21st Century Fund
The 21st Century Fund awards $100,000 biennially to a nonprofit for a high-impact, sustainable project that benefits Western New York and demonstrates long-term regional impact.
Funder: Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Single $100,000 grant; awarded biennially; one recipient per cycle.
Summary: Supports a high-impact, sustainable project by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit benefiting Western New York, awarded through a member-driven selection process.
Key Information: Only one grant awarded per cycle; strong preference for projects with long-term, region-wide impact and minimal future grant reliance.
Description
The 21st Century Fund, managed by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, is a biennial giving circle that awards a single $100,000 grant to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving one or more of the eight counties of Western New York. The fund is unique for its member-driven vetting and voting process, which includes applicant presentations at two major events. The grant is intended for high-impact, sustainable projects that deliver significant, long-term benefits to the region and require minimal future grant support.
Projects are evaluated for their potential to create lasting change, organizational capacity, and readiness for implementation. The process emphasizes direct engagement between applicants and the fund’s membership, with finalists presenting their proposals at public events before a final vote.
