Mission & Vision

Our Mission

The John R. Oishei Foundation enhances the economic vitality and quality of life for the Buffalo Niagara region through grantmaking, leadership, and network building.

Our Vision

The John R. Oishei Foundation envisions the Buffalo Niagara region as a safe, healthy, thriving, culturally rich, and diverse community with equitable opportunities for all.

Our Core Values

Respectful to Others

We treat all people and communities with honesty, integrity, and the utmost regard.

Inquisitive and Communicative

We build trust, strengthen relationships, and improve effectiveness by working in a clear and transparent manner.

Collaborative

We encourage partnerships and collaborations in order to produce broader results and achieve an even greater impact.

Informed

We promote knowledgeable, passionate leadership as the most effective way to address critical issues in the region.

Inclusive

We believe that a variety of  perspectives— including (but not limited to) each person’s ethnicity, race, age, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, and gender identity — contributes meaningfully to our work.

Agile and Innovative

Understanding that community needs often change—sometimes quickly—we need to be agile and innovative in order to make progress.