Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

Foundation

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

  • An individual or organization is eligible for nomination

Geography

  • Headquartered within the 7 counties of WNY

Other requirements

  • _You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's [website](https://wnyfoundation.org/cultivatorofchange)._
  • Grant applications are welcome from organizations whose work aligns with our mission and priority areas
  • For all grant programs, this includes a focus on our local and regional food systems
  • Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming

Not eligible / not funded

  • Not eligible: Self nominations are not accepted at this time
  • Not eligible: Individuals
  • Not eligible: Unless otherwise specified
  • Not eligible: Religious organizations for religious purposes
  • Not eligible: Political organizations
  • Not eligible: Campaigns
  • Not eligible: Candidates
  • Not eligible: Municipal
  • Not eligible: Government
  • Not eligible: Endowments
  • Not eligible: Scholarships
  • Not eligible: Capital campaigns

Overview

Cultivator of Change Program

The Cultivator of Change program recognizes and provides support to individuals who have displayed outstanding leadership in the food system. Selected food system leaders will receive a $2,500 grant to assist them in their continued efforts. This program presents a unique opportunity to acknowledge and support these vital leaders who are critical to our communities and who demonstrate the following qualities:

  • Act as change agent working among underserved populations
  • Operate from a place of empathy and compassion
  • Seek community-driven solutions to pressing food system issues
  • A willingness to share their experiences and knowledge with others

Nomination Process

To nominate a candidate, an individual or organization (with direct knowledge of the leader's work) must submit a nomination form. The nominator should provide a description of the nominee's contributions toward building community and strengthening our local or regional food system. Additionally, the nominator should explain why they believe the nominee is prioritizing equity and describe their potential to realize scale.

Selection Process

Twice a year, two (2) leaders from each of the 7 counties served by Western New York Foundation will be selected.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

  • An individual or organization is eligible for nomination.
  • Grant applications are welcome from organizations whose work aligns with our mission and priority areas.
  • For all grant programs, this includes a focus on our local and regional food systems.
  • Organizations applying for grants must be headquartered within the 7 counties of WNY:
    • Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming.

Ineligibility

  • Self nominations are not accepted at this time.
  • We do not award grants to individuals, unless otherwise specified; religious organizations for religious purposes; political organizations, campaigns, and candidates; and municipal and government.
  • We do not award grants for endowments; scholarships; capital campaigns; or operating expenses.

What The Western New York Foundation actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2026

Grants in 2026
127
Total given
$1.45M
Median grant
$3,500
Range
$50–$500K
  • By dollars: New York 93%, Nebraska 6%, Illinois <1%. Top recipient cities: Buffalo, NY; Jamestown, NY; Orchard Park, NY.
  • 17% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
  • 34% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

Example grants

  • Community Foundation for Greater BUFFALO1 · Buffalo, NY

    WNY Forward Fund

    $500K

  • United Way of Buffalo & Erie County · Buffalo, NY

    iCAP Consulting

    $109K

  • Massachusetts Avenue Project · Buffalo, NE

    Operations Director & Communications Manager

    $72K

  • NY Funders Alliance · Syracuse, NY

    NonProfit Support Group Annual Operations

    $50K

  • Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation · Olean, NY

    CA BOCES Sprouting Knowledge Farm

    $50K

IRS Form 990-PF, 2026. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

  • Food security
  • Community development

Categories

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