The Bullis Fund, managed by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, was created from the estate of Jeanette “Nettie” Bullis, a businesswoman deeply rooted in the Macedon area of Wayne County, New York. The Fund’s purpose is to improve the quality of life for residents of Wayne County, particularly those living in the Town of Macedon and the area served by the Palmyra-Macedon Central School District. Nettie Bullis believed in providing a "hand up" rather than a "hand out," which is reflected in the Fund's emphasis on projects that demonstrate matching support from other sources.
Typical grant awards from the Bullis Fund are greater than $10,000. Organizations requesting less than $10,000 should instead apply to the Wayne County Community Endowment (WCCE). Organizations cannot apply for both the Bullis Fund and the WCCE for the same or similar projects within the same year.
Eligible applicants include charitable, non-sectarian organizations providing services within Wayne County. Proposals must show a significant benefit to southwest Wayne County, demonstrate community-wide impact, show matching or leveraged financial support, and include evidence of the project’s sustainability. Projects cannot rely solely on Bullis Fund support and must not request funding for administrative overhead, grantwriting expenses, memorial projects, general operating support, or ongoing programs without broader benefit.
The next application deadline is Friday, April 25, 2025. Applications are accepted three times per year (March, July, and October cycles). Applicants will be notified of decisions within two to four months following submission. For assistance, applicants may contact Sara Bukowiec, Director of Rural Community Impact at the Foundation.
