[Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo](https://www.cfgb.org)

February 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)

Up to $50,000 per award; multi-year support possible with prior approval.

Supports projects addressing mental health, food security, and housing needs in Western New York.

Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving one or more of eight WNY counties are eligible.

--- ## Description The Garman Family Foundation Grants, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, fund nonprofit initiatives that improve mental health, food security, and housing across the eight counties of Western New York. The foundation seeks applications for projects that deliver measurable, lasting impact in these focus areas, with an emphasis on community well-being and resilience. Funding can support capital projects, general operations, or programming, and a limited number of multi-year grants may be awarded based on demonstrated outcomes. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated/projected full application deadline; applications due online by 4:00 PM) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $50,000 per project. - Requests above $50,000 require prior discussion and approval with the foundation. - Multi-year support (up to 2 years) is available in rare cases, contingent on first-year outcomes. - Up to 10% of the grant amount may be used for indirect costs. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, located in or serving at least one of the following Western New York counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming. - Organizations with an open Garman Family Foundation grant are not eligible; all previous grants must be fully closed out before reapplying. - Only one open grant per organization at any time. - Projects must align with at least one of the following focus areas: - Mental Health (clinical care, diagnosis/treatment, workforce development) - Food Security (community gardens, food system change, food distribution) - Housing (emergency needs, transitional supports) - Ineligible uses include: scholarships, religious purposes, projects outside the eligible counties, unregistered schools, fundraising events, annual events/festivals, partisan political activity, retroactive funding, or organizations engaged in discriminatory practices. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically through the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager. - Only online submissions are accepted; paper or emailed applications will not be considered. - Applicants must prepare: - Project and organizational details - Project budget (using the provided [budget template](https://www.cfgb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Garman-Family-Foundation-Budget-Template.xlsx)) - Funding sources worksheet ([template here](https://www.cfgb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Additional-Funding-Sources-Worksheet.xlsx)) - Required attachments: resumes/CVs, letters of support (strongly advised), and recent program evaluations (optional) - Certification of eligibility and board approval is required. --- ## Additional Information - All grants must be closed out within one year of receipt unless a two-year award is approved. - Equipment purchases must be supported by three bids. - The foundation reserves the right to evaluate expenditures for up to four years post-award. - Use of funds for unapproved purposes or failure to provide required documentation may result in repayment obligations. - A detailed outline of application questions and guidelines is available in the [2026 Garman Family Foundation Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.cfgb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Garman-Family-Foundation-Guidelines.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Garman Family Foundation Grants](https://www.cfgb.org/nonprofits/grants/garman-family-foundation) - [2026 Garman Family Foundation Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.cfgb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-Garman-Family-Foundation-Guidelines.pdf) - [Budget Template (Excel)](https://www.cfgb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Garman-Family-Foundation-Budget-Template.xlsx) - [Additional Funding Sources Worksheet (Excel)](https://www.cfgb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Additional-Funding-Sources-Worksheet.xlsx) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Inquiry Type | Email | Phone | |---------------------|-----------------------|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------| | Jean McKeown | Grant-related questions| [jeanm@cfgb.org](mailto:jeanm@cfgb.org) | (716) 852-2857 ext. 204 | | Alexandra Osberg | Technical/general | [alexandrao@cfgb.org](mailto:alexandrao@cfgb.org) | (716) 852-2857 ext. 261 |

Garman Family Foundation Grants

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