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.
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.
Statewide Community Regrants (SCR) program for Chautauqua county
- Spring Dates: Applications open March 2023, draft due May 12, final application due May 26
- Fall Dates: Applications open September 2022, draft due Nov 21, final applications due Dec 5
- Request Range: $500- $5,000 (Individual Artists $1,000-$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
For small and micro nonprofit arts and cultural organizations located in NYS counties of Erie, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Niagara by providing general operating support of up to $2,000. Applications open September 18, 2023, due November 17. Funding Announcements Mid-December.
Cullen Foundation, Buffalo, NY
Responsive Grant-Performing Arts
Support for the disciplines of music, dance, singing, and theatre, priority is to fund organizations that have a primary focus on community performances.
- Types: program, general operating, capital, capacity building support
- Deadlines: two cycles, winter begins in January and summer begins in July
- Range: an organization may apply for 1, 2 or 3 years of funding, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 per year (for a $300,000 total maximum)
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. 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.
Single Arts and Culture organizations:
- Opens: August 14, 2023/ Due: September 15, 2023
- Range: up to $10,000
Multiple Arts and Culture organizations (applying together to support collaborative efforts to advance inclusion):
- Due: September 16 at 4pm
- Range: up to $25,000
Grant Briefing Session: Thursday August 24 at 10am (in-person) Arts Services Inc. Buffalo, NY
*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 30, 2023, due February 27, 2023 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 15, 2023
- Full Application (by invitation) August 1, 2023
- 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
Accepted on a rolling basis through 2023. 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.
- Type: grassroots organizations and community groups who are working to build livable, age-friendly neighborhoods
- Due: November 7, 2022
- Range: up to $10,000 for early stage or exploratory projects; up to $25,000 for established projects or those ready to launch
Humanities New York, New York, NY
- Two Rounds 2024: applications open August 28, due September 29/ applications open March 4, due April 1
- Request Range: $6,500 to $10,000
- Focus: Larger projects that get audiences exploring ideas with others in their communities. 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 Range: $500- $1,500
- Focus: Planning new public-facing humanities projects. 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 Range: $500- $1,500
- Focus: New public-facing humanities projects, encourage audiences to reflect on their values, explore new ideas and engage with others in their community.
*New- Post-Incarceration Humanities Partnership
- Organizations that serve formerly incarcerated individuals and their families; to explore humanities-based techniques to programming through workshops and discussion
- Due Dates: applications open December 1, due January 3
- Request Range: up to $25,000
- Criteria: Organizations that serve communities impacted by the NYS prison system, to join a cohort of peers serving formerly incarcerated individuals and their families.
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
- Opens: May 1/ Closes: May 16, 2023
- Program Areas: Access to Healthcare, Basic Needs, Healthcare Workforce, Mental and Behavioral Health, General Fund & Eight Populations
- Type: tend toward programming over capital projects.
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.
- Due Dates: LOI due September 12, 2023
- Full Proposal (by Invitation): November 16, 2023
- Notification: March 2024
- Focus: Responsive grantmaking outside of the three priority areas; projects that address important and emerging health care and public health issues.
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.
- Geographic Focus: Southeast Michigan and Western NY counties of Allegany, Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara, Wyoming, Cattaraugus, Erie, Monroe, Orleans
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 leadership of the WNY Foundation recently announced the direction to shift its focus on supporting the regional food system. This new approach refocuses the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to support grantees that are changing our regional food systems and finding equitable solutions to long-standing problems. The Foundation will be supporting racial, social and economic justice across its seven-county geographic funding area. Read the full memo here.
County, State, Federal Funding Opportunities
Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG)
CCPEG supports projects that are aligned with the county-wide Economic Development Strategic Plan, five priorities areas (work groups): business development, workforce readiness and development, community development, housing development and tourism/destination development.
Economic Development Project Support
- Due Date: application opens October/ due December
- Range: $10,000- $20,000
- Eligibility: nonprofits, academic institutions, municipalities
- Type: technical assistance, match requirements for local, state or federal grants, high priority projects
Chautauqua County Occupancy Tax Grant
- Due Date: October 1, 2023
- Request Range: $2,500- $10,000 (1:1 cash match)
- Type: Event development and marketing projects and attraction/destination development and enhancement projects.
- Focus: programs and initiatives should catalyze awareness of Chautauqua County as a place to visit and/or improve the likelihood of repeat visits and overnight stays.
Chautauqua County Youth Bureau
Youth Development Program
- Due Date: application opens August 7/ application due August 28
- Request Range: up to $20,000
- Type: to provide youth development programs for Chautauqua County children, youth ages 6-17.
Youth Sports and Education Opportunity Program
- Due Date: application opens August 7/ application due August 28
- Request Range: up to $8,000
- Type: to support sports, organized activities with movement, including physical fitness activities, programs for Chautauqua County children and youth ages 6-17.
Consolidated Funding Application, New York State
There are over 30 programs available through 9 state agencies, including:
- NYS Empire State Development (ESD)
- NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
- NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)
- NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
- NYS Department of State (DOS)
- NYS Canal Corporation
- NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
- NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
- NYS Environnemental Facilities Corporation (EFC)
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. Types of projects can include outdoor and indoor projects, acquisition of property, technology and security.
All individual public libraries must work with their appropriate library system to develop and submit online applications. Contact the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System. State funding through the State Aid for Library Construction can be provide for up to 75% of the total construction project costs.
NYSCA FY2024 funding will offered five opportunities. The application portal opens June 1, 2023 and closes July 13, 2023 at 4pm.
- Support for Organizations
- Support for Artists
- Support for Targeted Opportunities
- Support for Regrants and Services
*Capital Projects:
- TBA
- Prequalification required
- Range: Small to Midsized Grants up to $2 million; Large Grants $2-$10 million
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 (SHPO)
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.
- Preservation Assistance
- Grant Programs (note the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) is the system to use to apply for Environmental Protection Fund Grant Program, Parks, Preservation and Heritage and the Recreational Trails Program)
- NYS Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program
- NYS Historic Barn Rehabilitation Tax Credit
View Preservation Assistance Funding Sources here.
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places was established under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, and its counterpart, the State Register of Historic Places, was established under the New York Historic Preservation Act of 1980. Listing benefits properties by providing them with recognition and honor, and in some cases, by providing eligibility for various preservation incentives.
The following grant programs are a partnership between the NYSCA and the Preservation League of NYS.
- Due Dates: Pre-applications due by March 24/ Full applications March 31 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)
- Range: between $5,000- $14,000; grants support up to 80% of total project costs, applicants must provide 20% as a cash match.
- Due Dates: Pre-applications due October 17/ Full applications October 21
- 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: Support for professional services of architects, engineers, other design/ preservation professionals
- Range: up to $4,000 with a required 20% match
- Contact [email protected]
New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Program
Provides congregations with matching grants for planning and implementing exterior restoration projects, technical assistance, and workshops, conditions surveys, architectural and engineering fees, roof replacements, masonry restoration, stained-glass restoration, and structural repairs. Two application due dates per year, January 15 and June 1.
Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund, NY State Department of Agriculture and Markets
- Timeline: RFP issued January 2023, application due April 4, notification May
- Request Range: $50,000- $200,000; (1:1 match)
- Eligibility: nonprofit pounds, shelters and humane societies
- Type: Cost of capital projects, construction, renovation, rehabilitation, installation acquisition or expansion of buildings, equipment or facilities.
Appalachian Regional Commission, FederalARC 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 OpportunitiesGoal 2: Ready WorkforceGoal 3: Critical InfrastructureGoal 4: Natural & Cultural AssetsGoal 5: Leadership & Community Capacity
*2024 Grant Timeline– Information Session February 2023, Letter of Intent due March 15, Notification LOI status March 31, Pre-applications due June 2, Presentations July 13, Full applications due Sept 22, Notification June 2024.Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), FederalFederal support of libraries, museums and related organizations. View a full listing of grant programs available, collections assessment for preservation, community catalyst initiative, digital humanities advancement grants, inspire! grants for small museums, Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program, museum assessment program and more.
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. Pre-applications open in August.
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 [email protected]. Additionally, the Gift card program offers community-based organizations the opportunity to apply for a CVS gift card up to $50.
(*Regional) Focus areas support investments in the community with Event Sponsorships and Health and Wellness Awards offered year-round.
Health and Wellness Awards- programs that conduct ongoing work or initiatives designed to improve health and ultimately health outcomes. Focus on health conditions: maternal health, diabetes, behavioral health, cardiovascular conditions, preventive care, osteoporosis and fall prevention. Focus on health disparities: race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, gender identity and social determinants of health.
Health Equity Innovation Awards– focused on innovative initiatives that address disparities in health care and improve health outcomes. Target populations of historically marginalized and minoritized groups and groups at highest risk for experiencing poor health outcomes. To be launched summer 2023 (August).
Member and Community Health Improvement (MACHI) Grant Program– 2- 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 2023 TBA.
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
(*National) Various literacy grant programs including: Adult Literacy Grants, Family Literacy Grants, Summer Reading. Deadlines for applications February 16, 2023. Youth Literacy Grants available in March 9, 2023.
(*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, equality of opportunity and environment. Requests under $5,000 are considered locally, with determination by December 2023. Requests over $5,000 must be approved locally to be submitted to Corporate Foundations Grant Team for consideration. Applications due Friday September 22.
(*National) KeyBank Foundation accepts grant requests on a rolling basis, reviewing them quarterly in states the company has retail operations. Priority areas: neighborhoods, education, workforce, with a focus on social, racial and environmental justice. 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.