Q: What are the qualifications required for organizations applying for funding?
A: To apply for Foundation funding, you must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
If you are a non-profit organization that does not have 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) AND a determination letter from the IRS indicating this status, you cannot apply for funding.
Note: a taxpayer identification number from the IRS is NOT proof of 501(c)(3) status.
Your organization must be physically located within one of the seven counties of Western New York.
This Foundation is prohibited by Charter restrictions from giving grants to sectarian organizations and does not make any grants to individuals.
The Foundation will not accept a grant application from your organization within twenty four months following the final payment of a prior grant.
The Foundation will allow the submittal of one application per 501(c)(3) organization at a time.
Q: Your application states that you consider grants in the seven counties of Western New York. What are the seven counties?
A: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Wyoming
Q: The application asks for a copy of our IRS 990 form. What if we don't have to file one?
A: The 990 form is filed by 501(c)(3) organizations which have operating income over
$25,000. If you don't have to file a 990 form, just indicate that this item is not
applicable to your organization.
Q: When are the applications due?
A: Deadline dates are November 30th and June 30th.
Meeting Dates for the fiscal year where grants are considered:
- October: submittals must be mailed by June 30
- March: submittals must be mailed by November 30
- Our fiscal year runs from April 1 through March 31
Q: Can I fill out an application online?
A: We do have the application in a Microsoft Word document that you can fill out electronically. You may download the application form from the Foundation website www.wnyfoundation.org, available in April.
Or, contact the Foundation to receive a copy via email or postal mail, either by phone at 716-839-4225 or email at bgosch@wnyfoundation.org.
Two signed copies of the application and additional required material will need to be sent by traditional mail.
Q: Can I send my application to you by email?
A: Yes, you can email your application. You may email it to bgosch@wnyfoundation.org. However, we would still like to receive two original copies with a board member’s signature.
Please send us the originals even if you email your application.
Q: What if we do not have the detailed information requested in the question posed on the application? What if a request for additional information is not relevant to our request?
A: Answer the questions as thoroughly as you are able to. If a request for additional information does not apply to your agency you may answer with the response N/A.
Q: How many copies of the application do I need to send to Western New York Foundation?
A: Two original copies of the application and attachments are required. Submissions should be UNBOUND except by paper or bull clips. Please: no staples, folders, tabs, or ring binders.
Q: May I include additional attachments as part of my application?
A: Please do not include additional attachments unless they are absolutely essential to our understanding of your request.
Q: When will I be notified of the Foundation's decision regarding my application?
A: You will receive written notification of the Foundation Board's decision approximately two weeks after the relevant meeting date.
Q: Who decides if a grant will be made?
A: The Board of Trustees reviews all qualifying applications and determines if they may be funded, and at what level.
Q: To whom should I address my cover letter to the Foundation?
A: Correspondence to the Western New York Foundation may be addressed to:
Beth Kinsman Gosch
Executive Director
Western New York Foundation
11 Summer Street
Buffalo, NY 14209
Questions:
Phone: (716) 839-4225
Email: bgosch@wnyfoundation.org
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