A Buffalo-based family foundation that concentrates its modest portfolio on place-based social services, with sizable, targeted gifts to local organizations. Its recent giving emphasizes services for people with disabilities and support for community education/college-access efforts in Buffalo, often repeating support to the same organizations.
Edwin M Johnston Jr Family Foundation’s recent giving is anchored by a $72,000 grant to Say Yes Buffalo, making Buffalo education access the clearest signal in its portfolio. The foundation also backs local organizations with repeated support, including Elmwood Franklin School and Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, which points to a pattern of multi-year funding rather than isolated gifts. Alongside education, the foundation’s grant list shows strong attention to services for people with disabilities, community health infrastructure, clean water protection, and preservation of Buffalo-area parks. Its grants are generally modest in size, but they include several larger awards that shape the portfolio’s direction. In Buffalo, the foundation has supported school capital campaigns, scholarship funding, and place-based community work. Outside New York, it has funded disability services, animal welfare, and environmental conservation groups, all through targeted program or charitable grants. The overall picture is of a family foundation with a regional reach and a clear preference for specific organizations and projects rather than broad, unrestricted giving.
Education is a central thread in the foundation’s grantmaking. It gave $25,000 to Charter School Applied Technologies for education and $25,000 to The Bison Children’s Scholarship Fund Inc for scholarships tied to a capital campaign, while also supporting Elmwood Franklin School with two capital campaign grants of $25,000 and $13,500. Civic and environmental projects also appear in the portfolio. Gobike Buffalo received $21,500 for education and advocacy for rebuilding streets and infrastructure to support community health. Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper received $20,000 to preserve and protect clean water, and Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy received $13,000 and $12,000 for preservation of Buffalo Olmsted parks. The foundation also funds services for people with disabilities outside New York. Road to Responsibility Inc received $50,000 in 2023 and $35,000 in 2024 for services for individuals with disabilities.
Typical grants are small to mid-sized: the 25th percentile is $5,000, the median is $6,500, and the 75th percentile is $12,750. The portfolio includes a smaller number of larger awards, which helps define the overall annual total of $568,498. Repeated support is visible in the recent grants: several organizations appear in more than one year, including Elmwood Franklin School, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Road to Responsibility Inc, and Whales & Dolphins Conservation. The foundation appears to operate as a family foundation making charitable, capital, and project-specific grants rather than program-related investments. All recent grants in the dataset were made to U.S. recipients.
$298K
$4.5M
$401K
$386K
Most grants fall between $5K and $13K, with a median of $7K.
25th Percentile
$5K
Median
$7K
75th Percentile
$13K
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Concentrated, mid-sized awards to a small number of local organizations — repeat funding to core grantees rather than many one-off commitments.
Notable grantees: Road to Responsibility, Inc., Say Yes Buffalo
The foundation gives most often in New York, and 46% of grants go to recipients in its HQ state. Buffalo is the main city in the record, with grants to Say Yes Buffalo, Elmwood Franklin School, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Other New York recipients include Tonawanda, East Aurora, and Snyder. Outside New York, grants also reach Massachusetts, Tennessee, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina, showing a regional footprint rather than a purely local one.
The recent grants show a strong emphasis on education and community-serving projects in Buffalo, plus services for individuals with disabilities. It also funds clean water protection, park preservation, street and infrastructure advocacy, animal welfare, and housing or support services for asylum seekers and refugees.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including Elmwood Franklin School, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Road to Responsibility Inc, and Whales & Dolphins Conservation. That pattern suggests ongoing relationships rather than only one-time awards.
The grant-size distribution is centered on modest awards: the 25th percentile is $5,000, the median is $6,500, and the 75th percentile is $12,750. Recent grants also include larger amounts such as $72,000 and $50,000.
New York is the top state by grant count, and 46% of grants go to recipients in the HQ state. Buffalo is the most visible city in the grant list, with multiple awards to local schools, environmental groups, and community organizations.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NICHOLS SCHOOL | BUFFALO, NY | $37,000 | 2026 | CAPITAL CAMPAIGN |
| RAINFOREST TRUST | WARRENTON, VA | $30,000 | 2026 | TO SAVE ENDANGERED WILDLIFE AND PROTECTS |
| PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIVE AMERICANS | ADDISON, TX | $30,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE |
| ROAD TO RESPONSIBILITY INC | MARSHFIELD, MA | $23,000 | 2026 | SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES |
| THE PARK SCHOOL | SNYDER, NY | $19,779 | 2026 | EDUCATION |
| THE DOUG FLUTIE JR FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM INC | NEWTON, MA | $15,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE |
| THE SALVATION ARMY | WEST NYACK, NY | $15,000 | 2026 | TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND TO MEET HUMAN NEEDS IN HIS NAME WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION |
| BLUFFTON SELF HELP INC | BLUFFTON, SC | $15,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF BLUFFTON | BLUFFTON, SC | $15,000 | 2026 | TO ENABLE ALL YOUNG PEOPLE TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AS PRODUCTIVE, CARING, RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS |
| HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CAPE COD | YARMOUTHPORT, MA | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE |
| THE TRUSTEES | BOSTON, MA | $10,000 | 2026 | ARTS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION |
| ART FOR ALL | KENMORE, WA | $10,000 | 2026 | TO EMPOWER PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES |
| PGA TOUR FIRST TEE FOUNDATION INC | PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE |
| DUCKS UNLIMITED INC | MEMPHIS, TN | $10,000 | 2026 | CHARITABLE |
| ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION | CHICAGO, IL | $10,000 | 2026 | TO END ALZHEIMER'S AND ALL OTHER DEMENTIA |
| COTUIT CENTER FOR THE ARTS | COTUIT, MA | $7,500 | 2026 | ARTISTIC DEVELOPEMENT |
| NATIVITY MIGUEL SCHOOL | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2026 | EDUCATION |
| ROSIES PLACE | BOSTON, MA | $5,000 | 2026 | TO HELP POOR AND HOMELESS WOMEN |
| EAT BAY FOOD PANTRY | BRISTOL, RI | $5,000 | 2026 | TO ENGAGE, EDUCATE AND EMPOWER THE EAST BAY IN CREATING A HUNGER-FREE COMMUNITY |
| WHALES & DOLPHINS CONSERVATION | PLYMOUTH, MA | $4,000 | 2026 | ANIMAL RIGHTS |
| DOWNEAST SALMON FEDERATION | COLUMBIA FALLS, ME | $4,000 | 2026 | TO CONSERVE AND RESTORE WILD SEA-RUN FISH AND THEIR HABITATS IN DOWNEAST MAINE |
| TOMMY'S PLACE FOUNDATION INC | QUINCY, MA | $3,000 | 2026 | HUMAN SERVICES |
| MAINE NATURAL HISTORY OBSERVATORY | GOULDSBORO, ME | $2,500 | 2026 | NATURAL HISTORY OBSERVATION |
| ASPCA CAPE COD | BOSTON, MA | $2,500 | 2026 | TO PROTECT ANIMALS |
| ROAD TO RESPONSIBILITY INC | MARSHFIELD, MA | $30,000 | 2025 | SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES |
| THE TRUSTEES | BOSTON, MA | $25,000 | 2025 | ARTS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION |
| DUCKS UNLIMITED INC | MEMPHIS, TN | $20,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| BUFFALO OLMSTED PARKS CONSERVANCY | BUFFALO, NY | $15,856 | 2025 | PRESERVATION OF BUFFALO OLMSTED PARKS |
| THE NATURE CONSERVANCY | ARLINGTON, VA | $15,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| WRIGHT TAVERN LEGACY TRUST | CONCORD, MA | $15,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| FRACTURED ATLAS | NEW YORK, NY | $15,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| BUFFALO SEMINARY | BUFFALO, NY | $13,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| UNICEF USA IMPACT FUND FOR CHILDREN | NEW YORK, NY | $13,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| NATIVITY MIGUEL SCHOOL | BUFFALO, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION |
| THE PARK SCHOOL | SNYDER, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION |
| COTUIT CENTER FOR THE ARTS | COTUIT, MA | $10,000 | 2025 | ARTISTIC DEVELOPEMENT |
| BLUFFTON SELF HELP INC | BLUFFTON, SC | $10,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| GOBIKE BUFFALO | BUFFALO, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY FOR REBUILDING STREETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY HEALTH, ETC. |
| TABOR ACADEMY | MARION, MA | $10,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION |
| THE DOUG FLUTIE JR FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM INC | NEWTON, MA | $10,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| PGA TOUR FIRST TEE FOUNDATION INC | PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL | $10,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| WHALES & DOLPHINS CONSERVATION | PLYMOUTH, MA | $9,000 | 2025 | ANIMAL RIGHTS |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE LOWCOUNTRY INC | HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC | $7,025 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| BUFFALO NIAGARA WATERKEEPER | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | PRESERVE AND PROTECT CLEAN WATER |
| THE BUDDY DOG HUMANE SOCIETY | SUDBURY, MA | $5,000 | 2025 | ANIMAL WELFARE |
| OARS INC | CONCORD, MA | $5,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| SPCA OF ERIE COUNTY | TONAWANDA, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| BUFFALO CITY MISSION | BUFFALO, NY | $5,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR THE HOMELESS AND THE POOR |
| DIGNITY IN ASYLUM INC | CONCORD, MA | $5,000 | 2025 | HOUSING AND SUPPORT FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES |
| HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CAPE COD | YARMOUTHPORT, MA | $5,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
NICHOLS SCHOOL
$37,000CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
ROAD TO RESPONSIBILITY INC
$23,000SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
THE PARK SCHOOL
$19,779EDUCATION
THE DOUG FLUTIE JR FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM INC
$15,000CHARITABLE
THE SALVATION ARMY
$15,000TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST AND TO MEET HUMAN NEEDS IN HIS NAME WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION
TO ENABLE ALL YOUNG PEOPLE TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AS PRODUCTIVE, CARING, RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CAPE COD
$10,000CHARITABLE
THE TRUSTEES
$10,000ARTS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
ART FOR ALL
$10,000TO EMPOWER PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
DUCKS UNLIMITED INC
$10,000CHARITABLE
COTUIT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
$7,500ARTISTIC DEVELOPEMENT
NATIVITY MIGUEL SCHOOL
$5,000EDUCATION
EAT BAY FOOD PANTRY
$5,000TO ENGAGE, EDUCATE AND EMPOWER THE EAST BAY IN CREATING A HUNGER-FREE COMMUNITY
WHALES & DOLPHINS CONSERVATION
$4,000ANIMAL RIGHTS
DOWNEAST SALMON FEDERATION
$4,000TO CONSERVE AND RESTORE WILD SEA-RUN FISH AND THEIR HABITATS IN DOWNEAST MAINE
TOMMY'S PLACE FOUNDATION INC
$3,000HUMAN SERVICES
MAINE NATURAL HISTORY OBSERVATORY
$2,500NATURAL HISTORY OBSERVATION
ASPCA CAPE COD
$2,500TO PROTECT ANIMALS
ROAD TO RESPONSIBILITY INC
$30,000SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
THE TRUSTEES
$25,000ARTS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
DUCKS UNLIMITED INC
$20,000CHARITABLE
WRIGHT TAVERN LEGACY TRUST
$15,000CHARITABLE
NATIVITY MIGUEL SCHOOL
$10,000EDUCATION
THE PARK SCHOOL
$10,000EDUCATION
COTUIT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
$10,000ARTISTIC DEVELOPEMENT
GOBIKE BUFFALO
$10,000EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY FOR REBUILDING STREETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY HEALTH, ETC.
THE DOUG FLUTIE JR FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM INC
$10,000CHARITABLE
WHALES & DOLPHINS CONSERVATION
$9,000ANIMAL RIGHTS
THE BUDDY DOG HUMANE SOCIETY
$5,000ANIMAL WELFARE
OARS INC
$5,000CHARITABLE
SPCA OF ERIE COUNTY
$5,000CHARITABLE
BUFFALO CITY MISSION
$5,000SUPPORT FOR THE HOMELESS AND THE POOR
DIGNITY IN ASYLUM INC
$5,000HOUSING AND SUPPORT FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CAPE COD
$5,000CHARITABLE