Kelly for Kids Community Grants

Kelly for Kids Community Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Kelly for Kids Foundation
Last Updated: September 12, 2025

Summary

The Kelly for Kids Community Grants aim to support disadvantaged and disabled youth in Western New York. Founded by former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, the foundation has distributed nearly $5 million to local children's charities. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on health and social services for children in need. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs and equipment improvements, ensuring funds are used effectively to make a significant impact in the community.

Overview

Why We Exist Kelly for Kids is committed to serving disadvantaged and disabled youth in Western New York through the distribution of grant money raised throughout the year. About The Foundation After his retirement, former quarterback of the Buffalo Bills and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly decided to make Buffalo, NY his permanent home. When he arrived in 1986, he was not only focused on building a winning football team; he was determined to make a difference in the community. He did so by establishing the Kelly for Kids Foundation. Kelly for Kids is committed to serving disadvantaged and disabled youth in Western New York through the distribution of grant money raised throughout the year. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed nearly 5 million dollars to many local children’s charities. Kelly For Kids Foundation’s Areas Of Focus Innovative programs that directly assist Western New York children in need. Equipment and physical improvements for organizations dedicated to programs for disadvantaged children and teens. The Foundation gives priority to organizations that can demonstrate definitively how the funds will be used.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Kelly for Kids Foundation Community Grants are awarded to charitable not-for-profit 501 (C)(3) organizations whose primary mission is to assist children in need in the Western New York area. In particular, it funds health and social service organizations that serve the disabled and/or economically disadvantaged youth.

Ineligibility

Kelly for Kids Foundation Community Grant does not:Provide grants to individuals.Purchase sponsorships (e.g., program advertising, corporate table, golf holes) at the organization’s special events.Provide funding for public playgrounds.Fund local chapters of national organizations that send a substantial portion of the grant to the national office.Fund governmental programs of lobbying efforts.Provide grants for overhead or general operating expenses.