Nominations open through September 18, 2026.

Learn more below or click the links to nominate.

Pay It Forward Award

Judge Hugh B. Scott Community Service Award

Inspiring Youth Community Service Award

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: The CGLI 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