irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $7.01MBOARD DIRECTED GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS: THE BOARD OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DIRECTS THE USE OF CERTAIN FUNDS (AS REQUESTED BY THE CLIENT/DONOR) AS FOLLOWS:(1) CHANGING NEEDS: CLIENTS/DONORS REQUEST THAT THEIR FUNDS BE DIRECTED BY THE BOARD TO ADDRESS THE CHANGING NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY OVER TIME. IN 2024 THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANTED $820,000 TO ADVANCE THE PRIORITIES SET BY THE FOUNDATION. (2) FIELD OF INTEREST : CLIENTS/DONORS REQUEST THAT THEIR FUNDS BE DIRECTED TO A SPECIFIC AREA OF INTEREST. THE GRANTEES RECEIVING THESE FUNDS ARE DETERMINED BY THE BOARD OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION. IN 2024 THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDED $3,016,000 FROM FIELD OF INTEREST FUNDS.(3) SCHOLARSHIPS CLIENTS/DONORS HAVE ESTABLISHED SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS WHICH THE FOUNDATION AWARDS TO RESIDENTS OF WESTERN NEW YORK. THESE AWARDS ARE BASED PRIMARILY ON FINANCIAL NEED, ALTHOUGH THE CLIENT/DONOR MAY HAVE MADE ADDITIONAL STIPULATIONS SUCH AS FIELD OF STUDY OR GRADUATES OF A PARTICULAR HIGH SCHOOL. IN 2024 $2,576,000 WAS AWARDED FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, EXCLUDING THOSE AWARDED BY SAY YES BUFFALO (LISTED BELOW).
- #2 $4.40MSAY YES BUFFALO (SYB): THE SAY YES BUFFALO INITIATIVE IS AN EDUCATION BASED, ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION EFFORT DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN THE REGIONAL WORKFORCE AND OFFER UNPRECEDENTED EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES TO URBAN YOUTH. THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SUPPORTS AND ADMINISTERS THE SAY YES BUFFALO SCHOLARSHIP FUND WHICH SEEKS TO REMOVE ALL BARRIERS TO EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS THROUGH A COORDINATED SYSTEM OF SUPPORT AND BY PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ALL GRADUATES OF BUFFALO PUBLIC AND CHARTER SCHOOLS TO PURSUE A POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION. IN ADDITION TO ADMINISTERING THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND, THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HAS ALSO MADE GRANTS TO SUPPORT VARIOUS INITIATIVES SPEARHEADED BY SAY YES BUFFALO IN ITS MISSION TO ADDRESS THE FINANCIAL, ACADEMIC, HEALTH AND SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL BARRIERS TO EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT.
named programs · 6 · from sources
What they call their work
21st Century Fund
Giving circle that supports high-impact projects in Western New York as determined by member voting.
Buffalo Together Community Response Fund
Long-term recovery and revitalization effort for East Buffalo following the 2022 mass shooting, funding Black-led nonprofits and community-led change.
Racial Equity Roundtable
Convenes public, private, and nonprofit leaders to advance racial equity through systems change in education, workforce, juvenile justice, and reentry in Erie County.
Say Yes Buffalo
Administers scholarship fund and supports coordinated system of academic, financial, health, and social-emotional supports for graduates of Buffalo public and charter schools pursuing post-secondary education.
WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund
Regional philanthropic response to the pandemic, funding collaborative efforts in food systems, digital equity, public policy, PPE sourcing, and community-driven solutions.
Wyoming Foundation
Regional affiliate supporting nonprofit organizations and community initiatives in Wyoming County through grants and donor collaboration.
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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General Operating Support Grants 2 activities
- Funding youth and arts programming in Wyoming CountyAwarded nearly $64,000 in grants to 15 nonprofits in Wyoming County for the 2026 cycle and has distributed over $2.3 million in grants and scholarships since 2014. Supports cultural, educational, and human service organizations, including funding for professional theatre productions, arts education, and an immersive nature experience for children.
- Supporting collaborative recovery and community resilience initiativesGrants to address evolving community needs, including $820,000 in 2024 determined by board priorities and $1.3 million in 2023 for collaborative recovery through the Moving Forward Together program. Also co-led the establishment of the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund with philanthropic partners to respond to pandemic-related challenges.
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Local High School Scholarship Programs 1 activity
- Administering the Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship FundProvides full-tuition scholarships to all graduates of Buffalo public and charter schools through the Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship Fund, supporting over 4,500 scholarships with more than $15 million in funding since 2012. Also awarded $76,000 in 2020 to organizations delivering mental health services as part of the Say Yes Buffalo partnership.
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Community Capacity Building & Leadership Networks 1 activity
- Building nonprofit capacity through tools and collaborationFacilitates collaborative solutions to community challenges in Western New York and launched charitySTRONG with nearly a dozen partners to provide free online tools for nonprofit board recruitment and training.
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Environmental Policy Advocacy & Litigation 1 activity
- Convening and advancing regional advocacy campaignsConvenes multi-stakeholder initiatives to drive systemic change, including launching the Wipe Out Lead campaign, commissioning a comprehensive lead action plan, convening the Western New York Environmental Alliance, and establishing the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable with 210 partner organizations.
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Donor-Advised Fund Grantmaking 1 activity
- Funding community grants and scholarships through donor-advised and field-of-interest fundsManages charitable assets exceeding $1 billion across over 450 active and 500 legacy clients, processing grant recommendations and providing quarterly statements. In 2024, awarded $53 million in grants on behalf of clients, including $3.016 million from donor-directed field-of-interest funds and $2.576 million in scholarships to Western New York residents (excluding Say Yes Buffalo).
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Community Foundation & United Way Support 1 activity
- Funding regional initiatives in Niagara CountyManages 36 charitable funds dedicated to Niagara County and has awarded $5.9 million in grants and scholarships to support local organizations and initiatives over 25 years of community-driven philanthropy in the region.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Co-founding and investing in regional impact funds and collaborativesBrought together 11 investors to establish the Western New York Impact Investment Fund, which supports organizations and businesses generating both financial and social returns. Co-founded the Education Fund for Greater Buffalo and the WNY Women’s Fund with United Way, and received a $4.1 million federal grant for the Read to Succeed Buffalo program via a funder collaborative.
- Conducting research and needs assessments to inform philanthropyInitiated recurring regional needs assessments to guide funding decisions based on evolving community conditions. Published historical research on poverty and housing during the Great Depression and led foundational studies such as the establishment of the Child Guidance Clinic for preschool behavioral analysis.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$48.66M
Contributions & grants$35.51M73%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$12.02M25%
Other revenue$1.12M
expenses
Total expenses$46.62M
Program expenses90%
Admin / overhead9%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$5.54M
Grants paid out$38.24M
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$944.05M
Cash$34.07M
Investments$808.26M
Liabilities$213.36M
Net assets$730.69M
Liquid reserves216.8 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -11.5%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 8
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELIZABETH CONSTANTINE | PRESIDENT/CEO | 55 | $466K |
| MARIA WHYTE | CHIEF COMMUNITY IMPACT OFF | 50 | $319K |
| MYRA LAWRENCE | V.P. FINANCE | 50 | $239K |
| ELLEN MUSIALOWSKI | CFO | 55 | $235K |
| JEAN MCKEOWN | SPECIAL ADVISOR TO PRESIDE | 25 | $218K |
| FELICIA BEARD | ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, RE PHILANTHROPY AND STRA | 50 | $200K |
| HALIMAH MADYUN | ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS | 50 | $200K |
| CARA MATTELIANO | SENIOR DIRECTOR, POLICY AN | 50 | $183K |
board members · 17
- ALEX MONTANTE — DIRECTOR
- ALICE JACOBS JD — DIRECTOR
- ALLEN PETE GRUM — DIRECTOR
- BONI R DURAND PHD — DIRECTOR
- CHERYL JANKOWSKI CPA — TREASURER
- DARBY FISHKIN — DIRECTOR
- DAVID BLESY CPA — DIRECTOR
- DOTTIE GALLAGHER — DIRECTOR
- HAL PAYNE PH D — DIRECTOR
- JEFFREY KATZ ESQ — DIRECTOR
- JENNIFER BALBACH — DIRECTOR
- JENNIFER PAULY — DIRECTOR
- JOHN SOMERS — DIRECTOR
- LUIS RODRIGUEZ — DIRECTOR
- NANCY WARE — DIRECTOR
- OWEN HERNE ESQ — SECRETARY
- ROSALIND BURGUN — DIRECTOR
relationships · 44
Who they work with
- Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program Partner — Partner in driving and funding Project Play Western New York.
- Beau Fleuve Partner — Organization founded by Lindsey Taylor, newly appointed CGLI Council member.
- Board of Directors Partner — Responsible for conducting strategic planning and setting community goals.
- Buffalo Audubon Society Partner — Received a grant from the Wyoming Foundation to support nature-based programming for children.
- Buffalo Fire Department Government — Past employer of Sean McKinnie, Treasurer of the CGLI Council.
- Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Partner — Beneficiary of an endowment established by the Cameron Baird family.
- Buffalo Urban League Partner — Employer of Miko Noel and Thomas Beauford, Jr., CGLI Council members.
- CAO of WNY Partner — Employer of Brandi L. Haynes, newly appointed CGLI Council member.
- Charity Navigator Government — Awarded a 4-star rating for financial health, accountability, and transparency.
- City of Buffalo Government — Employer of Oswaldo Mestre, Jr., Director of Citizen Services and Immediate Past Chair of the CGLI Council.
- City of Buffalo Government — Partnered on the Wipe Out Lead campaign and the 2018 lead action plan.
- Clementine Gold Group Partner — Organization led by Ekua Mends-Aidoo, continuing CGLI Council member.
- Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative Partner — Initiative focused on grantmaking and support for organizations serving youth in Western New York.
- Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Partner — The Niagara Area Foundation operates as a geographic affiliate of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, leveraging its resources and investment infrastructure.
- Doc Deana Enterprises, LLC Partner — Organization founded by Dr. Deana Stevenson, newly appointed CGLI Council member.
- Erie County Government — Partnered on the Wipe Out Lead campaign and the 2018 lead action plan.
- Erie County Government Government — Employer of Kenneth A. Simmons, Erie County Deputy Commissioner of Youth Services and CGLI Council member.
- Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable Coalition — Convened the roundtable with over 30 local leaders to advance racial equity.
- Health Foundation for Western and Central New York Partner — Co-participant in the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund.
- Kleinhans Music Hall Partner — Stewarded the bequest to help build and open Kleinhans Music Hall.
- Latinaherstory Partner — Organization founded by Talia Rodriguez, continuing CGLI Council member.
- Latinas Evolving, LLC Partner — Organization founded by Tayrin Tapia, newly appointed CGLI Council member.
- Live Well Erie Partner — Employer of Talisa King, newly appointed CGLI Council member.
- Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation Partner — Co-participant in the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund.
- Project Play Western New York Partner — Supports youth through coaching recognition and service awards in Western New York.
- RL Experience, LLC Partner — Organization led by Robert Lowery, continuing Chairperson of the CGLI Council.
- Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Partner — Established multiple endowments in partnership with the Community Foundation and co-participated in the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund.
- Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Partner — Partner in driving and funding Project Play Western New York.
- Resource Council of WNY Partner — Organization led by Catherine Roberts, Vice Chair of the CGLI Council.
- Say Yes Buffalo Partner — Administrative and funding partner for the Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship Fund and related educational and mental health initiatives.
+ 14 more
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Collaborative Community Convening for Systems Changemethodology: community_conveningBy bringing together donors, nonprofits, public institutions, and community members, we align resources and expertise to address systemic challenges and drive transformative community change, because collective action rooted in local knowledge and cross-sector coordination produces more sustainable and equitable outcomes than isolated interventions.
- Leveraged Partnership Model for Youth Impactmethodology: leveraged-partnership modelBy partnering with and resourcing community-based organizations rather than implementing direct programs, we amplify youth outcomes, because local organizations have deeper community trust and contextual expertise, enabling more effective and culturally responsive interventions.
- Needs-Informed, Strategic Grantmaking for Long-Term Impactmethodology: needs_assessment_informed_grantmakingBy using recurring regional needs assessments and a five-year strategic planning cycle to guide funding decisions, we ensure that philanthropic resources are aligned with the most pressing community challenges, because data-driven, adaptive grantmaking increases the relevance, responsiveness, and long-term effectiveness of community investments.
- Values-Aligned, Personalized Philanthropic Advisingmethodology: personalized_givingBy providing customized, values-driven guidance and flexible giving options, we increase donor engagement and the strategic impact of charitable giving, because when donors are connected to causes they care about through personalized support and local insight, they are more likely to make sustained, high-impact contributions.