The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is seeking applications for its Arts & Culture Initiative.
Donor Name: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
State: New York
County: Selected Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 09/15/2023
Size of the Grant: $15,000 and $25,000
Details:
In December 2021, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced a gift to support arts and culture in the eight counties of Western New York, plus Monroe County, in recognition of the key role arts and culture organizations play in a thriving economy. Part of that announcement includes $500,000 in annual funding to be awarded primarily to support small to mid-sized arts and cultural 501(c)(3) organizations in the nine counties. The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is managing and operating the endowment and grants program.
Funding Information
In August 2023, the second round of funding opportunities is open to arts and culture organizations with a budget of no more than $2 million in their Fiscal Year 2022. There are 2 opportunities available:
- A single arts and culture nonprofit organization may apply for up to $15,000 for operating funding.
- Multiple arts and culture organizations are encouraged to apply together for up to $25,000 to support collaborative efforts. Preference will be given to collaborations for which small to mid-size arts and culture organizations receive the majority of the funding requested. At least 2 collaborators must be arts and culture organizations.
For both opportunities, preference will be given to community-led organizations that are centered in the community. In the context of this initiative, the term “community” may refer to a range of shared connections from geographic proximity to shared identity. This initiative understands that the phrase, “centered in the community” is dependent on multiple factors unique to each organization. Applicants are encouraged to provide their own concept of “community-centering” within the broader context of their communities. Where applicable, applicants are encouraged to provide demographic information on income levels, race, ethnicity, gender, etc.
The total amount available for disbursement in 2023 is approximately $500,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- Small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations that have arts and culture as core to their mission.
- Exceptions may be made for the core mission in rural communities with limited independent arts and cultural organizations.
- Applicant organizations must be physically located in and/or operate in one or more of nine counties – Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming.
- The 13 organizations named by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation receiving direct, yearly funding are not eligible.
- Fiscal sponsorships are acceptable; the fiscal sponsor does not need to meet above criteria but the applicant organization does.
- Organizations with a budget of no more than $2 million in Fiscal Year 2022.
For more information, visit CFGB.
