Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Grant Program

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation focuses on investing in the long-term transformation and health of communities in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. Named after the late Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., former owner of the Buffalo Bills, the Foundation is committed to making impactful, meaningful change by funding programs that align with its core mission and strategic focus areas. The Foundation organizes its grantmaking under several major focus areas: Active Lifestyles, Caregivers, Preparing for Success, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, and a Foundation Initiative titled Nonprofit Support and Innovation. Active Lifestyles supports initiatives that promote physical activity and safe recreational spaces, such as youth sports and community parks. The Caregivers area aims to elevate the often-unseen contributions of individuals providing care for older adults, a growing demographic. Preparing for Success focuses on developing life and career readiness skills in youth, such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Through its Entrepreneurship and Economic Development focus, the Foundation supports community revitalization, small business development, and talent retention in economically recovering areas. The Nonprofit Support and Innovation initiative is a special foundation-wide effort to strengthen the operational capacity of nonprofit organizations, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in delivering services across all focus areas. This approach includes both project-specific grants and broader sector-wide strategies to support sustainable growth and innovation within the nonprofit sector. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations operating in specified counties within Southeast Michigan and Western New York. Eligible counties in Southeast Michigan include Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne. In Western New York, eligible counties include Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming. All applicants must demonstrate that their work aligns with one of the Foundation’s key focus areas. Grant applications are accepted year-round and must be submitted through the Foundation’s Online Grants Portal powered by Fluxx. The application process includes three steps: creating an account in the portal, submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), and, if selected, submitting a Full Proposal. The LOI should outline the proposed project and its alignment with Foundation priorities. Full proposals are submitted upon invitation and include additional detailed information. The Foundation does not accept applications or related materials via mail or email. Applicants seeking further clarification are encouraged to consult the Foundation’s Frequently Asked Questions page or reach out via the contact information provided on their website. The Foundation’s approach emphasizes accessibility and encourages organizations within its defined geographic and strategic scope to explore funding opportunities.