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 eighteen months following the date any prior request was approved.
Q: Your application states that you consider grants in the seven counties of Western New York. What are the seven counties?
A: Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua
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: Applications are accepted throughout the year and are considered during one of our three meetings each year. There are no deadlines.
Meeting Dates for the Fiscal year:
- First: October/November
- Second: February/March
- Third: June/July
(Our fiscal year runs from August 1st through July 31st.)
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.
Or, contact the Foundation to receive a copy via email or mail, either by phone at 716-839-4225 or email at bgosch@wnyfoundation.org.
One signed copy 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 or upload it at our website. You may email it to bgosch@wnyfoundation.org. However, we would still like to receive an original copy with a board member's signature.
Please send us the originals even if you email and/or upload your application.
Q: Do I need to limit the information I provide on the application to the size of the
boxes under each question?
A: No. If you fill out the application electronically (via the Microsoft Word version), you can expand
the boxes to whatever size you need.
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: Will you fund a request for operating support?
A: It is the general policy of the Foundation not to fund operating budgets. An exception may be made for seed money for a new project where a source of future funding has been reasonably established. Likewise, the Foundation does not ordinarily contribute to the renovations of structures not owned by the requesting not-for-profit organization. Applications for major medical expenses or hospital funds are also routinely declined. We strongly encourage applicants to apply for a specific project or something tangible like equipment rather than operating support.
Q: How many copies of the application do I need to send to Western New York Foundation?
A: At least one original copy of the application and attachments is 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: When we receive your application, we will send you an email/postcard notifying qualifying applicants that we have received the completed application or whether any items are still due from the applicant. The email/postcard will indicate the approximate date of the board meeting during which your application will be considered. Grant requests are generally reviewed within four months of receipt by the WNY Foundation.
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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