The WNY Forward Fund supports WNY nonprofits in planning alliances, mergers, restructures, or dissolution to foster innovation and resilience in response to shifting community and funding needs.
Funder: Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
Due Dates: December 12, 2025 | July 24, 2026
Funding Amounts: Grants range from $2,500 to $25,000 per project; $450,000 allocated for the current round.
Summary: Supports WNY nonprofits in exploring alliances, mergers, restructures, or dissolution planning to strengthen resilience and adapt to changing needs.
Key Information: Funding is for exploration and planning only, not implementation; only one application per partnership is required.
The WNY Forward Fund/Strategic Realignment & Nonprofit Resiliency grant is a collaborative initiative led by 14 Western New York funders to support local nonprofits as they navigate major shifts in funding and operational environments. The grant specifically funds the exploration and planning phases of strategic realignment, including alliances, mergers, restructures, and dissolution planning. Eligible expenses include legal, financial, and third-party consulting services required to assess, plan, and prepare for structural changes. The goal is to encourage innovation, strengthen organizational resilience, and help nonprofits adapt to evolving community needs and funding landscapes.