The Children’s Foundation mission is to support not-for-profit organizations that are committed to improving the quality of life for at-risk children in the County of Erie. Grants focus on organizations that assist, protect and/or enhance the lives and potential of children up to the age of 21 in Erie County, New York.
Children’s Foundation of Erie County Inc. centers its giving on children up to age 21 in Erie County, New York, with grants aimed at organizations that assist, protect, and enhance the lives and potential of at-risk children. Its recent pattern shows repeated support for the same local nonprofits across multiple years and program areas, including ongoing awards to Westminster Economic Devp Init for afterschool programming, Buffalo Center for Art & Technology for youth art, and Epic for Storytime at Canalside. The foundation’s grantmaking is program-focused rather than endowment-based, and annual awards are expected to be spent within the calendar year awarded. Recent grants also show a mix of direct service and enrichment funding. Buffalo Prep has received support for high school prep and wellness programming, while Jericho Road Ministries has been funded for summer and break programs. Other awards have gone to organizations serving newcomer families, youth sports and arts, and children’s camp experiences. The foundation’s stated scope is local, and the grant record aligns closely with Erie County-based child and youth services.
Education and enrichment is a clear thread in the foundation’s giving. Buffalo Center for Art & Technology received $14,000 in 2025 for a youth art program, after earlier support of $10,000 in 2023 and $9,500 in 2024 for the same effort. In school-preparedness work, Buffalo Prep was funded for high school prep in 2024 and 2023, then for a wellness program in 2025. Its grants also support out-of-school-time programming. Westminster Economic Devp Init received $16,000 in 2024 and $11,000 in 2025 for afterschool programs, while Jericho Road Ministries was funded for summer and break programs in multiple years. The foundation also backs arts and recreation for children through Epic’s Storytime at Canalside, Salvation Army’s summer day camp, and Buffalo String Works’ summer music camp.
Typical awards cluster tightly around the same level: the p25 is $4,000, the median is $5,000, and the p75 is $5,000. That pattern suggests a grantmaking style built around modest operating or program support rather than very large awards. The foundation also shows repeat support over time, with several organizations appearing in multiple years and across different program descriptions. Its active grant programs are annual competitive programs for 501(c)(3) organizations, and they generally expect funds to be expended within the calendar year awarded. Unsolicited applications are accepted.
$425K
$3.6M
$193K
$466K
Most grants fall between $4K and $5K, with a median of $5K.
25th Percentile
$4K
Median
$5K
75th Percentile
$5K
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Giving is fully local: 100% of grants in the dataset went to recipients in New York, and the foundation’s grant geography is Erie County. Buffalo is the main recipient city, with repeated awards to Buffalo-based organizations such as Buffalo Prep, Buffalo Center for Art & Technology, and Epic. Other Erie County recipients include East Aurora, where Rural Outreach Center received grants for social work and clinical salaries. The active programs also name Kenmore and Buffalo as part of the service area.
The active grant programs are for 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies that serve the direct needs of children up to age 21 whose permanent residence is in Erie County, NY. The foundation’s annual grants also describe support for organizations that assist, protect, and/or enhance the lives and potential of at-risk children in Erie County.
Yes. The active grant programs state that they accept unsolicited applications, and the grants are annual competitive awards to eligible 501(c)(3) agencies.
Typical awards are small and tightly clustered: the 25th percentile is $4,000, the median is $5,000, and the 75th percentile is $5,000. The recent grant list also shows several awards in the $7,500 to $16,000 range.
Its stated focus areas include direct services for children and youth, child protection and welfare, education and enrichment, and recreation and arts programs. Active programs also mention health and basic needs, health and therapeutic services, mentoring, school preparedness, and arts and culture for children.
The grant record is local and fully concentrated in New York. The active programs specify service to children whose permanent residence is in Erie County, NY, and the recipient distribution shows 100% of grants going to New York recipients.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WESTMINSTER ECONOMIC DEVP INIT | BUFFALO, NY | $19,000 | 2026 | SALARIES, BENEFITS & TRANSPORTATION / OPERATING EXPENSES |
| HISPANIC HERITAGE COUNCIL OF WESTERN NEW YORK INC | BUFFALO, NY | $17,500 | 2026 | MEDICAL INSTRUCTION & OPERATING EXPENSES |
| BUFFALO CENTER FOR ART & TECHNOLOGY | BUFFALO, NY | $15,500 | 2026 | ARTS & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM & OPERATING EXPENSES |
| BUFFALO PREP | BUFFALO, NY | $15,500 | 2026 | HIGH SCHOOL PREP/ OPERATING EXPENSES |
| JERICHO ROAD MINISTRIES | BUFFALO, NY | $12,500 | 2026 | SUMMER AND BREAK PROGRAMS & VIVE PROGRAM |
| HASEK'S HEROES | BUFFALO, NY | $12,000 | 2026 | TRANSPORTATION & OPERATING EXPENSES |
| WILLIE HUTCH JONES SPORTS CLINIC | BUFFALO, NY | $9,500 | 2026 | AFTER SCHOOL/SUMMER |
| EPIC | BUFFALO, NY | $9,000 | 2026 | STORYTIME AT CANALSIDE & OPERATING EXPENSES |
| BUFFALO STRING WORKS | BUFFALO, NY | $7,500 | 2026 | AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM |
| INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BUFFALO | BUFFALO, NY | $7,500 | 2026 | GLOBAL KIDS PROGRAMS |
| SALVATION ARMY | BUFFALO, NY | $7,500 | 2026 | SUMMER DAY CAMP |
| JOURNEY'S END | BUFFALO, NY | $7,500 | 2026 | REFUGEE SCHOOL IMPACT PROGRAM |
| MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES OF WNY | BUFFALO, NY | $7,500 | 2026 | CASA PROGRAM |
| RURAL OUTREACH CENTER | E AURORA, NY | $7,500 | 2026 | CLINICAL SERVICES |
| FIRST SHILOH YOUTH FOUNDATION | BUFFALO, NY | $7,000 | 2026 | STEAM DISCOVERY CAMP & OPERATING EXPENSES |
| STITCH BUFFALO | BUFFALO, NY | $6,000 | 2026 | SCHOLARSHIPS |
| PAPPY MARTIN LEGACY JAZZ COLLECTIVE | BUFFALO, NY | $6,000 | 2026 | MUSIC SCHOOL |
| COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR EVERY1 | BUFFALO, NY | $6,000 | 2026 | FITNESS EQUIPMENT & OPERATING EXPENSES |
| BIG BIG TABLE COMMUNITY CAFE | BUFFALO, NY | $6,000 | 2026 | EVERYBODY EAT MEAL PROGRAM |
| MICHIGAN ST AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | SOULFUL CHRISTMAS |
| NEGLIA BALLET | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | SCHOLARSHIP FUND |
| PLYMOUTH CROSSROADS | W SENECA, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | YOUTH INDEPENDENCE |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE NORTHTOWNS | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | SUMMER PROGRAMMING |
| SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE | WILLIAMSVILLE, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | PROGRAMMING |
| SQUEAKY WHEEL | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | MEDIA ARTS EDUCATION |
| BUFFALO MARITIME CENTER | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS & PROGRAMS |
| RESOURCE COUNCIL OF WNY | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | ALL STARS SUMMER CAMP |
| BUFFALO NIAGARA WATERKEEPER | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | EDUCATION & OUTREACH PROGRAM |
| BUFFALO INNER CITY BALLET CO | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM |
| DANCEABILITY | DEPEW, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | SUMMER PROGRAM |
| FAMILY PROMISE WNY | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | SUMMER CAMP |
| VIA (OLMSTED CENTER FOR SIGHT) | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | VISION SERVICES |
| GRASSROOTS GARDENS OF WESTERN NEW YORK INC | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | SCHOOL GARDEN PROGRAM |
| UJIMA CO | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | DUNBAR PROGRAM |
| BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY DBA THE BUFFALO HISTORY MUSEUM | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | JUNIOR HISTORY BUFFS |
| BUFFALO THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | SCHOLARSHIPS |
| GIRLS ON THE RUN BUFFALO | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | SCHOLARSHIPS |
| 716 SQUASH | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | SUMMER PROGRAM |
| BE-A-FRIEND PROGRAMBIG BROTHERSISTERS | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | MENTORING PROGRAM |
| COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | SCHOLARSHIPS |
| EXPLORE & MORE MUSEUM | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING |
| HOMESPACE CORP | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | FOSTER CARE YOUTH EXPERIENCES |
| SABAH | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | PROGRAMMING |
| SAY YES | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | SUMMER CAMP INITIATIVE |
| KING URBAN LIFE CENTER | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | STEAM TEAM PROGRAM |
| FEEDMORE WNY | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | FOOD FOR KIDS |
| PEACE OF THE CITY | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | PROGRAMMING |
| RAHAMA INC | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | PROGRAMMING |
| ASSEMBLY HOUSE 150 | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | MODEL CITY BUILDERS |
| CRADLE BEACH INC | ANGOLA, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS |
WESTMINSTER ECONOMIC DEVP INIT
$19,000SALARIES, BENEFITS & TRANSPORTATION / OPERATING EXPENSES
MEDICAL INSTRUCTION & OPERATING EXPENSES
ARTS & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM & OPERATING EXPENSES
Current and upcoming funding from Children's Foundation of Erie County that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: 501(c)(3) agencies serving the direct needs of children whose permanent residence is in Erie County, NY. Applicants should describe program purpose, number of children served, project budget, attach IRS determination letter, board list, and organizational budget.
Deadline: Applications due January 30 (annual). Trustees review in February; decisions by May 15.
SUMMER AND BREAK PROGRAMS & VIVE PROGRAM
HASEK'S HEROES
$12,000TRANSPORTATION & OPERATING EXPENSES
WILLIE HUTCH JONES SPORTS CLINIC
$9,500AFTER SCHOOL/SUMMER
EPIC
$9,000STORYTIME AT CANALSIDE & OPERATING EXPENSES
BUFFALO STRING WORKS
$7,500AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
SALVATION ARMY
$7,500SUMMER DAY CAMP
JOURNEY'S END
$7,500REFUGEE SCHOOL IMPACT PROGRAM
RURAL OUTREACH CENTER
$7,500CLINICAL SERVICES
FIRST SHILOH YOUTH FOUNDATION
$7,000STEAM DISCOVERY CAMP & OPERATING EXPENSES
PAPPY MARTIN LEGACY JAZZ COLLECTIVE
$6,000MUSIC SCHOOL
COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR EVERY1
$6,000FITNESS EQUIPMENT & OPERATING EXPENSES
BIG BIG TABLE COMMUNITY CAFE
$6,000EVERYBODY EAT MEAL PROGRAM
MICHIGAN ST AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
$5,000SOULFUL CHRISTMAS
NEGLIA BALLET
$5,000SCHOLARSHIP FUND
PLYMOUTH CROSSROADS
$5,000YOUTH INDEPENDENCE
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE NORTHTOWNS
$5,000SUMMER PROGRAMMING
SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE
$5,000PROGRAMMING
SQUEAKY WHEEL
$5,000MEDIA ARTS EDUCATION
BUFFALO INNER CITY BALLET CO
$5,000AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
DANCEABILITY
$5,000SUMMER PROGRAM
FAMILY PROMISE WNY
$5,000SUMMER CAMP
VIA (OLMSTED CENTER FOR SIGHT)
$5,000VISION SERVICES
GRASSROOTS GARDENS OF WESTERN NEW YORK INC
$5,000SCHOOL GARDEN PROGRAM
JUNIOR HISTORY BUFFS
BUFFALO THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER
$5,000SCHOLARSHIPS
GIRLS ON THE RUN BUFFALO
$5,000SCHOLARSHIPS
716 SQUASH
$5,000SUMMER PROGRAM
COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL
$5,000SCHOLARSHIPS
HOMESPACE CORP
$5,000FOSTER CARE YOUTH EXPERIENCES
SABAH
$5,000PROGRAMMING
SAY YES
$5,000SUMMER CAMP INITIATIVE
FEEDMORE WNY
$5,000FOOD FOR KIDS
RAHAMA INC
$5,000PROGRAMMING
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