The John W & Mary M Koessler Foundation
The John and Mary Koessler Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to charitable giving, with a focus on supporting organizations that address food security, homelessness, and health-related causes. It primarily funds initiatives that benefit communities in Western New York, emphasizing partnerships with local charities such as food banks and shelters. The foundation's mission reflects a commitment to alleviating poverty and improving the well-being of vulnerable populations through targeted financial support to nonprofit organizations.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-midsize Buffalo/Western New York nonprofit focused on food security, homeless services, faith-based charity work, or similar local human services seeking modest grants.
Good Fit
- • Organization is located in Buffalo or elsewhere in Western New York.
- • Work aligns with feeding people, homeless services, or local charitable services.
- • Request size is modest (typical awards are in the low thousands to around $10K).
- • Clear local track record or recognizable community presence.
- • Willingness to apply via the foundation's stated mailed/phone application route by the December 1 deadline.
Geography
All observed grants across the filings were made to New York organizations and are concentrated in the Buffalo area, so the funder's giving footprint is locally limited to one state/metro.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows six distinct recipients (and prior years show 4–5), including several newcomers, indicating a modestly diverse local recipient set even though the top five captured most dollars.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of new grantees in the latest year (four new recipients) plus explicit application instructions and a mailing/phone contact suggest unfamiliar local applicants can realistically access funding.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
