Warsaw, N.Y. March 11, 2026 – The Wyoming Foundation, a geographic affiliate of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, is celebrating 50 years of connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Wyoming County. Since 1976, the Wyoming Foundation has been a force for good by creating positive community impact through the generosity of individuals and families who are passionate about giving back to support the needs of Wyoming County residents.
As part of that work, the Wyoming Foundation is accepting grant applications from nonprofit organizations serving Wyoming County for its 2026 grant cycle beginning March 26, 2026. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on April 24, 2026, and can be submitted online at https://www.cfgb.org/nonprofits/grants/wyoming-foundation/. Funding preference will be given to grant applications focusing on at least one of the Wyoming Foundation’s two priorities as determined by its most recent strategic planning process: educational opportunities for youth and adults; and arts and cultural opportunities for youth and adults.
The Foundation is also marking this milestone year in several other ways:
- A Kickoff Anniversary Event will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Farmcraft Brewery (567 US-20A, Strykersville, NY 14145). This is an opportunity to connect with Wyoming Foundation Council members and residents who are passionate about giving back in Wyoming County and learn more about how the Wyoming Foundation is celebrating 50 years. The event is open to the public and registration is required by visiting www.WyomingFoundation.org.
- Nominations for the Leadership Awards will be open March 26 through May 1, 2026. Anyone can nominate and awards will be given in three categories:
- Dr. James MacCallum Community Leadership Award, named after the Wyoming Foundation’s founder, recognizes anyone 21 years of age and older in Wyoming County who exemplifies a commitment to creating positive change in their community through community service, civic engagement or volunteerism outside of their professional position.
- Nonprofit Award recognizes a designated 501(c)(3) charitable organization that has made measurable change in moving their cause forward and helping transform Wyoming County, leading to a stronger, more successful community.
- Youth Leadership Award recognizes a remarkable youth between the ages of 13 and 20 from Wyoming County who exemplifies leadership qualities and a commitment to creating positive change through community service, civic engagement, or volunteerism.
- A Creativity Contest for Wyoming County students in grades K-12 in conjunction with the Arts Council for Wyoming County is accepting artwork submissions that align with one of the following themes: Hands that Help; Seeds of Giving; and Open Hearts, Open Hands.
- The 50th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Glen Iris Inn, where award recipients will be honored. Registration for this event will open in April.
“This milestone is a celebration of the people, partnerships, and shared vision that have strengthened Wyoming County for the last five decades,” said Scott Gardner, Chair of the Wyoming Foundation 50th Anniversary Committee.
“For five decades, the Wyoming Foundation has invested in the heart of our community by supporting educational, arts, and cultural opportunities for youth and adults, strengthening local nonprofits, and enhancing quality of life. Our work reflects the shared commitment of those who believe in our community, and together we are enhancing lives and preserving the vibrant spirit of Wyoming County,” said Jennifer Tyczka, Chair, Wyoming Foundation Council.
More information, including links to register for events, nomination form for awards and submit artwork, can be found at www.WyomingFoundation.org.
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About the Wyoming Foundation
The Wyoming Foundation was established in 1976 and is a division of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Guided by a group of dedicated local residents, the Wyoming Foundation is committed to bringing people together, connecting partners and sparking collaboration to respond to our community’s changing needs. The Wyoming Foundation actively supports a wide variety of cultural, educational and human services organizations in Wyoming County. Learn more at wyomingfoundation.org.
About the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.