The Western New York Foundation
The Western New York Foundation is a Buffalo-based private foundation that supports nonprofits across seven Western New York counties. The website (wnyfoundation.org) describes grant programs (including a small grants program), provides a grant portal link, and lists trustees and staff. Recent site content and linked 990 filings indicate ongoing grantmaking activity.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A nonprofit based in Western New York (the foundation’s service counties) seeking operating or capacity-building support, or working on equity, food systems, refugee services, youth, arts, or community resilience.
Good Fit
- • Located in Western New York (local presence or service in the foundation’s counties).
- • Requests for general operating support or capacity-building (staffing, communications, evaluation).
- • Programs addressing equity, food access, refugee support, mental health, youth development, or arts and culture.
- • Able to apply through an online portal and meet defined deadlines.
- • Smaller to mid-sized funding requests (typical awards cluster under $100K).
Geography
Grantmaking is heavily focused in New York (Western New York counties) with only trace out-of-state awards; the observed footprint is local rather than regional or national.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded a large number of distinct independent organizations (91 recipients in the latest year, with similar counts in prior years) across multiple program areas, indicating a broad recipient set for its size.
New Applicants
Direct evidence supports new-entrant access: about 61 recipients in 2024 were new to the foundation (roughly 67% of that year’s recipients), and a public application process, portal, and stated deadlines are available; multi-year data show repeated turnover rather than an exclusive closed circle.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
