The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds: Design and Access Grant

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds: Design and Access Grant aims to enhance community access to spaces and programs supporting healthy living in Western New York. Managed by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, this grant focuses on projects that improve walkability, bikeability, and the overall recreational landscape. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits can apply for funding to support pre-planning, development, or construction costs, fostering sustainable community enhancements.

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.
Design and Access – Support enhancement of community access to spaces and programs that support healthy living. Requests must address the following objective:
Support for pre-planning, development and/or construction costs. This may include projects related to increasing the walkability and bikeability of local communities, and improving waterways, greenways and recreation corridors.

Eligibility

ForDesign and Access, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that meet the guidelines described above and reside in Western New York may apply for a grant. Western New York is defined as Allegany, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Ineligibility

Please note: Large sports facilities are not of interest.  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.