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

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

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
Amount: US $10,000 - US $25,000
Last Updated: November 04, 2025

Summary

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.

Overview

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. About the Foundation Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. believed effective change should make an impact from the start, yet carry long into the future. To do both, he earmarked a portion of his estate and the eventual sale of his beloved Buffalo Bills to fund his namesake foundation. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation began operations in 2015 to continue his legacy-one of generosity and innovation, healthy risk taking and collaboration and an unshakeable community focus. And today, his hand-picked Life Trustees have determined to focus the efforts of the foundation on Mr. Wilson’s home and adopted home regions of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. Community Assets 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

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