Buffalo, N.Y. – The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo will begin accepting applications for the 2024 Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds competitive grant process on November 6, 2023, and the deadline to apply is December 1, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
In 2015, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation established endowment funds at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to provide annual support for programs and initiatives that reflect the personal passions of Mr. Wilson. These areas of interest that grants will support are: Caregivers, Community Assets, Design and Access, and Youth Sports.
Caregivers
- Support caregivers – whether paid, voluntary or family – of persons who are unable to fully care for themselves and are part of an underserved community. Preference will be given to requests that provide support to caregivers of older adults.
Community Assets
- Support significant cultural and historic assets and/or increase access to long-term arts instruction for youth. For Community Assets grants, only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that reside in Erie County may apply.
Design and Access
- Support enhancement of community access to spaces and programs that support healthy living.
Youth Sports
- Provide opportunities for all children to be active through sport.
Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located within the eight counties of Western New York (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming). For Caregivers and Design and Access grants, and Youth Sport grants government agencies also may apply. Applications are due Dec. 1, 2023, at 4 p.m.
Grant information sessions will be held on the following dates:
Virtual and in-person: Wednesday, November 8, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Youth Sports applicants only), 1021 Broadway St., Buffalo, NY 14212
Virtual: Friday, November 10, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. (All four focus areas)
Virtual: Wednesday, November 15, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. (All four focus areas)
You will need to register to attend a session. You can find registration information, and all the details of the grant process here: www.cfgb.org/nonprofits/grants/ralph-wilson-legacy/.
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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. Legacy Funds
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 the devotion of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. 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.