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Client Stories
Behind every one of our clients, awards and grant opportunities, there is a story about a generous individual, family or organization committed to advancing their community and the people around them. From honoring civic leaders to giving back to hometowns, our clients’ generosity inspires us all and is accessible to all.
We are honored to help these individuals and families make their charitable goals a reality. We invite you to click through the following stories and learn about who our clients are, where they come from and how we help them amplify their impact on the community for generations to come.
African American Veterans Monument Endowment Honoring the voices of those who have served
Did you know that the first casualty of the Revolutionary War was a Black man? Throughout history, Black soldiers have played a vital role in every U.S. war. To honor those veterans, the African American Veterans Monument was unveiled in 2022, a culmination of many years of hard work. CONTINUE READING
Scheff Family Inspiring the voices of future generations
Hy Scheff was known for his sharp wit and generosity. “He was very charitable because he came from such modest means,” said his wife, Marjorie. “It was always important to him to give back.” Married for nearly 66 years, Marjorie and Hy met after he returned from the Korean War. Of their decades-long love story, Marjorie recalls he was already talking about marriage on their first date. CONTINUE READING
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Corporation Cementing a historic landmark’s future
Nestled in Buffalo’s Parkside neighborhood, just minutes from Delaware Park, you will find the Martin House, a National Historic Landmark, N.Y. State Historic Site and premier tourist destination that is the very definition of a grand masterpiece. “Thoughtful architecture and good design matter,” explained Mary Roberts, retired Executive Director of the Martin House. “In a certain sense, architecture is about improving the human condition.” CONTINUE READING
Pickburn Memorial Fund for Wildlife Carrying out a legacy
“It seems like every time we were in need, the Pickburn Memorial Fund was there to help,” said Hannah Brenner, Development Manager of Hawk Creek Wildlife Center. Born in 1948, Barbara Pickburn developed a love of animals and wildlife at a young age, a passion that would inspire her generosity for years to come. CONTINUE READING
Dedrick Family Cultivating a family tradition of giving back
“We try to be good community members. That has always been a mandate in our family,” reflects Paige Dedrick Thompson. Paige and her younger brother, Bram, grew up in Western New York, the children of Paul and Eden Dedrick. From them, she learned the importance of giving back. CONTINUE READING
Anne L. Bird Creating an evergreen legacy
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1927, Anne Bird graduated from Duke University in North Carolina, then headed to Ohio, where she met her husband, Charles. They started a family and lived in several American and Canadian cities before settling in East Aurora in 1966. CONTINUE READING
Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) Putting down roots for the future
In the early 1960s, discrimination prevented people from purchasing homes in their desired neighborhoods. As a result, Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) was established in 1963 to promote the value of diversity and to ensure that all people have an equal opportunity to live in the housing and communities of their choice. CONTINUE READING
Wilfred and Joan Larson A gift that will bloom forever
Wilfred (Will) and Joan Larson were high school sweethearts who met in Brooklyn, New York, and married in 1949. The couple started a family and moved around as they advanced in their careers, landing in Buffalo in the early 1980s when Will got a job with Bristol-Myers, where he worked until he retired. CONTINUE READING
George and Agnes Farris, Celia Lipton Farris & Victor W. Farris Foundation Honoring a Hometown Connection
To George and Agnes Farris, Buffalo is about roots. “It is where the family is from,” said Agnes. “It is about our history.” The Farris family moved to Buffalo in the late 1800s. George grew up in Buffalo, and after graduating from Kenmore High, he went on to lead a storied career in academic research and teaching as professor of Management. Both George and Agnes have always made it a point to stay connected to our region. CONTINUE READING
Buffalo Prep Prepped for the Future
A dreamer. A leader. An activist. A scholar. Buffalo Prep believes these qualities are within every student, and aims to nurture individual talents and goals through its enrichment programs. “We want to ensure that our students are provided everything that they need so that, however they define success, they are prepared,” said Patti Stephen, Robert G. Wilmers Endowed Executive Director of Buffalo Prep. CONTINUE READING
Hahn Family Foundation Generations of Generosity
“Our story is about carrying out the charitable legacy our parents and grandparents built, which is why we have chosen to give through the Community Foundation,” reflects the third generation of the Hahn family. For the Hahns, generosity has come naturally for generations. “Giving is in our blood,” is how they describe the legacy of giving that has been instilled in them. Their grandfather, Charles Hahn, was born in 1903 and came from humble beginnings. CONTINUE READING
Buffalo Bills Social Justice Fund Championing Change
The Buffalo Bills ascended into the national spotlight in 2020 for their incredible play and successful season. Equally impressive was how the team stepped up to support our community during difficult times. The Buffalo Bills took on social justice as an area of focus in 2017 to give their players a voice and an opportunity to help improve lives in their adopted community in meaningful and practical ways. CONTINUE READING
Betty Crump A Lifetime of Giving Back
“I love Buffalo — the people, the relationships, the direction, the football team,” remarked Betty Crump. “The Community Foundation has helped me feel even more connected and gives me one point of access to achieve multiple charitable goals.” While Betty’s love of Buffalo may not be unique, her history of giving is certainly inspiring. CONTINUE READING
Frank Mesiah A Champion for Change
Veteran. Teacher. Police officer. Not only was Frank Mesiah all of these things, but he also worked tirelessly to advance racial equity in Western New York. CONTINUE READING
Bonita and Henry Durand Bonita and Henry Durand
It was the 1960s and Bonita Cobb was in her middle school modern history class in Cincinnati, Ohio. She sat in front of a shy, athletic student named Henry Durand. Little did she know then that she had found her soulmate. CONTINUE READING
NativityMiguel Middle School of Buffalo NativityMiguel Middle School of Buffalo
A handful of sharply dressed seventh grade boys shuffle into a bright classroom at NativityMiguel Middle School of Buffalo. Each one politely greets School President, Nancy Langer, and Board of Trustees President, JoAnne Hudecki, before taking their seats and engaging in a lighthearted conversation about the school’s basketball team. CONTINUE READING
Pinto Family Pinto Family
“Do you feel that what you do has meaning?” That is a question Priya Pinto recalls her late husband, Michael, asking her one morning, and something she thinks about often. CONTINUE READING
George Rand Generosity on Repeat
George F. Rand Sr., President of Marine Trust Co., asked his attorney, Edward H. Letchworth, to visit the first community foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. After that trip, George Sr. recognized the unique role a community foundation could play to enable families, including his own, to give back for generations to come. CONTINUE READING
The Montante Family The Gift of Family
“And what the Community Foundation is doing to teach our children about philanthropy is also very helpful,” added Michael. “It is a big part of how we hope to pass on this legacy of giving. We are now approaching it with a bit more structure, as opposed to just learning it as we go.” CONTINUE READING
Maria M. Love Motherly Love
Every December, about 2,500 middle and high school-aged youth in Western New York dress up and hit the dance floor for a good cause. Even more incredible than the success of this annual event is the woman behind it: Maria M. Love, the social work pioneer who started the Charity Ball more than 115 years ago. A prominent Buffalonian in the 19th century and early part of the 20th century, Maria M. Love devoted her entire life to helping others. CONTINUE READING
Norman E. Mack II A World of Giving
“Norman was an innovative person who wanted to create a legacy of giving,” CONTINUE READING
Robert and Sylvia Coles Building a Legacy
If Sylvia Coles could describe her husband’s character in one word, it would be perseverance. Born at a time when breaking through race barriers in certain careers was discouraged, Robert Traynham Coles overcame many obstacles to become a well-known architect. CONTINUE READING
Graham-Kucera Philanthropic Fund Shaping a Family Tradition
“We have been impressed with the Community Foundation’s approach to strategic planning and have seen what it can do. It is a well-steered ship and we have confidence in the long-term plan to address the needs of our community.” CONTINUE READING
Stanford Lipsey Scholarship Fund Honoring a Legendary Philanthropist
“Stan was committed to improving education in our community. When it came to honoring his legacy, we knew we could rely on the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo for help.” CONTINUE READING
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Teaming Up for a Brighter Tomorrow
“We needed a partner we could trust that would teach us best practices in philanthropy, as well as connect us to key players in the community.” CONTINUE READING
Arlene and Ruth Mathews Fund Sisters’ Legacy Sparks Community Change
“I know that our money will make wonderful things continue to happen in Buffalo long after I’m gone because I trust the Community Foundation to carry out our wishes.” CONTINUE READING
People Inc. Building for the Future
“Not only do we have flexibility to use the funds as we see fit, but the Community Foundation’s team is constantly bringing national best practices back to our region. I believe our missions are completely aligned.” CONTINUE READING
Buffalo Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Endowment Fund Securing the Future
“Sustainability and growth are important to us as young leaders in a historical fraternity that is about to turn 100 years old. I want to make sure we are still here and making a positive impact for another 100 years.” CONTINUE READING
Scharf-Van Heusen Fund Creating Change in Our Community Forever
“Over time we have seen how the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is truly committed to making sure our passions are supported. Instead of giving to separate organizations ourselves, we are able to tell the Community Foundation exactly who we want to support and how. It is so flexible.” CONTINUE READING
Edward and Mary Seaton Kleinhans A Legacy That Still Rings True Today
“Edward and Mary Seaton Kleinhans entrusted the Foundation to ensure their vision of building a music hall for our community. We are proud to continue honoring their legacy 75 years later and make it possible for all who enter Kleinhans to share and learn about its rich history.” CONTINUE READING
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- Client Stories
- African American Veterans Monument Endowment
- Scheff Family
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Corporation
- Pickburn Memorial Fund for Wildlife
- Dedrick Family
- Anne L. Bird
- Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME)
- Wilfred and Joan Larson
- George and Agnes Farris, Celia Lipton Farris & Victor W. Farris Foundation
- Buffalo Prep
- Hahn Family Foundation
- Buffalo Bills Social Justice Fund
- Betty Crump
- Frank Mesiah
- Bonita and Henry Durand
- NativityMiguel Middle School of Buffalo
- Pinto Family
- George Rand
- The Montante Family
- Maria M. Love
- Norman E. Mack II
- Robert and Sylvia Coles
- Graham-Kucera Philanthropic Fund
- Stanford Lipsey Scholarship Fund
- The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
- Arlene and Ruth Mathews Fund
- People Inc.
- Buffalo Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Endowment Fund
- Scharf-Van Heusen Fund
- Edward and Mary Seaton Kleinhans
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