Funding in two categories will support small to mid-sized arts organizations serving WNY
Buffalo, N.Y. – The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is now accepting applications for the 2024 Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Arts & Culture Initiative competitive grant process in two categories and the deadline to apply is September 16, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
In December 2021, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced a gift 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 included $500,000 in annual funding to be awarded primarily to support small to mid-sized arts and cultural 501(c)(3) organizations in the nine counties. The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is managing and operating the endowment and grants program.
Since the inception of the Arts & Culture Initiative, the Community Foundation has prioritized community feedback in the creation of this annual funding opportunity. In 2024, an Advisory Committee was convened to further evolve this funding. The Advisory Committee members synthesized data from the two previous grant years and drew heavily on their own experiences working in grassroots arts nonprofits organizations and as reviewers for grant processes beyond the Community Foundation. The Committee also considered learnings from 70 grant feedback calls in response to the 2023 application process, conducted by the Director of Arts and Culture. Finally, the Committee thought carefully about the similar and distinct needs across the nine WNY counties which include urban and rural communities.
The result of this work is two funding opportunities for 2024:
- Combined Capacity-Building and General Operating Funds: $15,000 for organizations with at least one full-time (or one FTE) staff member to help organizations build the solid foundation necessary to pursue an ambitious mission and vision;
- General Operating Micro Grants: up to $2,500 for organizations with less than one full-time staff member to execute immediate programming.
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 16, 2024, 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.