Seeds of Sustainability- Capacity Building Grant Program

The Seeds of Sustainability Capacity Building Grant Program, offered by the Western New York Foundation, aims to empower nonprofit organizations with the resources needed to enhance their operational capacity. This program supports initiatives that drive transformative change within local food systems, focusing on BIPOC communities and those disproportionately affected by poverty. By fostering collaboration and providing tailored resources, the foundation seeks to build a thriving and equitable food system in Western New York.

NOTE: Applicants can apply one of two ways: Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through our online grant portal. Complete a verbal LOI by scheduling a meeting with the foundation’s Program Officer. Meetings must be scheduled by July 7, 2025.
The WNY Foundation provides grants to support organizations that are changing our regional food systems and finding equitable solutions to long-standing problems.
Who We Fund
The Foundation strives to empower innovative people with the resources needed to create and implement sustainable solutions that will build a thriving and equitable food system that reflects the community it serves. We prioritize nonprofits focused on the wellbeing of BIPOC communities, families disproportionally impacted by poverty, immigrants and refugees, and disadvantaged people in rural areas.
The WNY Foundation recognizes the vital role that wellbeing plays in building strong and thriving communities. As defined by the Full Frame Initiative (FFI), wellbeing is a multi-dimensional concept that impacts individuals and the communities they live in. There are five factors in play, which are largely socially determined: safety; stability; mastery; social connectedness, and meaningful access to relevant resources. Our foundation is committed to supporting nonprofits who align with the wellbeing tenets.
The Seeds of Sustainability Grant Program is designed to provide funding and support to nonprofit organizations that aim to improve their capacity to achieve their mission and do transformative work. This program provides financial assistance to help the organization develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to enhance their operations and achieve sustainable growth. These may include:
Support Strategic Leadership: to develop strong board and staff leadership and assist our grantees in implementing strategic priorities during critical periods of growth and revitalization.
Foster Collaboration: to strengthen community engagement and support collaborative and strategic relationship efforts that will result in stronger and expanded services.
Strengthen Communications: to support communications efforts that raise awareness about an organization’s mission and attract attention and resources to the organization’s cause.
Expand Resources and Stabilize Financials: to develop financial stability by increasing the ability of the nonprofit to develop necessary resources and plan for longer-term sustainability.
Promote Programming Excellence: to enhance the provision of services by strengthening the nonprofit’s ability to program and evaluate its work.
Enhance Operational Effectiveness: to improve day-to-day operational productivity and enhance nonprofit functioning in areas such as administration, grant management, finance, human resources, technology, and facility management.
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. Additionally, our iCAP programs also consider applications from arts and culture organizations and those serving rural communities.

Eligibility

Applicant must be a non-profit organization who has obtained tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Code.Applicant must demonstrate a commitment to driving transformative change in our local or regional food system.Applicant must have three years of 990 filings. Please note that postcard filings do not meet eligibility criteria.Applicant must be a small to mid-size organization. Small to mid-size being defined as organizations with budgets between $100,000 and $6,000,000. Organizations applying for grants must be headquartered within the 7 counties of WNY: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming.

Ineligibility

Grants for the following types of groups and uses are not made: Religious Organizations for Religious PurposesPolitical Organizations, Campaigns, and CandidatesMunicipal and GovernmentGrants or Loans to IndividualsEndowmentsScholarshipsCapital CampaignsOperating Expenses