The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is accepting applications for the 2027 Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds competitive grant process and the deadline to apply is November 30, 2026, 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 are located in or serving Erie County may apply. Requests must address one of the following objectives:
Promote equitable access to long-term arts instruction for children and youth living in low income communities.
Promote cultural tourism by restoring and leveraging significant historic buildings and architectural landmarks. (Defining historic as official recognition by State/National Register of Historic Places or local preservation ordinance.)
Design and Access: Support for projects increasing access to outdoor recreation spaces and programs and/or improving the walkability and bikeability of local communities.
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 Sports grants, government agencies also may apply