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

April Listening Sessions Information Detailed Below

On December 2, 2021, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced a $100 million commitment to transform the financial strength and long-term viability of Western New York’s arts and culture community through the establishment of an endowment at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo that will support the sector now and forever. For more details, click here to read the full announcement. 

As a part of this investment, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is dedicating $500,000 in annual funding to be spent primarily to support small to mid-sized arts and cultural organizations spread across the nine counties.

Beginning in early 2022, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo will work with sector leaders to conduct listening and engagement sessions to shape the specifics of the first year of grantmaking for this opportunity.

In April 2022, the Community Foundation will be hosting listening sessions open to representatives from all nonprofit arts and culture organizations, for region-specific discussions.  Additionally, information about a Creative Economy Study for Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany will be shared. Click on the appropriate button below to learn more and register to attend.

Monroe County Listening Session:
Wednesday, April 20, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

REGISTER HERE

Erie and Niagara Counties Listening Session:
Friday, April 29, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

REGISTER HERE

Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming Counties Listening Session: Friday, April 29, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

REGISTER HERE

The first awards from this new grant process will be made by the end of 2022. You do not need to attend this session to be eligible to apply for the upcoming grant process nor will your attendance affect your organizations’ application status.

To sign up for future updates on the community engagement process, please send your name, organization name and county to WilsonArts@cfgb.org.