Buffalo, N.Y. – The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is now accepting applications for the 2025 Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Arts & Culture Initiative competitive grant process in three categories and the deadline to apply is September 12, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
In 2021, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation established endowment funds at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to support arts and culture in the eight counties of Western New York, plus Monroe County, in recognition of the key role arts and culture organizations play in a thriving economy.
Since the inception of the Arts & Culture Initiative, the Community Foundation has prioritized community feedback in the creation of this annual funding opportunity. The result of these conversations is three funding opportunities for 2025:
1. Combined Capacity-Building and General Operating Funds: $15,000 for organizations with at least one full-time (or one FTE) staff member to help build the solid foundation necessary to pursue an ambitious mission and vision.
2. General Operating Micro Grants: Up to $2,500 for organizations with less than one full-time staff member to execute immediate programming.
3. Year 2 Capacity-Building and General Operating Funds for 2024 Grantees ONLY: Continued Capacity-Building support to build upon the work started in 2025.
For Monroe County arts organizations: To simplify the process and communication, Rochester Area Community Foundation will distribute funding for Monroe County. The expectation, where possible, is the funding will continue to align with the parameters set by the fund annually.
For additional details on eligibility and the grant opportunity, please visit
https://www.cfgb.org/nonprofits/grants/ralph-c-wilson-jr-foundation-arts-culture-initiative/
Applications are due September 12, 2025, at 4 p.m.
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About the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established in 1919, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.
About the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Arts & Culture Initiative
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Arts & Culture Initiative was established at the Community Foundation to support arts and culture in the eight counties of Western New York, plus Monroe County, in recognition of the key role arts and culture organizations play in a thriving economy. Part of that announcement includes $500,000 in annual funding to be awarded primarily to support small to mid-sized arts and culture organizations in the nine counties.
About Rochester Area Community Foundation
In partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, Rochester Area Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties) through its leadership and strategic grantmaking. Since it was founded in 1972, the Foundation has distributed more than $730 million dollars in grants and scholarships.