This listing of other regional funders is not exhaustive, it is meant to help serve as a resource to connect local organizations with other funding opportunities at our local, regional, statewide and national level. It will be updated periodically and as needed. If you have any questions or another suggested funding opportunity to list please contact noah@thecapacitylab.org or ejones@crcfonline.org.
Regional & Statewide Funders
Arts Services Initiative of WNY, Buffalo, NY
ASI provides tools and resources for individual artists and arts organizations in four main areas: professional development, opportunities, representation and equity. The organization provides funding through Statewide Community Regrants (formerly DEC), Global Warming Art Project and Give for Greatness Initiative; these opportunities and others can be found on their funding page.
*NEW– ASI now administers the Statewide Community Regrants (SCR) program for Chautauqua county
- Deadline: November 3 (draft review)/ November 18 (final application)
- Request Range: $500- $2,500
- Funding Categories: Community Arts Grant, Arts Education Grant, Individual Artist Commission Grant
- Eligibility: nonprofit, government/ municipality, individual in Erie, Niagara or Chautauqua county
- Direct applicants to NYSCA are not eligible to apply for SCR grants
Cullen Foundation, Buffalo, NY
- NYSCA re-grant program; for nonprofits in six WNY counties (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, and Wyoming). Eligible organizations have not received direct NYSCA funding or SCR regrant funding in 2020, 2021 or 2022.
- Applications open May 1, 2022; closes June 22, 2022
- Request Range: $2,500- $5,000
- Programs and activities between September 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023
- Arts projects: provide new opportunities for community members’ engagement with the arts, access to arts and cultural opportunities in otherwise underserved communities, celebrate or promote racial/cultural diversity, demonstrate collaboration between grantee and local artists, focus on providing arts experiences for previously unreached organizations and community members.
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo administers several competitive grant processes (listed below) that are available to Chautauqua county nonprofits.
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds
Two Cycles: Fall and Spring
- Care Givers
- Request: $10,000- $25,000
- Preference requests provide support to caregivers of older adults; increase opportunities for caregivers to take advantage of resources.
- Design and Access
- $10,000-$50,000
- Support enhancement of community access to spaces and programs that support healthy living; support pre-planning, development/ construction costs.
- Youth Sports
- $10,000-$50,000
- Provide opportunities for all children to be active through sports.
- Sporting equipment requests are not considered, but may be available through Good Sports or Victory Sports.
*New: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Arts & Culture Initiative
- 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 creatives play in economic development. This included a $500,000 in annual funding to support small to mid-sized arts and culture organizations, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Guidelines to be announced, the first awards will be made by the end of 2022.
*New: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund for Western New York
- On March 8, 2022, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced a $10 million grant to the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to establish this endowment fund. This fund will provide preservation support to already developed trails and greenways that connect people and communities throughout Western New York. Guidelines and timeline to be announced for 2023.
Garman Family Foundation Grants
- Applications open January 31, 2022, due February 28, 2022 at 4pm
- Request up to $50,000
- Priority: Mental Health, Physical Wellness and Education for Individuals with preference for women and children
East Hill Foundation, Buffalo, NY
- Letter of Intent- May 16, 2022
- Full Application (by invitation) August 1, 2022
- Eligibility: 501 (c) (3) organizations located in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties.
- Focus Area: projects that serve basic human needs (Erie and Niagara counties).
Health Foundation of Western & Central NY, Buffalo and Syracuse, NY
Grantmaking typically is funded through programs the Foundation designs; periodically also consider a limited number of unsolicited requests.
- Older Adults
- Young Children Impacted by Poverty
- Community Health Capacity: Fellows Action Network; Health Leadership Fellows
*New: Micro-Grant Funding for Conversations on Rural Health Disparities
Applicants may request up to $5,000 to cover the costs of a wide variety of activities that nurture conversations and spark action. This new funding opportunities was released following the a commissioned scan to identify opportunities for improving outreach efforts to three rural counties in the Southern Tier of WNY- Community Health Needs and Opportunities in Western NY’s Southern Tier.
Humanities New York, New York, NY
- Three Cycles for 2022: Oct 1*, Feb 1, June 1
- Requests: up to $5,000
- (*Oct 1 deadline is a special SHARP Action grant offering up to $10,000 for the implementation of humanities projects.)
- Priority: Implement humanities projects that encourage public audiences to reflect on values, explore new ideas, engage with others in community.
- Rolling (submit at least 2 months prior planning)
- Request up to $1,500
- Priority: Supports brainstorming, researching, and professional development for organizations working collaboratively to develop new ideas and strategies for public-facing humanities projects.
- Rolling (submit at least 2 months before event)
- Request up to $500
- Priority: implementation grants for in-person public humanities projects that encourage audiences to reflect on their values, explore new ideas and engage with others in their community. (available orgs $250K or under operating budget)
- Organizations can receive up to one quick or one action grant per calendar year.
John R. Oishei Foundation, Buffalo, NY
- Eligible programs, services and operations primarily located in Erie and Niagara Counties; however, requests will be considered from other WNY counties including Chautauqua.
- Applicants are encouraged to discuss applications with program officers before submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI).
- Five focus areas: Strengthen the P-20 education continuum, enhance options for self-sufficiency, build livable, stable neighborhoods, promote health and improve systems of care, expand the role of arts, culture and heritage in regional development.
Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, New York, NY
- LOI required
- Focus Areas: Organizations serving low-income individuals, families and communities in NY State.
- Three Grant Programs: Statewide, Regional, Special Initiatives
- *See specific eligibility “What We Fund” and “What We Do Not Fund”
- LOI required- May 13, 2022 at 5pm
- Grant range: $75,000- $1,000,000
- Priorities: young children, pregnant women, new moms; low-income individuals and families; youth and young adults; older adults; persons with special needs; immigrants and migrant workers; veterans; formerly incarcerated individuals.
NY Health Foundation, New York, NY
Funding for a range of projects that improve health at a regional or statewide level, particularly for vulnerable New Yorkers. Strategic priority areas: Empowering health care consumers, Healthy Food, Healthy Lives, and Veteran’s Health.
- Online Inquiry Form Due: June 9, 2022 at 1pm
- Full Proposal by Invitation: notification by mid-July 2022/ due date August 18, 2022 at 1pm
- Projects that fit the NYS Health Foundation mission but are outside of main priority and focus areas.
Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation, Getzville, NY
- Three portfolios: Programs & Services, Strengthening Partner Capacity and Community Change
- Primarily focuses on Erie and Niagara county
Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, Buffalo, NY and Detroit, MI
- LOI required; rolling basis.
- Focus Areas: Active Lifestyles, Caregivers, Preparing for Success, Entrepreneurship & Economic Development, Nonprofit Support and Innovation.
United Arts Appeal, Jamestown, NY
- Deadline: April 15
- Grant Range: $500
- Eligibility: nonprofits, schools, churches, municipalities or fraternal organizations. (a separate grant form is also available to individual artists)
- Focus Area: project that is artistic in nature.
Western NY Foundation, Buffalo, NY
The WNY Foundation makes investments that improve nonprofit efficiencies and effectiveness. Capacity building is developing and refining skills, strategies, organizational systems and structures with the intent to build capable leaders, sound management and strong governance.
Capacity Building Grant Program
- LOI Opens May 16, 2022/ Due June 24, 2022
- If LOI is approved, applications open July 18/ due August 12/ decisions made by mid-October
- Applications are accepted online via grants portal or verbal by contacting the program officer.
- Priority: supports exploration of strategic partnerships and capacity building requests, funding for specific activities or projects designed to strengthen an organization’s governance, leadership, technology, programmatic and administrative capacity.
Impact Capacity Assessment Program (iCAP)– supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
- Application Opens: Fall/Winter 2022
- Technical Assistance Grant for support of a Consultant; $10,000 stipend awarded to offset administrative expenses or support additional capacity efforts related to iCAP.
- Priority: iCAP offers opportunity to nonprofits to engage in a process to assess its capacity needs in coordination with an organizational development consultant
Federal, State, County Funding Opportunities
Appalachian Regional Commission
ARC uses Congressionally appropriated funds to invest in economic and community development grants. ARC grants must align with the investment priorities outlined in the current Strategic Plan and reflect state plans and strategies. ARC also issues specific RFPs for research and evaluation contracts on topics directly impacting economic development. View the New York 2020 Strategy Statement.
Southern Tier West is the region’s ARC local development district for Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua county. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, municipalities and other public entities. Funds must be matched at least dollar per dollar with cash and/or in-kind goods or services. Funds must be used for new activities/programs, or for an expansion of activities/programs. Eligible proposals must be aligned with ARC’s investment goals:
- Goal 1: Economic Opportunities
- Goal 2: Ready Workforce
- Goal 3: Critical Infrastructure
- Goal 4: Natural & Cultural Assets
- Goal 5: Leadership & Community Capacity
*2023-Letter of Intents (LOI) are due March 17; applications are invited to the next step in submitting a pre-application, followed by a presentation component and final full application.
Chautauqua County, Occupancy Tax “Bed Tax” Tourism Grant
Chautauqua County established a 3% occupancy tax program to promote, develop and protect the area’s tourism industry. A portion of the tax is intended to provide grants for projects that will achieve or support:
- Deadline October 1
- Paper Application- view/download here
- Request Range: $2,500- $10,000
- Funding Priority: Event Development and Marketing Projects and Attraction/Destination Development and Enhancement Projects
Chautauqua County Youth Bureau
The CCYB administers funding from state aid from the NY State Office of Children and Family Services. The annual funding process opens in January each year and is available for public and private nonprofit agencies that implement quality youth service programs addressing identified needs. View previously funded programs here.
Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG)
CCPEG supports projects that are aligned with the county-wide Economic Development Strategic Plan, which identifies five priorities areas (work groups): business development, workforce readiness and development, community development, housing development and tourism/destination development. CCPEG offers resources to advance projects and can provide staff and consultant support, as well as financial support for select projects each year. LOIs due October 15, 2021 at 4pm.
Consolidated Funding Application, New York State
Four Interconnected Strategies: Placemaking; Workforce; Tradeable Sectors; Innovation.
2023 Resources-TBA Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) and Consolidated Funding Application (CFA). There are over 30 programs available through 9 state agencies; REDC will focus on the implementation of each region’s strategic plan, and continue to identify and invest in significant economic development projects.
NY State Aid for Library Construction
An appropriation in State capital funds for public library construction has been included in the State Budget. Public library systems as well as individual public libraries can apply for aid; all individual public libraries must work with their appropriate library system to develop and submit online applications. State funding through the State Aid for Library Construction can be provide for up to 75% of the total construction project costs.
NYSCA FY2023 funding will offered five opportunities. The application portal opens May 24, 2022 and closes July 12, 2022 at 4pm.
- Support for Organizations
- Support for Artists
- Support for Special Opportunities
- Support for Partnerships
- Regrowth and Capacity Enhancement
*Capital Projects opportunity to be announced this fall.
Full: NYSCA Application Manual
Statewide Community Regrant program (formerly Decentralization (DEC)) see Arts Services Inc. (above).
Regrants program partners with other agencies to administer NYSCA funding to serve a variety of individual artists, media arts practitioners, small theatres, museum collections, literary organizations, historic sites and museums.
NY State Historic Preservation Office
NYSHOP administers a variety of programs, the federal historic rehabilitation tax credit, state historic preservation grants program, state and federal environmental review, and a wide range of technical assistance.
- Deadline: April 15 at 5pm
- Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations and municipalities that own or have a long-term lease on buildings that house historic sites, museums, arts facilities, and other important institutions that serve an arts or cultural purpose and are open to the public.
- Focus: Historic structure reports, building condition reports, cultural landscape reports and culture resource surveys. (no capital requests, please see NYSCA www.arts.ny.gov)
- See 2022 Guidelines here
- Deadline 2022 TBA
- Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations and municipalities that own or have a long-term lease on buildings that house historic sites, museums, arts facilities, and other important institutions that serve an arts or cultural purpose and are open to the public.
- Range: up to $4,000 with a required 20% match
- Contact grants@preservenys.org
Preservation Buffalo Niagara, Buffalo, NY
Sacred Spaces Assistance Program
SSAP provides technical assistance to religious and nonprofit organizations to pursue National Register listing as part of their work to preserve and rehabilitate their historic structures.
Other Funding Opportunities (Local/Regional/National Businesses)
(*National) New funding opportunity for two focus areas: Youth Empowerment and Relationship Violence Prevention Programs that advance racial equity. 2022 deadlines TBA
Blue Fund, Highmark Western NY (formerly BlueCross BlueShield of WNY)
(*Regional) Blue Fund is a grant program that makes investments to improve the health and sustainability for our community. Focused on key health areas: Behavioral Health, Cardiovascular Health, Health Care Workforce Development, Healthy Children. Minimum $100,000/Maximum $300,000 request. Annual grant deadline Spring (March).
CVS Health Foundation Community Grants
(*National) Corporate grants are focused in three key areas: access to health care, youth tobacco prevention and prescription drug abuse prevention. The application for a Community Grant is by invitation only; contact corporategiving@cvshealth.com. Additionally, the Gift card program offers community-based organizations the opportunity to apply for a CVS gift card up to $50.
Community Health Awards, Univera Healthcare
(*Regional) This grant program is focused on new and innovative ways to improve health, requests must address the social determinants of health, racial and ethnic disparities and clinical health improvement priorities. Deadline March 17.
Health Equity Awards– focused on addressing racial and ethnic health disparities; categories include improving the community’s physical and mental health, reducing social disparities in health care and ensuring access to healthcare. Deadline 2022 -TBA.
Member and Community Health Improvement (MACHI) Grant Program– – to 3-year grants support initiatives with specific objectives and measurable outcomes for improving health. Our current focus is on reducing racial disparities in maternal health. Deadline May 25.
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
(*National) Various literacy grant programs including: Adult Literacy Grants, Family Literacy Grants, Summer Reading Deadlines for applications January. Youth Literacy Grants available in March 2022.
(*Regional) The Buffalo Bills Foundation supports organizations committed to improving the quality of life in our region. Focus: addressing child hunger, increasing access to nutritious food for families and supporting healthy eating in WNY region. Also see donation (item) request form for fundraising events.
(*Regional) The Buffalo Sabres Foundation supports organizations in WNY that share core objectives: serving children and military personnel, caring for the sick, assisting athletes who are physically and mentally challenged, supporting youth hockey initiatives. Annual grant deadline is January 15.
(*Local/Regional) The Cummins Foundation grants to nonprofit partners to support communities in which employees live and work. Annual grant process that opens in the fall; volunteer engagement opportunities are also available throughout the year. Grant funding priority areas include: education, social justice and environment.
Five Star Bank- Community Involvement
(*Regional) Five Star Community Involvement through volunteer activities, charitable investments and need-based product offerings. Through S.T.A.R. Volunteers Program employees have the option to work one day, fully-paid, volunteering in the community. Community grant guidelines must be within the Bank’s focus areas: affordable housing, economic development, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, community services targeted to low-moderate income individuals. (also accepts sponsorship and donation requests).
(*National) KeyBank Foundation accepts grant requests on a rolling basis, reviewing them quarterly in states the company has retail operations. Prior to applying, preliminary grant inquiries should be made by phone or email. Charitable sponsorship requests are also considered on a rolling basis.
Lake Shore Savings Bank Community Grants
(*Local) Bi-annual grant process (June and December). Priority given to community development and investment projects serving the needs of low to moderate income populations or geographies. Grant awards range from $2,500.00 to smaller amounts.
(*Regional) The M&T Charitable Foundation works in partnership with non-profit organizations that focus on improving the quality of life for our customers, employees and neighbors. Our decisions are made locally, by the people who know their communities best. View charitable giving guidelines and regional contacts.
National Fuel Gas Company Foundation
(*Regional) The National Fuel Gas Company Foundation strives to fund innovative programs, initiatives, on race occasions, special events that fall within the pillars of its community giving to advance strong, vibrant and stable communities. Pillars of focus areas are: Veterans Services, Education, Community Vitality/Economic Impact, and the Underserved/Economically Disadvantaged. Funding requests are reviewed on a quarterly basis.
TOPS Friendly Markets, Neighbors Helping Neighbors
(*Regional) TOPS Markets works with community partners such as the United Way, The Salvation Army and Regional Food Banks. Additionally, they have several opportunities for support focused on eradicating hunger and improving the quality of life for children. Cash for Causes program a fundraising opportunity for nonprofit organizations to purchase TOPS gift cards at a 5% discount (min. order $500) and resell the gift cards. Community Donation requests can be made from nonprofit organizations; requests up to $50 can be made to the local Store Manager, larger requests can be sent to the Buffalo office on letterhead.
Walmart Foundation Local Community Grants
(*National/Local) Nonprofit organizations, government entity for public purposes, school districts or churches for a project that benefits the community at large. Open application process (rolling deadline), funding is provided by organization’s local Walmart facility. Grants range from $250 to $5,000.
(*Regional) Wegmans accepts donation and community sponsorship requests within five giving priorities: feeding the hungry, helping young people suceed, encouraging healthy eating & activity, enriching store neighborhoods and supporting United Way initiatives. Requests can be submitted through the online donation request form.
Other Opportunities
Technology
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS Credit Program for Nonprofits provides access to $2,000 in AWS promotional credits to implement cloud-based solutions. In partnership with TechSoup.
Imagine Grant Program is a public grant opportunity for organizations using technology to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. There is one annual deadline (September 30, 2020); organizations can request up to $10,000 in funding, promotion credit, training and support.
Tech Soup offers donated or discounts on software, hardware and services from major brands like Microsoft, Quickbooks, Adobe, Norton Security and more! Check out the Tech Marketplace Catalog.
A comprehensive list of deals and discounts for nonprofit organizations. Including CRM Software, Email Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Other Marketing, Analytics Software, Web Design, Web Hosting, Fundraising, Pay Processing Discounts, Accounting, Human Resources, Customer Service Software, and more…
Youth Sports (Equipment needs)
In partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and Project Play WNY there are two organizations helping to provide sports equipment to programs in the WNY region.
Good Sports (*National)
- New sports equipment (not funds)
- School Districts or Community Organizations
- Approved organizations are for a two-year period and can receive up to six equipment donations during that period.
- Criteria: Organizations: located in WNY county, serves youth 3-18 years old, serves high need communities, charges a participation fee of $299 or below. Schools: more than half of student body is eligible for free/reduced lunch, provides access to play for kids. See more.
- *List the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo as referring partner on the online application.
Victory Sports (*Regional)
- Gently-used sports equipment (not funds)
- Under-resourced schools, youth programs, sports teams and low-cost/free youth sports and recreation providers.
- Criteria: youth programs serving kids up to 18 years old, travel/elite/AAU/premier leagues are not eligible.
- *List the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo are referring source.