus Areas

Active Lifestyles

By supporting access to safe spaces and programs that get kids physically active and moving, the Foundation aims to introduce lifelong healthy habits through its Youth Sports & Recreation grantmaking. Spanning all generations, the Foundation’s investments in Parks, Trails & Green Design looks to connect people and communities to each other, nature and recreation.

Preparing for Success

Strong work ethic, confidence and a desire to learn are attributes that can be instilled at a young age and carried through adulthood. Our Preparing for Success focus area is centered on providing the communication, teamwork and critical-thinking skills people need to grow and adapt throughout their life and career.

Caregivers

There are more than 40 million family members - spouses, daughters, sons, grandchildren - and friends in the United States caring for older adults, a number that will grow dramatically in the coming years. The Foundation aims to elevate caregivers’ critical roles by highlighting the often-hidden value and contributions they make to families and communities every day.  

Entrepreneurship & Economic Development

Several years into recovery after a decades-long economic slide in both Southeast Michigan and Western New York, the Foundation’s investments in Entrepreneurship and Economic Development look to leverage this momentum by spurring small business growth, place-based community and economic development, and talent attraction and retention. 

Foundation Initiative: Nonprofit Support & Innovation

Without strong, healthy nonprofits that have the resources and support to meet their mission, none of the work the Foundation invests in across its focus areas can happen. While the Foundation works with individual grantees to help them build their own capacity through project-specific grants, it also is taking a sector view of nonprofit support as a special initiative of the Foundation in order to help strengthen communities.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust is devoted solely to the funding of charitable, scientific, medical and educational organizations.

The Board endeavors to support soundly-managed charitable organizations that give service with a broad scope, have a substantial effect on their target populations, and contribute materially to the general welfare. The Board does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

Our Mission

The Tony Robbins Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of people often forgotten.

We’re dedicated to creating positive changes in the lives of youth, seniors, the hungry, homeless and the imprisoned population, all who need a boost envisioning a happier and deeply satisfying way of life. Our passionate staff, generous donors and caring group of international volunteers provide the vision, inspiration, and resources needed to empower these important members of our society.

Grants

Dedicated to meeting challenges within the global community, creating solutions and taking action, The Tony Robbins Foundation provides monetary donations to various organizations around the world. Funding requests are evaluated on an ongoing basis. We look for organizations that align with our mission to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of those often forgotten.

Since 1919, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has been committed to helping individuals, families and organizations make their charitable goals a reality. Today, we work with more than 400 active clients and are carrying on the legacies of an additional 500 clients. In total, we have over $940 million in charitable assets.

WNY Forward Fund

The WNY Forward Fund is a collaborative effort of 12 Western New York funders united to support our community and nonprofits that provide essential programs and services in the face of major shifts in federal funding and priorities since early 2025. The philanthropic community’s goal in working together is to help protect and strengthen the community, while encouraging innovation and reimagining how to best use community resources for long-term resilience.

The WNY Forward Fund is intended to be a multi-year effort through select grantmaking and support of priority initiatives across three focus areas. These priorities include: Strategic Alliances & Nonprofit Resiliency, Civic Health & Building Common Ground, Impact Data & Storytelling.

Strategic Alliances & Nonprofit Resiliency Grant

Our first action is to support grant proposals from local nonprofits pursuing partnerships, shared services, mergers, or other collaborations to help organizations adapt to the evolving environment, and remain resilient and responsive to community needs.

Grants between $2,500 and $25,000 are available and are intended to spur reimaging of service delivery and innovation within the nonprofit sector.

Grant Opportunities

Although there are many forms of strategic realignment and collaboration, the following explorations will be considered as part of this funder initiative.

I. Strategic Realignment and Organizational Integration

• Strategic and/or Structural Alliance: A partnership between organizations pursuing a common goal while maintaining independence, often involving aligned programs, administrative functions, or complementary strategies.
• Administrative Consolidation: Restructuring to share, exchange, or contract administrative functions (e.g., accounting, HR) to increase operational efficiencies.
• Merger: A more formal process that combines two or more nonprofit entities into one, or forms affiliates/subsidiaries.
• Resource Partnerships: Involve collaborating to share resources like office space, equipment, staff, or technology.
• Strategic Restructure: Structuring into multiple LLCs to diversify operations, manage liability exposure, or distinct strategic goals requiring legal and financial separation. 

II. Dissolution Planning

• Dissolution Planning is the process of voluntarily winding up operations of a nonprofit corporation and adhering to IRS and Treasury Regulations applicable to liquidation, dissolution, termination, or substantial contraction.

Who We Are

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. As we move into 2025, our commitment to supporting the growth of nonprofits remains as strong as ever. We are particularly excited to renew our focus on partnering with organizations that are making an impact on our regional food system

We are looking towards systemic change and the realization of a more self-reliant region. It is with this intentional regional lens that we are committed to bringing a more diverse group of partners into our work to address the growing concerns of Western New Yorkers.

What We Do

We focus on fostering healthy organizational growth and cultivating nonprofit adaptability and resiliency.

The WNY Foundation provides grants to support organizations that are changing our regional food systems and finding equitable solutions to long-standing problems. Our goal is to make targeted investments in specific capacities that will meet the unique characteristics and needs of each individual nonprofit.

We provide the necessary resources to build skills, ability, and training that will allow under-resourced agencies to directly address community needs by investing in strategies and structures that result in sound management, strong governance, and greater financial stability.

We support coalitions and collaborations across sectors that encourage innovative solutions. We believe diverse partnerships create more equitable and sustainable results.

iCAP Implementation

iCAP & ICAP Core Capacity Building Plan Implementation

The Western New York Foundation, in collaboration with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, is dedicated to supporting capacity-building plans that are developed during iCAP and iCAP Core.

After the completion of either of the iCAP programs, staff from the WNY Foundation will meet with the Executive Director of the organization to review the capacity-building plan and explore potential areas for foundation support. This assistance may include financial support, consulting services, or technical assistance.

Organizations have the opportunity to apply for implementation funds for up to three years after adopting their capacity-building plan. 

Grant Priorities

Our primary focus is on our local and regional food system. Specifically, we are looking for or innovative individuals with the resources needed to develop and implement sustainable solutions that build a thriving and equitable food system reflecting the community it serves. We prioritize food system nonprofits dedicated to the wellbeing of BIPOC communities, families disproportionately impacted by poverty, immigrants and refugees, and disadvantaged people in rural areas. We support efforts that work to decrease social inequities and challenge the disparities of conventional food systems.

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations committed to improving our world. Solutions to the problems of today's world still lie in the values of innovation, practicality, hard work, and compassion.

The Foundation considers applications for grants in the following areas:

• Education
• Social Service
• Health care
• Civic and cultural
• Environmental

The categories above are not intended to limit the interest of the Foundation from considering other worthwhile projects. In general, the Foundation guidelines are broad to give us flexibility in providing grants.

The majority of our grants are made in the U.S. However, like Dr. Scholl, we recognize the need for a global outlook. Non-U.S. grants are given to organizations where directors have knowledge of the grantee.

Impact Capacity Assessment Program Core (iCAP Core)

The Western New York Foundation’s Impact Capacity Assessment Program Core (iCAP Core) is a tailored program designed for emerging and smaller nonprofits, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of capacity building and its influence on both internal and external facets of their organization. Capacity building is any activity that strengthens nonprofit performance, effectiveness, and impact. Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO) defines nonprofit effectiveness as “the ability of an organization or a network to fulfill its mission through a blend of sound management, strong governance, and a persistent rededication to assessing and achieving results.

iCAP Core is an intensive coaching program focused on the importance of building a strong relationship between the Executive Director and Board Chair, resulting in a greater appreciation of the power of this relationship when developed through best practices. In addition, the program includes intensive board education and development that will enhance the board’s understanding of their roles and responsibility, particularly related to securing the necessary resources toward mission accomplishment. In collaboration, the Executive Director, Board Chair, and Board members will develop a capacity building plan that will initiate investment from the WNY Foundation and other financial sources in a properly timed and effective manner.

iCAP Core is a 6-month program designed to address the complexities of capacity-related opportunities and challenges for nonprofits.

Key elements of the program include:

• Leadership Focus: Executive Director and Board Chair relationships are at the heart of iCAP Core. Through one-on-one consultation and coaching, these positions receive targeted support and guidance to strengthen their leadership skills, strategic thinking, and organizational vision.
• Board Training: Recognizing the pivotal role of an informed and skilled board in organizational success, iCAP Core focuses on board development. Board members engage in sessions to equip them with the knowledge and tools for effective governance, strategic decision-making, and resource mobilization.
• Comprehensive Organizational Development: The program covers various facets of organizational development including leadership structure development, board governance, financial management, fundraising strategies, communications and marketing, evaluation capacity, implement and assess programs, and building information technology systems to support the agency’s needs.
• Capacity Building Plan: The development of a 1 to 2-year organizational capacity-building plan with an action plan that includes goal and progress measurements. This will help inform future foundation investment in organization’s capacity development.
• Stipend: A $10,000 stipend that can be used to offset administrative expenses during iCAP. This is generously supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. 

About Allegany County Area Foundation Dollars for Scholars Program

We Help Our Local Students Succeed Through Scholarships

Our Dollars for Scholars chapter is a nonprofit community foundation that supports academic success in our county. As part of Scholarship America's national network of locally based, volunteer-driven Dollars for Scholars chapters, our mission is to develop and administer scholarship programs for the benefit of our local high school graduates.

Our Impact

Since our first award in 1990, the Allegany County Area Foundation has awarded 1000+ scholarships. Last year we awarded 200 scholarships worth $320,000.00; we have provided over $4,000,000. to our local students since that very first award.

Across the nation, Scholarship America's programs -- including Dollars for Scholars -- have distributed $2.5 billion to nearly 2 million students since its founding 50 years ago.

The Allegany County Area Foundation has been able to help students because of the generosity of our community. We currently hold over 90 funds, including 56 scholarship funds, all but a few permanently endowed.

About Our Dollars for Scholars Program

The Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) Dollars for Scholars® program was established in 2004 to provide college scholarships for students from Allegany County.  The ACAF Dollars for Scholars® program will help build the future of the Allegany County area and its youth by making higher education a possibility and successful careers an attainable goal for any young person with a dream.

Reasons to apply for a scholarship through ACAF Dollars for Scholars

As a Scholarship America® affiliate, the Allegany County Area Foundation is able to offer:

• Security from loss of other financial aid (that is, schools less likely to use your ACAF aid to offset money they would award)
• One standard Dollars for Scholars application for multiple scholarships

Our Mission

Our mission is to continue and further the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. and the Cowles family, which includes promotion of education, social justice, health, and the arts.

The Founder

The Cowles Charitable Trust was first established in 1948 by Gardner “Mike” Cowles, Jr. (1903-1985). Born into the Cowles publishing family of Des Moines, Iowa, Mike was the youngest of Gardner Cowles and Florence Call Cowles’ six children. A newspaper editor and publisher by trade, he was committed to his family’s traditions of responsible, public-spirited, and innovative journalism as well as philanthropy. 

The Cowles Charitable Trust supports the arts, education, the advancement of ethical journalism, medical and climate research.

Kids need to play.

The Skatepark Project believes encouraging free play and providing youth with opportunities to develop active, healthy lifestyles are key to ensuring their well being. With childhood obesity rates more than tripling since 1980*, access to parks is no longer a luxury—it’s essential to the health of our children.

Children in low-income families are particularly at risk, in part because they have fewer opportunities to participate in organized sports leagues and activities. Fighting obesity has become a critical national priority, with long-term health risks including—but not limited to—heart disease, high cholesterol, depression, and even cancer**. More importantly, healthier kids are happier.

Two of the nation’s most prominent advocates for youth have joined together to address this issue. The Skatepark Project has partnered with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to promote the creation of free, public skateparks in the 16 counties of Southeast Michigan and Western New York served by RCWJRF.

With grant funds of up to $250,000, the Built to Play Skatepark Program supports community groups and municipalities seeking to create free, public skateparks that serve low-income communities. Built to Play Skatepark Grants also include an additional $50,000 to fund processes and design features that lessen the environmental impact of the skatepark. The Built to Play Skatepark Program also provides advisory services and advocacy training to assist groups in organizing and managing their efforts.

While we realize that not every community can afford to build a world-class skatepark, we believe that every community deserves a quality facility created by experienced skatepark contractors. We believe that a small, excellent skatepark is better than a large, flawed one. We also believe that local officials should treat public skateparks the same way they treat public basketball courts or tennis courts, meaning that anyone may show up and use them during regular park hours, unsupervised. We know that kids everywhere love their local skateparks and that more skateparks will result in even more healthier, happier kids. 



The Built to Play Skatepark Program primarily considers skatepark projects that:

• are designed and built from durable, low-maintenance materials by qualified and experienced skatepark contractors.
• include local skaters in leadership and volunteer roles throughout the planning, fundraising, and design process.
• will serve low- to middle-income areas and/or areas with a high population of “at-risk” youth.
• can demonstrate a strong grassroots commitment to the project, particularly in the form of fundraising by local skateboarders and other community groups.
• encourage skaters to look after their own safety and the safety of others without restricting their access to the park or over-regulating their use of it.
• are open during daylight hours, 365 days a year.
• don’t charge an entrance fee or require registration.
• are in areas that currently have no accessible skateboarding facilities
• are committed to a process that minimizes the environmental impact of the skatepark.

Supply Vs. Demand

As the benefits of skateparks are felt within a community, the demand for grants from the Built to Play Skatepark Program will become increasingly competitive across the region. If your proposed skatepark does not reflect the priorities outlined above, your project is unlikely to receive a grant through this program.

All Built to Play Skatepark Grant Applicants will receive a detailed review of their projects, whether a grant is awarded or not.

Focus of Built to Play Skatepark Grants

The principal focus of Built to Play Skatepark Grants is to encourage and facilitate the design, development, and construction of new quality skateboard parks and facilities, located in eligible communities in the 16 counties served by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. Skatepark projects in communities outside this service area or those seeking funds for anything other than the construction of a skateboard park may not apply for a Built to Play Skatepark Grant. Built to Play-funded skatepark projects must also incorporate processes and design features that minimize the environmental impact of the skatepark.

More information about The Skatepark Project’s Skatepark Grant program can be found here.

Perpetuating the Appreciation of Fine Arts

The Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts was established in 1996 by Sarah Bauman Baxter as a unique way to memorialize her father by including his name in her own endowment. Mrs. Baxter and her father shared a love for the classics, including classical languages, ballet and opera. At the end of her life, she translated that love into this bequest, which Mrs. Baxter said should help “perpetuate the appreciation of such fine arts as an important and integral part of our culture.”

Grant Opportunity

Support shall be in the form of a grant, preferably matching funds.

Tier 1

Awards will be prioritized first for performances of “traditional, classical ballet and opera on the living stage, and preferably of the English, European, or Russian schools.” Qualifying performances should “preserve the originality of their composition, so the ballets are presented in their traditional choreography, and operas are sung in the language in which they were composed (except certain operas which may be customarily be rendered in English and are regarded as ‘traditional’ by the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York).”

Tier 2

If any funds remain after awards have been made to all ballet and opera nonprofits eligible under Tier 1, awards will be prioritized for qualifying performances presented through the encouragement and support of responsible music or theater nonprofits. Qualifying works shall “preserve the high quality of performance of traditional or classical works” of music, theater, or ballet from the repertories traditionally considered classical for each medium.

Community Fund

The Community Fund is an unrestricted fund that makes possible grants responsive to the community’s greatest needs. Grant applications for the Community Fund are accepted in two funding cycles, the Apr. 21 deadline for consideration at the May board meeting and the Oct. 21 deadline for consideration at the November board meeting.

Proposals are assessed by a committee of trusted professionals and active community volunteers on organization strength, community need or opportunity, feasibility and impact, project budget and the role of the CRCF grant. Generally grants are not intended to fund ongoing annual needs. Grants typically range between $100 and $2,500.

Only one proposal from an organization will be considered each calendar year.

The East Hill Foundation is a privately-funded family foundation, which evolved out of the Greatbatch family’s tradition of stewardship. Funding was initiated through small grants out of the family-owned business, Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. In 1986 with the help of Peter Greatbatch, Eleanor and Wilson’s youngest son, the East Hill Foundation was established. The family’s hope was to further the tradition of stewardship which could be enhanced and passed on to future generations. With the sale of Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. in 1997 and the abrupt death of the Executive Director, Peter Greatbatch in 1998, the Foundation was restructured. Ami Greatbatch joined the Board of Directors and was appointed Co-Chairman with her husband Warren Greatbatch. The Foundation’s area of interest was extended to the eight counties of Western New York. In 1999, Michele Schmidt joined the Foundation as the full-time Grants Director.

East Hill Foundation and E & W G Foundation grant funding is currently divided into three components: Western New York Grants, Family/Board/Staff Sponsored Grants, and the North Tonawanda Grants Program.

Western New York Grants

East Hill Foundation considers grant applications from qualified 501(c)(3) organizations, which address community needs and opportunities designed to enhance the quality of life of the residents of Western New York.

Community giving is primarily focused within the eight counties of Western New York:

• Allegany,
• Cattaraugus,
• Chautauqua,
• Erie,
• Genesee,
• Niagara,
• Orleans, and 
• Wyoming County

Funding priorities include basic human needs projects for food, clothing and shelter to assist those less fortunate in our community.

Calling to Serve

Since its inception in 2016, the Robinson Foundation has sought to demonstrate God’s love through sharing the gifts we have received. We understand the often unspoken hardships and struggles that people in and outside of our community face everyday. As such, our contributions are focused on relieving these hardships for the betterment of our world.

As a family-operated foundation, we pray that our small efforts will not only create immediate change in the lives of our neighbors, but will help set those lives on a course for success in the future. We are thankful for each and every day we have on this earth to use what God has granted us to make a difference.

Areas of Interest

• Animal Welfare
• Children & Families
• Disaster Relief
• Education
• Medical Assistance
• Nature & Wildlife Conservation
• Poverty Relief
• Religious & Spiritual Endeavors
• Veterans' Issues

Grant Considerations

We take many different aspects of applications into account when making grant issuing decisions, however these are some of the high-level questions we ask ourselves during the process:

• How does the organization serve their key audience goals?
• Is the organization fiscally responsible?
• Will a grant have a tangible, meaningful impact?
• Will we see direct results from this grant?
• Does the organization have other financial contributors?

Community Partnership Award

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award recognizes outstanding nonprofit organizations in the United States that have shown exemplary leadership by facilitating partnerships with public, private or social sector leaders who are working together as equal partners, not as donors and recipients, to build a cohesive community that serves as a model for collaborating with others for the greater good.

Each year, the Mutual of America Foundation sponsors a national competition in which hundreds of organizations demonstrate the value of their partnership to the communities they serve, their ability to be replicated by others and their capacity to stimulate new approaches to addressing significant social issues.

Six organizations are selected by an independent committee to receive the Community Partnership Award.

• The Thomas J. Moran Award is given to the national award-winning program and includes $100,000 and a documentary video about the program.
• The Frances R. Hesselbein Award is given to a partnership that is addressing social challenges in more than one community, or which demonstrates the potential to be replicated in other communities. This recipient receives $75,000.
• Four other organizations are named Honorable Mention recipients for their programs, and each receives $50,000.

Since its inception in 1996, the Community Partnership Award has recognized 262 partnerships from cities and towns across America. Like so many of our clients working in the nonprofit community, Mutual of America is dedicated to having a direct, positive impact on society.

 Who We Are

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. As we move into 2023, our commitment to supporting the growth of nonprofits remains as strong as ever. We are particularly excited to renew our focus on partnering with organizations that are making an impact on our regional food system

We are looking towards systemic change and the realization of a more self-reliant region. It is with this intentional regional lens that we are committed to bringing a more diverse group of partners into our work to address the growing concerns of Western New Yorkers.

What We Do

We focus on fostering healthy organizational growth and cultivating nonprofit adaptability and resiliency.

The WNY Foundation provides grants to support organizations that are changing our regional food systems and finding equitable solutions to long-standing problems. Our goal is to make targeted investments in specific capacities that will meet the unique characteristics and needs of each individual nonprofit.

We provide the necessary resources to build skills, ability and training that will allow under-resourced agencies to directly address community needs by investing in strategies and structures that result in sound management, strong governance, and greater financial stability.

We support coalitions and collaborations across sectors that encourage innovative solutions. We believe diverse partnerships create more equitable and sustainable results.

Who We Fund

The Foundation strives to empower innovative people with the resources needed to create and implement sustainable solutions that will build a thriving and equitable food system that reflects the community it serves. We prioritize nonprofits focused on the wellbeing of BIPOC communities, families disproportionally impacted by poverty, immigrants and refugees, and disadvantaged people in rural areas. We will support efforts that work to decrease social inequities and reject the disparities of conventional food systems.

The WNY Foundation recognizes the vital role that wellbeing plays in building strong and thriving communities. As defined by the Full Frame Initiative (FFI), wellbeing is a multi-dimensional concept that impacts individuals and the communities they live in. There are five factors in play, which are largely socially determined: safety; stability; mastery; social connectedness, and meaningful access to relevant resources. Our foundation is committed to supporting nonprofits who align with the wellbeing tenets.

Seeds of Sustainability Capacity Building Grant Program

The Seeds of Sustainability Grant Program is designed to provide funding and support to nonprofit organizations that aim to improve their capacity to achieve their mission and do transformative work. This program provides financial assistance to help the organization develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to enhance their operations and achieve sustainable growth. We support a range of activities and support services tailored to the specific needs of the organization. These may include:

• Support Strategic Leadership: to develop strong board and staff leadership and assist our grantees in implementing strategic priorities during critical periods of growth and revitalization.
• Foster Collaboration: to strengthen community engagement and support collaborative and strategic relationship efforts that will result in stronger and expanded services.
• Strengthen Communications: to support communications efforts that raise awareness about an organization’s mission and attract attention and resources to the organization’s cause.
• Expand Resources and Stabilize Financials: to develop financial stability by increasing the ability of the nonprofit to develop necessary resources and plan for longer-term sustainability.
• Promote Programming Excellence: to enhance the provision of services by strengthening the nonprofit’s ability to program and evaluate its work.
• Enhance Operational Effectiveness: to improve day-to-day operational productivity and enhance nonprofit functioning in areas such as administration, grant management, finance, human resources, technology, and facility management.

Grant applications are welcome from organizations whose work aligns with our mission and priority areas. For all grant programs, this includes a focus on our local and regional food systems. Additionally, our iCAP programs also consider applications from arts and culture organizations and those serving rural communities. 

Gupta Family Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, USA. Our mission is to support organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. We take a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters.

The foundation evaluates and awards annual and multi-year grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000 (USD). Our focus is on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions. 

Our selection criteria include:

• Mission alignment
• The organization is run by the founder or, if not, by a successor who embodies the original inspiration, passion and commitment of the founder.
• At least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.
• The organization is non-sectarian, i.e.,
  • It does not, directly or indirectly, support or condone the proselytization of any religion,
  • It is not supported by or affiliated to a religious organization.

Mental Wellness in Cattaraugus County Fund

Grants from this fund will support programs and activities that will promote and support mental wellness in Cattaraugus County in the spirit that was intended by the former Mental Health Association in Cattaraugus County (MHACC). Grants will be limited to 501 (c) (3) organizations or programs operated by a licensed mental health practitioner or agency. Generally grants from this fund cannot be used for overhead or start-up. Grant applications will be accepted once per year, with the deadline of Sept. 1.

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Arts & Culture Initiative

In 2021, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation established endowment funds at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to support arts and culture in the eight counties of Western New York, plus Monroe County, in recognition of the key role arts and culture organizations play in a thriving economy.

Since the inception of the Arts & Culture Initiative, the Community Foundation has prioritized community feedback in the creation of this annual funding opportunity. 

The result of this work are three funding opportunities for 2025:

Combined Capacity-Building and General Operating Funds of up to $15,000 for organizations with at least one full-time (or one FTE) staff member to help organizations build the solid foundation necessary to pursue an ambitious mission and vision;

General Operating Micro Grants of up to $2,500 for organizations with less than one full-time staff member to execute immediate programming;

Year 2 Capacity-Building and General Operating Funds for 2024 Grantees ONLY: Continued Capacity-Building support to continue building upon the work started in 2025. Click here for details on this invited process.

Background

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation established endowment funds at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to provide annual support for programs and initiatives that reflect the personal passions of Mr. Wilson. These areas of support are: Caregivers; Community Assets; Design and Access; and Youth Sports.

The grants made from these Legacy Funds held at the Community Foundation are distinct from the grants made by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation directly. In most cases, the grants made from these Funds at the Community Foundation serve to support very localized projects across the WNY region for which a smaller grant can make all the difference. In some cases, it may also provide an opportunity to test out ideas and programs on a smaller, pilot level.

About the Foundation

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. believed effective change should make an impact from the start, yet carry long into the future. To do both, he earmarked a portion of his estate and the eventual sale of his beloved Buffalo Bills to fund his namesake foundation. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation began operations in 2015 to continue his legacy-one of generosity and innovation, healthy risk taking and collaboration and an unshakeable community focus.

And today, his hand-picked Life Trustees have determined to focus the efforts of the foundation on Mr. Wilson’s home and adopted home regions of Southeast Michigan and Western New York.

Caregivers 

Support caregivers – whether paid, voluntary or family – of persons who are unable to fully care for themselves and are part of an underserved community. 

Requests must address the following objective:

• Increase opportunities for caregivers to take advantage of resources.
  • Examples of such resources include, but are not limited to, the following:
    • transportation assistance,
    • support for volunteers, and
    • training opportunities.

Background

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation established endowment funds at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to provide annual support for programs and initiatives that reflect the personal passions of Mr. Wilson. These areas of support are: Caregivers; Community Assets; Design and Access; and Youth Sports.

The grants made from these Legacy Funds held at the Community Foundation are distinct from the grants made by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation directly. In most cases, the grants made from these Funds at the Community Foundation serve to support very localized projects across the WNY region for which a smaller grant can make all the difference. In some cases, it may also provide an opportunity to test out ideas and programs on a smaller, pilot level.

About the Foundation

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. believed effective change should make an impact from the start, yet carry long into the future. To do both, he earmarked a portion of his estate and the eventual sale of his beloved Buffalo Bills to fund his namesake foundation. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation began operations in 2015 to continue his legacy-one of generosity and innovation, healthy risk taking and collaboration and an unshakeable community focus.

And today, his hand-picked Life Trustees have determined to focus the efforts of the foundation on Mr. Wilson’s home and adopted home regions of Southeast Michigan and Western New York.

Design and Access

Design and Access – Support enhancement of community access to spaces and programs that support healthy living. Requests must address the following objective:

• Support for pre-planning, development and/or construction costs. This may include projects related to increasing the walkability and bikeability of local communities, and improving waterways, greenways and recreation corridors.

Background

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation established endowment funds at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to provide annual support for programs and initiatives that reflect the personal passions of Mr. Wilson. These areas of support are: Caregivers; Community Assets; Design and Access; and Youth Sports.

The grants made from these Legacy Funds held at the Community Foundation are distinct from the grants made by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation directly. In most cases, the grants made from these Funds at the Community Foundation serve to support very localized projects across the WNY region for which a smaller grant can make all the difference. In some cases, it may also provide an opportunity to test out ideas and programs on a smaller, pilot level.

About the Foundation

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. believed effective change should make an impact from the start, yet carry long into the future. To do both, he earmarked a portion of his estate and the eventual sale of his beloved Buffalo Bills to fund his namesake foundation. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation began operations in 2015 to continue his legacy-one of generosity and innovation, healthy risk taking and collaboration and an unshakeable community focus.

And today, his hand-picked Life Trustees have determined to focus the efforts of the foundation on Mr. Wilson’s home and adopted home regions of Southeast Michigan and Western New York.

Youth Sports 

Provide opportunities for all children to be active through sport. Requests must address one of the following objectives: 

• Ask kids what they want.
• Reintroduce free play.
• Encourage sport sampling.
• Revitalize in-town leagues.
• Think small.
• Design for development.
• Train all coaches.
• Emphasize prevention.