Russell J Salvatore Foundation
The Russell J Salvatore Foundation is a private foundation based in Williamsville, New York. Established in 2012, the foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting community improvement and capacity building initiatives, with a particular focus on the Western New York region.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$654K
-45.4% YoY
Grant Count
16
-11.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$41K
-38.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's primary funding interests include:
- Education — Supporting educational institutions and programs
- Human Services — Funding organizations that serve vulnerable populations
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking — Supporting charitable infrastructure and community engagement
- Youth Development — Investing in programs for children and young people
- Community Development — Supporting neighborhood improvement and capacity building initiatives
Grantmaking
The foundation has also provided multi-year commitments to support major initiatives, such as a six-figure commitment to Mathewson McCarthy Baseball for naming rights to the Russell J. Salvatore Baseball Park.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in New York and Texas, with a particular emphasis on the Western New York region, including Buffalo, Williamsville, Depew, and surrounding communities.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year 2025:
- Total Assets: $3,285,282
- Total Revenues: $872,407
- Total Expenses: $712,225
- Total Giving: $653,850
As of Fiscal Year 2024:
- Total Assets: $2.9 million
- Total Revenues: $673,000
- Total Expenses: $1.27 million
Revenue Sources:
- Grants and contributions: $768,566 (2025)
- Investment income and dividends: $103,841 (2025)
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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
86 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation is supported by Russell J Salvatore, a Buffalo-area restaurateur and hotel entrepreneur born in 1933. Salvatore built a hospitality empire that includes Salvatore's Italian Gardens banquet complex, Russell's Steaks, and the Grand Hotel. He is recognized for his extensive philanthropic contributions throughout Western New York.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RUSSELL J SALVATORE | PRESIDENT/TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MARK JERGE | TRUSTEE/TREASURER | 1 | — |
| JAMES GALLO | TRUSTEE | — | — |
| NEIL WEINBERG | TRUSTEE | — | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has demonstrated sustained commitment to community institutions through naming opportunities and major gifts. Named facilities and programs supported by the foundation include:
Russ gives again: Russell J. Salvatore Foundation donates an additionalRussell J. Salvatore Boys & Girls Club of Depew-Lancaster
Russ gives again: Russell J. Salvatore Foundation donates an additionalRussell J. Salvatore Hospitality House at Kevin Guest House
Russ gives again: Russell J. Salvatore Foundation donates an additionalRussell J. Salvatore Orthopaedic Unit at ECMC
Russ gives again: Russell J. Salvatore Foundation donates an additionalRussell J. Salvatore Demonstration Kitchen at Buffalo State College
Russ gives again: Russell J. Salvatore Foundation donates an additionalRussell J. Salvatore School of Hospitality & Business at Trocaire College
Russ gives again: Russell J. Salvatore Foundation donates an additionalRussell J. Salvatore Baseball Park (home to Mathewson McCarthy Baseball League)
Russ gives again: Russell J. Salvatore Foundation donates an additionalThe foundation continues to make significant contributions to education, youth development, and human services organizations throughout Western New York.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Similar funders by location and focus area
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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