Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc
The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc is a public charity based in Buffalo, New York. Established in 1919, it makes grants and administers charitable funds to improve lives in Western New York. Its 2024 filing reports $33.4 million in grants across 562 grants.
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc at a glance
In short: Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc gave $33.4M across 562 grants in 2024 (avg $59K), mostly in New York. 26% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $33,418,104
- +15.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 562
- +13.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $59,463
- +1.7% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $23,220
- Total assets
- $944,045,975
- +7.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 26% first-time grantees (145 of 562, 2024)
- Primary geography
- New York (88% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc
- How to Apply
-
The Foundation’s 2026 competitive process is closed. The stated process required a full electronic application aligned with a solution under a community goal; paper, emailed, and PDF applications were not accepted.
- Contact
Mailing address: 726 Exchange Street 525, Buffalo, NY 14210
Phone: (716) 852-2857
Website: https://cfgb.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
16 open opportunities from Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc
21st Century Fund Grants
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
CFGB Scholarships Grant
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc
Amount
US $1,000 - US $6,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Community Foundation Competitive Grants
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc
Amount
US $18,000 - US $20,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship Inc ($1.8M). Together the top 10 received $7.9M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($10,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
2,695 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,889 grants of 2,695 (70%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation says its competitive grants support the eight counties of Western New York. Its 2024 grant dollars went primarily to New York recipients (88%), with smaller shares going to recipients in Washington, D.C. (2%), Virginia (2%), Pennsylvania (1%), and California (1%). The Foundation also administers scholarship funds for Western New York residents.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 562 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc open to new grantees?
26%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 145 of 562 grantees (26%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $30K; repeat grants $70K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 61% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+2%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $19.5M (2019) to $39.5M (2022). In 2024 it made 562 grants totaling $33.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship Inc Buffalo, NY | Charitable support. Any restrictions have been communicated to the grantee. | $1,790,661 |
| Research Foundation for the SUNY on Behalf of the University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY | Charitable support. Any restrictions have been communicated to the grantee. | $993,396 |
| Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society Buffalo, NY | Charitable support. Any restrictions have been communicated to the grantee. | $946,103 |
| Open Buffalo Inc Buffalo, NY | Charitable support. Any restrictions have been communicated to the grantee. | $737,000 |
| Service Collaborative of Western New York Buffalo, NY | Charitable support. Any restrictions have been communicated to the grantee. | $621,177 |
| Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy Buffalo, NY | Charitable support. Any restrictions have been communicated to the grantee. | $590,500 |
| Buffalo Fine Arts Academy Buffalo, NY | Charitable support. Any restrictions have been communicated to the grantee. | $589,264 |
| Bryant & Stratton College Orchard Park, NY | Charitable support. Any restrictions have been communicated to the grantee. | $560,850 |
| Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences Buffalo, NY | Charitable support. Any restrictions have been communicated to the grantee. | $541,625 |
| Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum (DBA the Strong) Rochester, NY | Charitable support. Any restrictions have been communicated to the grantee. | $500,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $944,045,975 | $48,658,362 | $46,615,540 | $33,418,104 | 562 | $12,024,564 |
| 2023 | $880,132,334 | $54,971,299 | $41,559,311 | $28,940,011 | 495 | $10,070,619 |
| 2022 | $772,638,253 | $56,537,676 | $55,052,109 | $39,470,929 | 517 | $11,392,871 |
| 2021 | $874,380,305 | $143,802,626 | $47,739,302 | $32,743,477 | 558 | $-4,654,980 |
| 2020 | $668,671,266 | $53,285,057 | $44,761,679 | $30,217,801 | 563 | $-4,180,811 |
| 2019 | $567,602,647 | $60,605,250 | $38,027,210 | $19,529,523 | 436 | $-2,320,123 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s stated mission is to connect people, ideas, and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Its current community goals are to achieve racial and ethnic equity; promote economic mobility through education, workforce readiness, and access to family-sustaining jobs for low-income residents; steward significant environmental resources in the context of climate resilience; and promote regional vibrancy through architecture, arts, and culture.
The Foundation’s 2024 grants included support for a range of organizations. Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship Inc describes its mission as removing barriers to educational attainment, workforce participation, and economic mobility for students in Buffalo and Niagara Falls public and charter schools. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra says it produces symphonic music for the cultural benefit of the Buffalo area, including arts education for youth. Open Buffalo describes its work as advancing racial, economic, and ecological justice through skill building, network connecting, and leadership opportunities. Other grantees include organizations whose stated missions concern community service, public parks, visual arts, career preparation, and science and nature education.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation reported 562 grants totaling $33,418,104. Itemized grants ranged from $5,100 to $1,790,661, with a median grant of $23,220. The largest listed awards included $1,790,661 to Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship Inc; $993,396 to the Research Foundation for the SUNY on behalf of the University at Buffalo; $946,103 to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society; $737,000 to Open Buffalo Inc; and $621,177 to the Service Collaborative of Western New York. Each was listed as charitable support, with any restrictions communicated to the grantee.
The Foundation’s filing describes several grantmaking channels. Donor- and client-directed funds support a wide range of nonprofit organizations locally and nationally. Board-directed funds include grants for changing community needs, field-of-interest awards, and scholarships. In 2024, the Foundation reported $820,000 in grants for its priorities, $3,016,000 from field-of-interest funds, and $2,576,000 in scholarships, excluding Say Yes Buffalo awards. Designated funds generally provide ongoing support to specified organizations.
The Foundation’s website lists a competitive grant process focused on its community goals. Its 2026 process was a one-stage application, with full applications submitted electronically; the website says the process is closed. The 2026 grant-program overview described one-year grants, with limited opportunity for multiyear awards, and an anticipated average award of $18,000–$20,000, a maximum of $50,000, and 35 awards. Competitive grants have written requirements addressing grant periods, restrictions, reporting, and follow-up. For noncompetitive grants, restrictions may be communicated in a letter or on the check, and written confirmation or supporting documentation may be required.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Steve Finch as chair, Tamara Alsace as vice chair, Owen Herne as secretary, and Cheryl Jankowski as treasurer. Directors listed on that filing are Jennifer Balbach, Rosalind Burgun, David Blesy, Boni R. Durand, Darby Fishkin, and Dottie Gallagher.
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc is led by Elizabeth Constantine, President & CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2019); 8 of 29 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Elizabeth Constantine
President & CEO
Executive Vice President → President & CEO, 2023
On filings since 2019
55 hrs/week
$238K (2019) → $407K (2024)
Jean McKeown
Special Advisor to President
V.p. Community Impact → Special Advisor to President & CEO, 2023
Special Advisor to President & CEO → Special Advisor to President, 2024
On filings since 2019
25 hrs/week
$160K (2019) → $197K (2024)
Steve Finch
Chair
Director → Vice Chair, 2022
Vice Chair → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2019
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cara Matteliano
Senior Director & Policy An
V.p. Community Impact → Senior Director, Policy & Strategic Partnerships, 2020
Senior Director, Policy & Strategic Partnerships → Senior Director & Policy An, 2021
On filings since 2019
50 hrs/week
$146K (2019) → $170K (2024)
Alex Montante
Director
Director → Vice Chair, 2021
Vice Chair → Director, 2024
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alice Jacobs JD
Director
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Allen Pete Grum
Director
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dottie Gallagher
Director
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Balbach
Director
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John F. Somers
Director
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rose Sconiers
Director
Chair Elect → Chair, 2023
Chair → Director, 2024
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey H. Katz Esq.
Director
Director → Vice Chair, 2023
Vice Chair → Director, 2024
On filings since 2021
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Blesy CPA
Director
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Luis Rodriguez
Director
On filings since 2022
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Boni R. Durand PhD
Director
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nancy Ware
Director
On filings since 2023
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Darby Fishkin
Director
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Hal Payne Ph D.
Director
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Pauly
Director
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rosalind Burgun
Director
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scott Gardner
Director
New on the 2024 filing
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Myra Lawrence
V.p. Finance
V.p Finance → V.p. Finance, 2020
On filings since 2019
50 hrs/week
$137K (2019) → $205K (2024)
Felicia Beard
Associate Vice President, Re Philanthropy & Stra
Senior Directior & Racial E → Associate Vice President & Racial Equity Initiative, 2023
Associate Vice President & Racial Equity Initiative → Associate Vice President, Re Philanthropy & Stra, 2024
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$118K (2020) → $181K (2024)
Ellen Musialowski
CFO
On filings since 2023
55 hrs/week
$14K (2023) → $212K (2024)
Maria Whyte
Chief Community Impact Officer
On filings since 2023
50 hrs/week
$241K (2023) → $275K (2024)
Halimah Madyun
Associate Vice President Administrative Operations
New on the 2024 filing
50 hrs/week
$179K (2024)
Cheryl Jankowski CPA
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2019
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Owen Herne Esq.
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tamara Alsace Ph D.
Vice Chair
New on the 2024 filing
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (19)
- Former: Hal D. Payne (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Melissa Baumgart (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Tamara Alsace (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Amy Habib Rittling Esq. (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Larry Franco (2023) — Secretary
- Former: Bonita R. Durand PhD (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Brendan Harrington (2019–2022) — Former CFO & CAO
- Former: Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker (2019–2022) — President & CEO
- Former: Gary Crosby (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: John N. Walsh III (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Lawrence C. Franco Esq. (2019–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Colleen Becht (2022) — Controller
- Former: Cindy Odom (2019–2021) — Chief Community Impact Officer
- Former: James Biltekoff (2019–2021) — Treasurer
- Former: William Joyce (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Francisco Vasquez PhD (2019–2020) — Chair
- Former: Gary Mucci (2019–2020) — Vice Chair
- Former: Ross Eckert (2019–2020) — Treasurer
- Former: Gerald Reger (2019) — CFO & CAO
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $407K, to Elizabeth Constantine (President/CEO). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc
How much does Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc give each year?
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc gave $33.4M across 562 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $28.9M across 495 grants.
What is Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc's typical grant size?
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc's median grant in 2024 was $23,220, and its average grant was $59,463, across 562 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc that year got $30K on average.
Where does Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc give grants?
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc gives mostly in New York: 88% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Buffalo, NY (252 grants), Williamsville, NY (13 grants), Niagara Falls, NY (13 grants) and New York, NY (12 grants).
Does Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 562 grants with a stated purpose on Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc's largest grantees?
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship Inc ($1,790,661), Research Foundation for the SUNY on Behalf of the University at Buffalo ($993,396) and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Society ($946,103), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($10,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 11% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc?
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc reported $944.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $48.7M.
What does Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc fund?
The Foundation’s stated mission is to connect people, ideas, and resources to improve lives in Western New York. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc?
The Foundation’s 2026 competitive process is closed. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc's EIN?
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-2743917. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS November 16, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 14, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 12, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in New York
The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation
Detroit, MI
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation funds active lifestyles, preparation for success, caregiver support, entrepreneurship and economic development, and nonprofit-sector innovation in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. Its 2024 median grant was $100,000, though awards vary widely. It accepts applications year-round through an initial Letter of Inquiry; selected organizations are invited to submit a full proposal.
Assets
$896.5M
Grants
413
Total Given
$141.2M
The John R Oishei Foundation
Buffalo, NY
The John R. Oishei Foundation supports work advancing racial and economic justice, community power, and financial prosperity, with a current priority on Buffalo’s East Side and the wider Buffalo-Niagara region. In 2024, grants ranged from $750 to $930,000, with a median of $20,000. It is not accepting new grant requests at this time.
Assets
$330.0M
Grants
168
Total Given
$9.5M
The Ford Foundation
New York, NY
The Ford Foundation funds organizations and initiatives working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work on civic engagement, civil rights, climate justice, disability rights, and technology and society. In 2024, its grants ranged from $45 to $15 million, with a median of $100,000, supporting work in the U.S. and internationally. It says most grants are identified by the foundation and it does not accept unsolicited proposals by mail, email, or phone; limited opportunities may be offered separately.
Assets
$17.5B
Grants
4,007
Total Given
$844.7M
The New York Community Trust
New York, NY
The New York Community Trust funds nonprofit programs in areas such as arts, education, health, the environment, workforce development, and youth development, including projects that improve services, build organizational capacity, or advance policy and systems change. Its competitive grants mainly serve New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, with some national and international environmental funding; the 2024 median grant was $20,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.5B
Grants
2,748
Total Given
$193.8M
The Simons Foundation Inc
New York, NY
The Simons Foundation funds research and public engagement in mathematics and the physical, life, autism, and neuroscience sciences. In 2024, it made 1,727 grants, with a median award of $72,000 and amounts ranging from $1,480 to $20 million, supporting organizations in the U.S. and internationally. It states that it funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.5B
Grants
1,727
Total Given
$272.0M
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
New York, NY
LISC funds affordable housing, community development, small businesses, and related efforts that strengthen inclusive communities, providing grants as well as loans, equity, and technical assistance across the country. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $40,000, though amounts varied widely. Application access is program-specific: for its Rhode Island child care facilities planning grants, applicants are instructed to consult program staff before submitting a request.
Assets
$1.6B
Grants
1,119
Total Given
$102.8M
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/community-foundation-for-greater-buffalo-inc-morg_1b606f9cfc8d4892905e7e19c332a090
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_222743917_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/community-foundation-for-greater-buffalo-inc-morg_1b606f9cfc8d4892905e7e19c332a090},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-20. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?