Curtis W. Robbins

With more than 14 years in philanthropy, Curtis’ skill sets continue to evolve, driving positive social change in the community. Through his work with the foundation, Curtis develops high-performing teams, manages complex projects, guides organizational learning, oversees strategic planning, and leverages data and research to improve processes, prioritize resources, and measure impacts.

In 2023, Curtis received the IDEA (Inclusive, Diversity, Equity, Awareness) Award in recognition of developing a first-of-its-kind social impact evaluation framework centered around DEI policies and practices. The impact has been profound, increasing opportunities for marginalized communities to directly benefit from place-based investments made by the Western New York Impact Investment Fund.

A native Western New Yorker himself, Curtis cares deeply about the region and the diverse, resilient people who call it home. He studied at the University at Buffalo, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design and a Master’s in Urban Planning. He and his family reside in Amherst, New York.

I believe the Foundation has a pivotal role to play, working with the community through sustained collaboration, support, and shared purpose. We must increase equitable access to data and information for listening and amplifying views, identifying and understanding challenges, guiding collective decision-making, and shifting policy systems. Fundamentally, it’s about turning the keys over to the community, so Buffalo’s very exciting resurgence can be participated in equally and real change can happen.