Introducing WNY Forward Fund

The Oishei Foundation is pleased to share that we have joined forces with our fellow WNY funders to create the WNY Forward Fund, a collaborative effort to support our community and nonprofits that provide essential programs and services in the face of major shifts in federal funding and priorities since early 2025. As you are well aware, these changes have created financial strain, rapid change, and deep uncertainty, at a time when community need is increasing.

Our first initiative is a grant opportunity to provide funding to nonprofit efforts to explore strategic alliances and partnerships to help organizations adapt to the evolving environment, and remain resilient and responsive to community needs.

Grant applications are open immediately and will remain open through Friday, December 12 at 4 PM. Grants of up to $25,000 are available, with awards expected to be announced in January. 

This Fund is a multi-year commitment to help ensure that the WNY community and the nonprofit sector remain strong, resilient, and equipped to adapt, while encouraging innovation and reimagining on how to best use community resources for long-term resilience.

While local funders cannot fully replace lost federal dollars, estimated to be nearly $23 billion in the first quarter of 2025 across New York State, we can help spark innovation, strengthen capacity, and encourage nonprofits to rethink how services are delivered more efficiently, collaboratively, and sustainably. 

An informational webinar for nonprofits will be held on November 21 from noon - 1 PM to learn more about the grant opportunity. Registration is required (CLICK HERE) and a recording will be available for those who are unable to attend after the event at www.WNYForwardFund.org.

Additional grant opportunities to support strategic alliances are also planned for 2026. More information and applications can be found at www.WNYForwardFund.org

We will also focus on two additional priorities including: 

• Civic Health & Common Ground: Exploring opportunities to fund and support initiatives that protect access to justice, due process, and legal defense and building deeper connections between public institutions and the stakeholders they serve. 
• Impact Data & Storytelling: Backing efforts to collect and share critical data on how funding cuts affect organizations and the people they serve to help our community better understand, communicate, and respond to the region’s evolving needs.

We are thankful for the contributions you and your organization make every day to serve WNY and its residents. Together, we can ensure that our community remains strong and resilient, while we work to reimagine how to work most effectively and respond to the myriad of changes and challenges before us. 

Please feel free to share this information with any WNY nonprofits in your networks and visit the WNYForwardFund.org to learn more.