The Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative (CGLI)®

CGLI exists to help youth in Western New York understand the power of philanthropy in their lives and communities. 

About the Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative (CGLI)®

The Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative (CGLI) is a fund of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo that supports, through grantmaking, organizations working toward positive change in the lives of trailblazing youth living in Western New York.  

The CGLI was established as a fund of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo in 2009 by a group of talented, successful, and community-minded professionals of color. CGLI exists to help youth in Western New York understand the power of philanthropy in their lives and communities. CGLI Council Members all share a desire to “pay it forward” in honor of those who helped them succeed by creating a legacy of success that will encourage collective giving to support positive change. 

Mission: TheCGLI exists to help youth in Western New York understand the power of philanthropy in their lives and communities. 

Strategic Goals: 

  • Provide an endowed vehicle for collaborative grantmaking 
  • Advance philanthropy within and for under-resourced communities in WNY
  • Engage and develop current and emerging philanthropic leaders 
  • Support organizations creating positive outcomes for youth 

CGLI Council Members

Robert Lowery

Chairperson

Catherine Roberts

Vice Chairperson

Dinorah E. Baines

Secretary

Sean McKinnie

Treasurer

Oswaldo Mestre, Jr.

Immediate Past Chair

Ekua Mends-Aidoo

Tammy Alsace, Ph.D.

Thomas Beauford, Jr.

Karla E. Kawenniiostha General

Talisa King

Brandi L. Haynes

Miko Noel

Talia Rodriguez, J.D.

Kenneth A. Simmons

Deana Stevenson

Tayrin Tapia

Lindsey Taylor

Honoring Those Who Pay It Forward

Learn more about the annual CGLI awards that recognize trailblazers in our community

Hugh B. Scott Awards

  • The Judge Hugh B. Scott – Community Service Award recognizes those  who exemplify a commitment to creating positive change in the lives of youth of color through community service, civic engagement or volunteerism outside of their professional position.

Pay It Forward Awards

  • The Pay it Forward Awards were created to recognize outstanding individuals or organizations that embody the CGLI’s mission of cultivating positive change in the lives of trailblazing youth of color living within Western New York.

How to Give

Click here to make a gift to the Endowment 

Any Questions? Please contact our team.

Marlon Kerner

Marlon Kerner