Community Foundation Competitive Grants

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo offers competitive grant opportunities to maximize community impact across eight counties in Western New York. Guided by four strategic community goals, the grant program supports initiatives that address local needs using community input and data-driven decision-making. Eligible organizations can access funding through a structured application process designed to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s goals and priorities. The application process involves two stages. Applicants must first submit an online Letter of Intent (LOI) through the Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager. The LOI gathers basic information to assess how well the proposed project aligns with the Foundation’s community goals. Selected applicants are invited to submit a full application. Applications are exclusively electronic, and paper or email submissions are not accepted. The grant program is open to nonprofit organizations operating within the eight counties of Western New York. Specific eligibility criteria and program guidelines are detailed in downloadable materials provided by the Foundation. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review these guidelines carefully to ensure their projects align with the Foundation’s goals and the outlined solutions under each goal. An information session is available to help potential applicants understand the process and requirements. The timeline for submissions and other key dates are specified on the Foundation’s website. Past grant recipients and their projects are also highlighted to provide examples of previously funded initiatives. The evaluation criteria emphasize alignment with the Foundation's goals, potential for community impact, and feasibility of project implementation. The competitive nature of the process prioritizes projects that demonstrate clear objectives, strong community relevance, and measurable outcomes. Applicants can access detailed guidelines, the online application portal, and further information by visiting the Foundation’s website or contacting their office at (716) 852-2857. The Foundation is headquartered at 726 Exchange Street, Suite 525, Buffalo, NY 14210. Interested nonprofits are encouraged to engage with the Foundation early in the process to maximize their chances of success.