Mission: Drive transformative changes in the regional food system by supporting innovative people and organizations with the resources needed to create and implement sustainable solutions
Vision: Implement sustainable solutions that will build a thriving and equitable food system that reflects the community we serve.
For 75 years, the Western New York Foundation has partnered with nonprofits to improve the quality of life across the seven counties of Western New York. While our mission has evolved, our commitment to building stronger organizations remains the same. Today, we focus on strengthening the regional food ecosystem by investing in the capacity of nonprofits and the partnerships that connect them. Through funding, strategic support, and collaboration, we are helping create a more resilient Western New York.
WHO WE ARE
OUR HISTORY
The Western New York Foundation’s story began in a 12-chair barbershop in Buffalo’s Iroquois Hotel, where two barbers founded what would become one of the world’s largest hair care companies. They developed a dandruff tonic they claimed would promote hair growth and named it "Wildroot," possibly after one of its imported root ingredients.
Wildroot’s most famous product, Cream Oil, contained lanolin instead of alcohol. When alcohol was rationed during World War II, this gave the company a major competitive advantage. In the 1940s, Nat King Cole’s popular Wildroot radio jingle helped propel Cream Oil Charlie to the top of the national market.
In 1951, profits from Wildroot products established the Wildroot Foundation. General Manager Hoyt Shehan’s vision, supported by legal advisor Welles V. Moot, Sr., led to the Foundation being incorporated with 10,887 shares of Wildroot stock valued at $100,000. When Colgate-Palmolive acquired Wildroot in 1959, the Foundation’s assets grew to $2.3 million, and it was later renamed the Western New York Foundation.
Welles V. Moot, Jr. was selected to lead the new Foundation, joined by his siblings Cecily, John, and Richard. Together with fellow trustees, they provided decades of thoughtful leadership and generosity in service to Western New York. Their vision continues to shape our work today.
Over the past 75 years, the Foundation has awarded thousands of grants to nonprofits across region. We remain committed to strengthening Western New York and carrying forward the legacy of those who built our Foundation.