Kelly for Kids Foundation Community Grants

The Kelly for Kids Foundation Community Grants program supports not-for-profit organizations in Western New York that are committed to improving the lives of children in need. Established to honor former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly’s dedication to children and the Western New York community, the Foundation provides funding specifically to programs that serve economically disadvantaged or disabled youth. The organization seeks to empower children through improved access to critical health and social services, with a preference for initiatives that have a direct, measurable impact. The Foundation’s funding priorities are threefold. First, it supports innovative programs designed to provide direct assistance to Western New York children in need. Second, it funds equipment and physical improvements for facilities serving disadvantaged children and teens. Third, the Foundation gives higher consideration to organizations that provide clear, detailed plans for how the funds will be utilized. Applications lacking specific use cases or outcome measures may be deemed ineligible during the initial screening process. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. The Foundation does not consider proposals from individuals, governmental programs, or public playground projects. It also excludes sponsorship requests, operating expenses, lobbying efforts, and local chapters of national organizations that divert a significant portion of funding to a national office. These funding limitations are in place to ensure that the grant dollars have a direct and localized impact on the target population. The submission process is conducted by mail, with applications required to be postmarked by the published deadline of October 20, 2025. There are no pre-application requirements such as a letter of intent or concept paper. Once submitted, applications undergo an initial eligibility screening by Foundation staff. Those meeting criteria will be reviewed by the Board of Directors, which may also request a site visit or additional information before making final decisions. Funding decisions are based on the strength and clarity of the proposal, especially the organization’s ability to demonstrate how funds will be used effectively. The Foundation does not specify the performance period or exact award notification dates, but based on the annual application cycle, awards are expected to be announced in the months following the application deadline. The program is recurring, and based on the established pattern, the next application cycle is anticipated to open in October 2026. For more information or assistance with the application process, organizations may contact the Foundation directly at 716-204-1212 or by email at alantz@kellyforkids.com. The Foundation’s mailing address is 8205 Main St #13, Williamsville, NY 14221.

Priority is given to applications that clearly describe how funds will be used.