iCAP Plan Implementation Grant Program

The Western New York Foundation, in collaboration with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, is offering the iCAP and iCAP Core Capacity Building Plan Implementation grant opportunity. The Western New York Foundation is an organization dedicated to supporting the growth and sustainability of nonprofit organizations within Western New York. Through partnerships and direct funding, the foundation helps organizations develop capacity, enhance operational effectiveness, and achieve long-term success. The collaboration with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation strengthens this initiative by combining resources and expertise to empower participating organizations. The purpose of this grant is to provide support for the implementation of capacity building plans developed during participation in the iCAP or iCAP Core programs. Following the completion of one of these programs, organizations will engage in a follow-up meeting with the Western New York Foundation staff and their Executive Director to review the plan and discuss potential areas where the foundation can provide assistance. The goal is to help organizations execute their capacity building strategies effectively through financial support, consulting services, and technical assistance. The funding scope of this opportunity includes support for activities outlined in the organization’s capacity building plan. Eligible expenses may include consultant fees, technology improvements, staff training, and other costs directly related to capacity building. The foundation offers flexibility in how funds can be used, ensuring that grantees can tailor their requests to their specific needs and strategic priorities. Funding is available for up to three years following the adoption of the capacity building plan. Eligibility for this grant is limited to organizations that have participated in the iCAP or iCAP Core programs and are applying within three years of adopting their capacity building plan. Additionally, applicants must schedule and complete a conversation with foundation staff before submitting an application. This ensures alignment between the organization’s needs and the foundation’s support capabilities. To apply, organizations can submit an application through the Western New York Foundation’s online grant portal or schedule a verbal application meeting with the foundation’s Program Officer. Meetings for the May grant cycle must be scheduled by August 11, 2025. Application questions and resources, such as the Demographic Data Spreadsheet, are available to assist applicants in preparing their submissions. The grant follows two annual cycles. For the May 2025 cycle, the Letter of Intent opens on May 27, 2025, with a submission deadline of July 21, 2025. Notification of LOI decisions will be provided by August 4, 2025, followed by an application deadline on August 25, 2025. Site visits will take place in October 2025, and final proposal decisions will be made in November 2025. The November 2025 cycle follows a similar timeline, with the LOI opening in December 2025 and progressing through a series of deadlines leading to final decisions in May 2026. Specific contact information for the grant opportunity, including the name, email, and phone number of the grantor contact, was not provided in the source material. Applicants are directed to the foundation’s online resources and grant portal for further details and scheduling application meetings. No information was provided regarding evaluation criteria, expert tips, or previous recipients.