21st Century Fund
The 21st Century Fund awards $100,000 to a nonprofit-led, high-impact, sustainable project benefiting Western New York, selected through a member-driven process.
Funder: Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: $100,000 (single award, biennial; one-year grant period)
Summary: Biennial $100,000 grant for a high-impact, sustainable project led by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Western New York, selected through a member-driven process.
Key Information: Applicants must present at two events; strong preference for projects with long-term, region-wide impact and minimal future grant dependence.
Description
The 21st Century Fund, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, is a giving circle of over 350 member donors awarding a single $100,000 grant every other year to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving at least one of the eight counties in Western New York. The fund is distinctive for its member-driven vetting and voting process, requiring applicants to engage directly with members through presentations at two large group events. The grant targets high-impact, sustainable projects that deliver significant, long-term benefits to the region, with a strong preference for initiatives that minimize the need for future grant support. The fund does not support general operating expenses, unsustainable salaries, or projects outside the region.
