Community Foundation Announces 2026 Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds Application Process Is Open

Buffalo, N.Y. – The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is accepting applications for the 2026 Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds competitive grant process and the deadline to apply is December 1, 2025, at 4 p.m. 

In 2015, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation established endowment funds at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to provide annual support for programs and initiatives that reflect the personal passions of Mr. Wilson. These areas of interest that grants will support are: 

•  Caregivers

• Support caregivers – whether paid, voluntary or family – of persons who are unable to fully care for themselves and are part of an underserved community. Preference will be given to requests that provide support to caregivers of older adults.

• Community Assets

•  Support significant cultural and historic assets and/or increase access to long-term arts instruction for youth. For Community Assets grants, only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that reside in Erie County may apply. 

• Design and Access

• Support enhancement of community access to spaces and programs that support healthy living.

• Youth Sports

• Provide opportunities for all children to be active through sport.

Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located within the eight counties of Western New York (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming). For Caregivers grants, Design and Access grants, and Youth Sport grants government agencies also may apply. Applications are due Dec. 1, 2025, at 4 p.m. Grant details and the link to apply can be found here: http://www.cfgb.org/nonprofits/grants/ralph-wilson-legacy/