James H Cummings Foundation Inc
The James H Cummings Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Buffalo, New York. Organized in New York State in 1962, it supports nonprofit organizations in Buffalo, Toronto, and Hendersonville, North Carolina, with interests in medical research, science and post-secondary medical education, and services for vulnerable people.
Key facts about James H Cummings Foundation Inc
In short: James H Cummings Foundation Inc gave $2.4M across 62 grants in 2025 (avg $39K), mostly in New York. 62% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 16-0864200
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,412,785
- Grants made (2025)
- 62
- Average grant
- $38,916
- Median grant
- $30,195
- New grantees (estimate)
- 62% first-time grantees (36 of 58, 2025)
- Total assets
- $46,423,823
- Primary geography
- New York (78% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- Submit a letter of intent through the foundation’s online portal. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- The 2024 filing lists deadlines as the middle of the month preceding February, May, September, and December.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$46.4M
+2.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.4M
-6.7% YoY
Grant Count
62
+14.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$39K
-18.8% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, James H Cummings Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $2.3M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is James H Cummings Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
62%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 36 of 58 grantees (62%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $33K; repeat grants $55K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $48K repeat.
- 26% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 54% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 116% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated areas of focus include advancing medical research, science, and post-secondary medical education in Buffalo and Hendersonville, and medical research in Toronto. It also supports services for vulnerable children and children with disabilities, including quality out-of-school care and early care and education programs. For older and vulnerable adults, it supports services intended to help them maintain independent, healthy, and active lives, remaining in their own homes when possible.
The foundation funds tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. Its website gives priority to capital projects and excludes requests for individuals, scholarships or fellowships, salaries, ordinary operating expenses, program costs, deficit financing, contingency reserves, and endowments. Its 2024 filing says higher priority goes to projects not normally financed by public tax funds.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate a range of grantee missions. Cradle Beach says it creates safe, inclusive opportunities for individuals and families, with a focus on children with special needs and underserved people. Rahama says it empowers women experiencing domestic abuse through education, advocacy, support, and housing. Build Promise says it provides year-round and emergency shelter, along with access to health and social services through partner agencies.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 62 grants totaling $2,412,785. Grants ranged from $2,560 to $115,600, with a median of $30,195.
Review Cycle
** The 2024 filing lists deadlines as the middle of the month preceding February, May, September, and December. The website notes that application dates are updated annually.
Ready to take the next step with James H Cummings Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s stated geographic focus includes Buffalo, New York; Hendersonville, North Carolina; and Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Its website specifies medical research, science, and post-secondary medical education in Buffalo and Hendersonville, and medical research in Toronto. In 2025, 78% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York and 18% to recipients in North Carolina; the filing lists the remaining 4% under an unspecified state.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 62 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
Grant Size Distribution
251 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CRADLE BEACH Angola, NY | INCLUSIVE SWIMMING POOL RENOVATIONS | $115,600 |
| RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR SUNY AT UB Buffalo, NY | FLOW CYTOMETRY EQUIPMENT | $104,189 |
| FEEDMORE WNY OF BUFFALO Buffalo, NY | A PERMANENT HOME FOR FEEDMORE | $100,000 |
| UNITED WAY OF HENDERSON COUNTY Hendersonville, NC | HELENE EMERGENCY RESPONSE RAPID HOME INSPECTION/REPAIRS | $100,000 |
| MINISTRY SEVEN Hendersonville, NC | ROOF REPLACEMENT FOR HOMELESS SHELTER | $87,297 |
| BROTHERS OF MERCY Clarence, NY | CALL LIGHT INSTALLATION FOR NURSING FACILITY | $84,463 |
| JACOBS INSTITUTE Buffalo, NY | EXPANSION OF PROTOTYPING CAPABILITIES IN I2R CENTER | $80,196 |
| ADVENTHEALTH HENDERSONVILLE Hendersonville, NC | ADOLESCENT GIRLS RECOVERY CENTER | $74,667 |
| SINAI HEALTH FOUNDATION | HIGH CONTENT IMAGING SYSTEM | $72,337 |
| RAHAMA INC Buffalo, NY | BUILDING PROGRAM SPACE & ADA COMPLIANCE | $67,871 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $46,423,823 | $2,249,288 | $2,892,364 | $2,412,785 | 62 |
| 2024 | $45,318,217 | $4,066,178 | $2,989,217 | $2,586,790 | 54 |
| 2023 | $40,430,917 | $1,359,053 | $2,604,793 | $2,212,078 | 48 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $46,423,823 | $45,318,217 | $40,430,917 |
| Revenue | $2,249,288 | $4,066,178 | $1,359,053 |
| Expenses | $2,892,364 | $2,989,217 | $2,604,793 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,640,254 | $2,791,574 | $2,401,093 |
| Net Investment Income | $2,060,111 | $3,880,076 | $1,179,585 |
| Distributable Amount | $2,268,265 | $2,070,659 | $1,988,289 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Charles F Kreiner Jr as president, Christopher T Greene as vice president, William L Joyce as treasurer, and Mary Jo Hunt as executive director and secretary. Directors listed are LaVonne Ansari PhD, Amy L Clifton, and Theodore I Putnam MD.
James H Cummings Foundation Inc is led by Charles F. Kreiner Jr., President on every filing since 2020; all 7 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Charles F. Kreiner Jr.
President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$16K (2020) → $15K (2025)
Mary Jo Hunt
Executive Director & Secretary
On filings since 2020
30 hrs/week
$63K (2020) → $80K (2025)
Amy L. Clifton
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$13K (2020) → $15K (2025)
Theodore I. Putnam MD
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$13K (2020) → $15K (2025)
Lavonne Ansari PhD
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
$14K (2024) → $15K (2025)
Christopher T. Greene
Vice President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$13K (2020) → $15K (2025)
William L. Joyce
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$13K (2020) → $15K (2025)
Former officers (1)
- Former: Richard C. Bryan Jr. (2020–2023) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
Contact
Application contact: Mary Jo Hunt
Mailing address: 120 West Tupper Street, Buffalo, NY 14201
Phone: (716) 874-0040
Website: https://jameshcummings.com
Frequently asked questions about James H Cummings Foundation Inc
How much does James H Cummings Foundation Inc give each year?
James H Cummings Foundation Inc gave $2.4M across 62 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $2.6M across 54 grants.
What is James H Cummings Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
James H Cummings Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $30,195, and its average grant was $38,916, across 62 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from James H Cummings Foundation Inc that year got $33K on average.
Where does James H Cummings Foundation Inc give grants?
James H Cummings Foundation Inc gives mostly in New York: 78% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was North Carolina (18%). The most frequent recipient cities were Buffalo, NY (40 grants), Hendersonville, NC (8 grants) and Tonawanda, NY (2 grants).
Does James H Cummings Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 62 grants with a stated purpose on James H Cummings Foundation Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.
Who are James H Cummings Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
James H Cummings Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include United Way of Henderson County ($200,000 across 3 grants), Cradle Beach ($115,600) and Research Foundation for Suny at Ub ($104,189), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 17% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is James H Cummings Foundation Inc?
James H Cummings Foundation Inc reported $46.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.6M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.3M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does James H Cummings Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated areas of focus include advancing medical research, science, and post-secondary medical education in Buffalo and Hendersonville, and medical research in Toronto. It also supports services for vulnerable children and children with disabilities, including quality out-of-school care and early care and education programs. For older and vulnerable adults, it supports services intended to help them maintain independent, healthy, and active lives, remaining in their own homes wh…
How do I apply for a grant from James H Cummings Foundation Inc?
Submit a letter of intent through the foundation’s online portal. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is James H Cummings Foundation Inc's EIN?
James H Cummings Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 16-0864200. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching James H Cummings Foundation Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in James H Cummings Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo funds nonprofits and community initiatives addressing racial and ethnic equity, economic mobility, environmental resilience, and regional arts and culture, primarily across Western New York’s eight counties. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,100 to $1,790,661, with a median of $23,220; it accepts applications through its competitive process, which requires a full electronic application.
Assets
$944.0M
Grants
562
Total Given
$33.4M
The John R Oishei Foundation
Buffalo, NY
The John R. Oishei Foundation supports community-led work advancing racial equity and financial prosperity, including education, workforce development, arts and technology, and systems change in the Buffalo-Niagara region, with priority for Buffalo’s East Side. Its 2024 grants ranged from $750 to $930,000, with a median of $20,000. It is not accepting new grant requests; organizations interested in partnership can complete its Request to Partner form.
Assets
$330.0M
Grants
168
Total Given
$9.5M
Mother Cabrini Health Foundation Inc
New York, NY
The foundation funds healthcare access, basic needs, workforce development, mental and behavioral health, and other projects improving the health of vulnerable people and priority populations across New York State. Its 2024 grants had a median of $200,000, with awards ranging from $100 to $4.2 million. It accepts requests through a letter-of-inquiry process, but the 2026 application period is closed.
Assets
$3.9B
Grants
601
Total Given
$172.6M
First Niagara Foundation
Buffalo, NY
The foundation supports organizations working in community development, education, workforce development, health care, and community services, primarily in New York. Its 2022 grants ranged from $26 to $1.5 million, with a median of $25,000; it funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.0M
Grants
81
Total Given
$7.4M
The Peter and Elizabeth C Tower
Getzville, NY
The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation funds services and systems change for young people up to age 26 affected by intellectual or learning disabilities, mental health issues, or substance use disorders in parts of Western New York and Eastern Massachusetts. Its 2025 median grant was about $34,000, though awards varied widely. It accepts preliminary requests or inquiries; full proposals are by invitation only.
Assets
$123.3M
Grants
208
Total Given
$11.6M
The Western New York Foundation
Buffalo, NY
The Western New York Foundation supports nonprofit capacity building and projects that engage people with regional food-system issues, with most funding going to New York organizations. Its 2026 grants ranged from $50 to $500,000, with a median of $3,500; program awards include $10,000 for iCAP Core participants and $2,500 for selected food-system leaders. Applications are submitted electronically, with June 30 and November 30 deadlines; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$25.8M
Grants
127
Total Given
$1.5M
Buffalo Bills Foundation Inc
Orchard Park, NY
The Buffalo Bills Foundation funds child hunger relief, nutritious food access, healthy eating, and related youth, health, and education programs, with a focus on Western New York; 90% of its 2024 grant dollars went to New York recipients. In 2024, it made 156 grants ranging from $227 to $295,634, with a median award of $3,000. It accepts applications from eligible 501(c)(3) public charities and lists application deadlines.
Assets
$4.0M
Grants
156
Total Given
$1.9M
Cullen Foundation
Buffalo, NY
The Cullen Foundation supported pre-K–12 education and theatre and performing arts, primarily for Erie County, New York; its 2022 grants averaged about $32,500, though awards varied widely. It did not accept unsolicited requests, and its 2024 filing was its final return, transferring its assets and obligations to a successor organization.
Assets
$112.3M
Grants
189
Total Given
$6.1M
United Way of Buffalo and Erie County
Buffalo, NY
United Way of Buffalo and Erie County funds local health and human-service programs focused on community resiliency, financial security, healthy communities, and youth opportunity, with its 2025 process serving eligible nonprofits in Erie County. Typical one-year awards were expected to be $25,000–$75,000; the 2025 application period is closed, and the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$28.2M
Grants
90
Total Given
$6.4M
Rich Family Foundation
Buffalo, NY
The Rich Family Foundation funds food-system initiatives and community needs, along with education, arts, and culture in neighborhoods near its Buffalo headquarters. Its 2024 grants ranged from $150 to $200,150, with a median of $5,000; most funding went to New York, though it also gave in other states. It accepts unsolicited requests from bona fide charities, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly.
Assets
$12.7M
Grants
120
Total Given
$2.3M
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
—
Grants
413
Total Given
$141.2M
Jpmorgan Chase Foundation
New York, NY
The foundation supports neighborhood revitalization, underserved small businesses, financial health, and economic mobility and career pathways, with 2024 grants ranging from $4 to $4,635,000 and a median of $550. Its grants reached organizations across multiple U.S. locations, including Washington, DC, New York, California, Illinois, Washington state, and Georgia. It gives only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
11,076
Total Given
$193.0M
More Funders in New York
James H Cummings Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?