Cultivator of Change Program

The Cultivator of Change program, sponsored by the Western New York Foundation, is designed to recognize and support individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership within the food system. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to strengthen communities by fostering local and regional food systems. The program directly supports the foundation's strategic priorities by investing in vital leaders who are critical to the well-being of the communities in Western New York. The program targets leaders who act as change agents among underserved populations, operate with empathy and compassion, seek community-driven solutions to pressing food system issues, and are willing to share their experiences and knowledge. The primary impact goal is to empower these leaders, enabling them to continue and expand their efforts in building stronger, more equitable food systems. The program focuses on individuals who prioritize equity and demonstrate the potential for realizing scale in their work, contributing to the foundation's theory of change by supporting bottom-up innovation and community resilience. Key priorities for this grant include identifying leaders who actively work to address food system challenges within Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming counties in New York. The program emphasizes leaders who are committed to equitable practices and show a strong ability to engage communities in developing sustainable food solutions. This focus ensures that the grants directly address critical needs within the specific geographic areas served by the Western New York Foundation. Selected food system leaders will receive a $2,500 grant to aid their ongoing work. The expected outcomes include enhanced capacity for individual leaders to continue their impactful work, increased innovation in community-driven food system solutions, and ultimately, stronger, more equitable local and regional food systems. Measurable results will include the selection of two leaders from each of the seven counties twice a year, demonstrating the consistent identification and support of these vital community assets.