GRANT PROGRAMS

75

YEARS

As we celebrate the Foundation's 75th anniversary, our Seeds of Sustainability, iCAP, and iCAP Core grant programs are temporarily paused for 2026. During this milestone year, the Foundation is taking a different approach to its grantmaking as we commemorate 75 years of impact across Western New York. The Small Grant Program remains open, and we continue to accept applications on a rolling basis.

Join our newsletter to be notified when the next grant cycle opens.

Eligibility

  • Must be a 501(c)3 non-profit organization

  • Headquartered in one of the 7 counties of WNY

  • Mission must align with efforts to strengthen the local food system

  • Please review each program's eligibility requirements before applying.

Grant Timeline

LOI OPENS Dec 2026

LOI DEADLINE Jan 2027

APP. DEADLINE March 2027

SITE VISITS April 2027

PROPOSAL DECISION May 2027

Dates are subject to change.

Not Sure Where to Start?

We’re here to help you identify the best grant program for your organization.

Contact Us ➔

OUR GRANT PROGRAMS

Small Grant Program

Accepting Applications

In partnership with the Buffalo Bills Foundation, grants of up to $2,500 are available for professional development, consultant support, specialty contract services, and certifications or accreditations.

APPLY NOW
Learn more ➔

Seeds of Sustainability

Closed

Provides funding and support to help nonprofit organizations build the capacity needed to achieve their mission and strengthen Western New York's local and regional food system.

iCAP

Closed

An 8 to 10 month capacity building program that helps nonprofits assess organizational strengths and gaps, identify priorities, and develop a 2-3 year capacity building plan.

iCAP Core

Closed

A 6 month capacity building program for developing nonprofits, focused on strengthening leadership, board governance, and organizational effectiveness.

FAQs

  • We welcome Letters of Intent (LOIs) for all our grant programs from organizations dedicated to local and regional food systems work, especially those organizations who are empowering communities to create a stronger local food system.

  • Yes, we only accept requests from organizations headquartered in the seven counties of Western New York: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Wyoming.

  • As mentioned above, our primary focus is strengthening our local and regional food system. We prioritize food system nonprofits dedicated to the wellbeing of BIPOC communities, families disproportionately impacted by poverty, immigrants and refugees, and disadvantaged people in rural areas. We support efforts that work to decrease social inequities and challenge the disparities of conventional food systems.

  • Due to the large number of food pantries in Western New York, we are unable to support the capacity of food pantries at this time.

  • The Western New York Foundation does not award grants to individuals, unless otherwise specified; religious organizations for religious purposes; political organizations, campaigns, and candidates; and municipal and government. We also do not award grants for endowments; scholarships; capital campaigns; or operating expenses.

  • Organizations can apply through our grant portal here. If you are unsure whether your project is a good fit, please contact the Foundation’s program officer to discuss.

  • We have two grant rounds annually, one in the spring and one in the fall. You can find detailed information on deadline dates at the top of this page.

  • Grants are approved at the foundation’s meetings in November and May. Grantees will be notified by email within two weeks following the meeting.