The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is now accepting applications for the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund for Western New York grant process. The deadline to apply is April 4, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
In 2018, as part of the 100th anniversary of Ralph Wilson, Jr.’s birth and celebration of his legacy and community devotion, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced a $100 million Parks & Trails initiative in Western New York. This centennial commitment included allocating $10 million towards the sustainability of regional trails. In 2022, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation fulfilled this commitment by establishing an endowment fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to provide support for reconstruction, restoration, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects that benefit Western New York trails and greenways.
“Since 2018, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has been partnering with local and state agencies and community organizations to better connect and grow the regional trail system across Western New York,” said JJ Tighe, Sr. Director of the Parks & Trails Initiative for the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “With these capital investments our trustees equally saw the importance of seeding support for the long-term sustainability of these trails so they can be enjoyed for generations.”
Mark Mistretta, Niagara Region Director for NYS Parks and Co-Chair of RCW, Jr. Trails Maintenance Endowment Fund Advisory Committee said, “Western New York’s regional trails are enjoyed by thousands of residents and visitors each year, bringing people from all walks of life together for recreation and appreciation of the incredible natural resources we have in our community. The new Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo will help to supplement the ongoing investments that are needed to help ensure these trails and greenways are safe, clean and welcoming for many years to come.”
Capital maintenance projects eligible for this grant are projects that are part of the Shoreline Trail, Empire State Trail, and the Genesee Valley Greenway in the following counties: Allegany, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming. This grant opportunity does not support the construction of new trails or connections.
Any 501(c)(3) public charity located in or serving the eight counties of Western New York, plus Monroe County, is eligible to apply, as well as any Tribal Entities/Nations, governmental agency, municipality or governmental unit, including school systems. In addition, innovative, collaborative combinations of these organizations are eligible.
Awards from this fund are specifically for capital maintenance projects that will address circumstances where intervention is required to ensure that the trail or greenway can continue to function effectively and provide users with the recreation experience and community connectivity that was envisioned when the trail or greenway was developed.
For detailed eligibility information and to apply, please visit https://www.cfgb.org/nonprofits/grants/ralph-c-wilson-jr-trails-maintenance-fund-for-western-new-york/
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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. Foundation
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his beloved Buffalo Bills NFL team. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson provided that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation began with a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable, and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information visit www.rcwjrf.org.