Niagara Area Foundation

Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Niagara County.

Strengthening Niagara County

For 25 years, the Niagara Area Foundation has committed to improving lives in Niagara County through the generosity of individuals and families who care deeply about their community. Led by a Council of dedicated and knowledgeable local residents, the Niagara Area Foundation builds connections and supports critical needs in Niagara County that result in transformative impact.

The Niagara Area Foundation is a trusted philanthropic partner that provides a personalized approach to help charitable individuals and families support meaningful causes and organizations now – and forever. As a geographic affiliate of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the Niagara Area Foundation has access to its resources, deep knowledge and strong investment performance.

For more on how we achieve our mission of connecting people, ideas, and resources to improve Niagara County, click here to view our overview brochure.

36 Funds

Designed to benefit the Niagara Area
$10.5 Million

IN TOTAL ASSETS
$5.9 Million

awarded in grants and scholarships

Grant Recipient Spotlight

“The grant was significant in allowing us to maintain funding for our Niagara area gardens. We were able to provide materials not only for the gardens to produce fresh vegetables, but we also had a number of garden programs available to those in the community.”

Carolynn Zima

Office and Communications Manager, Imagine Community Gardens
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Grant Recipient Spotlight

"The Niagara Area Foundation has helped ensure that blind and visually impaired children in Niagara County receive the support and services they need to learn and thrive alongside their sighted peers."

Kelsey Cimiano

Vice President of Development, VIA
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Client Spotlight

“We rely on the Foundation to educate us a little more as to where the needs are and where we can be supportive so we can truly make a difference in Niagara County and beyond.”

Jerry and Liz Canada

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Grant Opportunities

Each fall, we open applications for the Niagara Area Foundation competitive grants. Other grants from the Community Foundation may also be available, and you can explore all of them on our Grants page.

Process is closed

Niagara Area Foundation

Supports nonprofits that have maximum positive impact on Niagara County and align with the Council’s two goals of youth enrichment and the environment.

Niagara Area Foundation Council

The Niagara Area Foundation is led by a Council of dedicated and knowledgeable local residents who share a love of Niagara County. Since 2000, 65 local leaders have served on the Council.

Learn more about joining the council

Niagara Area Foundation Council Officers

Jennifer Pauly

Chair, Lewiston

Patricia Wrobel

Vice Chair, North Tonawanda

Julie R. Berrigan

Secretary, Lewiston

Brenda Dysinger

Treasurer, Sanborn

Council Members

Allen P. Booker

Niagara Falls

Angelica Douglas

Niagara Falls

Philip Haseley

North Tonawanda

Marianne E. Koenig

Lockport

Margart Nucci

Youngstown

Justin Rogers

Lockport

Michael Williamson

Niagara Falls

Richard Zucco

Niagara Falls

How to Give

The Niagara Area Foundation offers two primary pathways for you to join its mission and support the most critical needs in our community. Your support directly helps residents throughout Niagara County.

Make a gift to the endowment

Your support directly helps residents and organizations throughout Niagara County.

Give Today

Establish a fund

Simplify giving, maximize tax benefits and create a permanent source of community support.

Learn More

News

Grantee Spotlight: Youth Mentoring Services

May 7, 2026

Every youth’s story is still being written, and with the support of organizations like Youth Mentoring Services of Niagara County (YMS), …

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Council Member Spotlight: Julie Berrigan

May 7, 2026

“I love how tight knit Niagara County is. There’s just this sense of community— everyone who lives here has that connection …

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