The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds: Community Assets Grant Program

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds aim to support cultural and historic assets and enhance long-term arts education for youth, particularly in under-resourced communities. Managed by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, these grants focus on localized projects that align with Mr. Wilson's vision for impactful change. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Erie County, with a preference for initiatives that restore significant historic sites or increase access to arts instruction for children.

Background
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation established endowment funds at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to provide annual support for programs and initiatives that reflect the personal passions of Mr. Wilson. These areas of support are: Caregivers; Community Assets; Design and Access; and Youth Sports.
The grants made from these Legacy Funds held at the Community Foundation are distinct from the grants made by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation directly. In most cases, the grants made from these Funds at the Community Foundation serve to support very localized projects across the WNY region for which a smaller grant can make all the difference. In some cases, it may also provide an opportunity to test out ideas and programs on a smaller, pilot level.
Community Assets – Support significant cultural and historic assets and/or increase access to long-term arts instruction for youth. Requests must address one of the following objectives:

• Increase access to long-term arts instruction for children and youth living in under-resourced communities.
• Restore and leverage significant historic buildings and architectural landmarks, with a preference for sites that promote cultural tourism.

Eligibility

For Community Assets, only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that reside in Erie County may apply.

Ineligibility

Requests for endowments, religious purposes, attendance at or sponsorship of events, and for schools not registered with the NYS Education Department will not be accepted.