Niagara Area Foundation

Help us spread the word across all eight counties of Western New York... We are now accepting applications for the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds! Applications should support the following areas of interest: - Caregivers - Community Assets - Design and Access - Youth Sports Applications are due Monday, December 2, 2024 @ 4 p.m. Click the link for more information on how to apply: https://lnkd.in/gU8shmJF

A 2023 Niagara Area Foundation grant was awarded to the Kenan Center, which works to enrich lives by providing the community with cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities on its Lockport campus, for its Kenan ACRES (arts, culture, recreation, education, sports) computer lab. “We have a fully functioning ACRES program, mainly for kids, and we really wanted to develop the STEAM education piece of that curriculum but we didn't have the equipment to do it,” said Bill Patti, Executive Director, Kenan Center. Noting that the Kenan Center serves Lockport students, many of whom don’t have access to technology, the importance of a computer lab became evident. The NAF grant made it possible, allowing the Kenan Center to convert a large former storage closet into a lab with eight state-of-the-art computers. “We were thrilled to receive the grant from the Niagara Area Foundation,” said Bill. “Now kids who didn't have access to technology can learn STEAM, how to code, or even do gaming, and have an opportunity to do that with their peers in a safe space.” Additionally, two introductory programming classes—for ages 8-12 and 13-18— will be offered by seasoned instructors in the space. “We want to continue providing more services for the kids in our community. This lab allows us to do that. We're excited to start at the ground level and keep expanding those classes,” noted Bill.

As President of the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Pauly is no stranger to leading efforts that advance Niagara County. After learning about the Niagara Area Foundation (NAF) from its previous Chair, Molly Anderson Oliver, joining the Council was a natural fit. “I've lived in Niagara County my entire life and with the work that I do with local businesses and nonprofits, serving on the Council was an easy transition to look more deeply into the work that needs to be done in Niagara County to grow the county,” said Jennifer. “It allows me to uplift the community in a deeper way.” ? Today, Jennifer serves as the NAF Chair, and appreciates the opportunity to contribute to its mission of connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Niagara County. ? “Serving on the Council gives me a deeper insight into nonprofits on the ground in Niagara County, doing the hard work and creating opportunities for others,” Jennifer noted. “Also, getting to know the other Council members has been amazing. We're able to network together, listen to other people's perspectives and really have great conversations that help move the county forward. Being able to help grow this foundation, the reach and the opportunities it provides is a huge and fun thing to be a part of.”

Today, we mark Indigenous Peoples’ Day and take the opportunity to celebrate Indigenous peoples' history, culture and contributions. We continue to reflect on lessons from the past as we work toward a vibrant and equitable Greater Buffalo region where every individual thrives.

Last call for applications, Niagara County! Process closes Friday, October 4, 2024, at 4 p.m. The Niagara Area Foundation is committed to strengthening Niagara County by addressing critical needs to improve lives. In 2024, the Niagara Area Foundation will consider any submitted applications that have maximum positive impact on Niagara County and that align with one of the Council’s two goals: - Youth Enrichment: To build stronger communities through the enrichment of youth, positive youth development, and equity and inclusion. - Environment: To support and enhance education and awareness about the importance and creation of a healthy, vibrant, and safe ecosystem for Niagara County residents. Click the link for more information: https://lnkd.in/gykdisNS

During the Niagara Area Foundation’s September 18 meeting, Council members participated in their annual book discussion at the Kenan Center. This year, they read?"The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness" by Jonathan Haidt. The lively conversation, facilitated by Dr. Francisco Vasquez, former Board Chair of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, delved into the major causes behind the alarming rise of mental health issues among adolescents since the rise of early 2010s, particularly in relation to the advent of smartphones and social media. The discussion was both insightful and vibrant, reflecting the urgency of the topic at hand.

Attention Niagara County! The Niagara Area Foundation Grant Process is now open. Process closes Friday, October 4, 2024, at 4 p.m. The Niagara Area Foundation is committed to strengthening Niagara County by addressing critical needs to improve lives. In 2024, the Niagara Area Foundation will consider any submitted applications that have maximum positive impact on Niagara County and that align with one of the Council’s two goals: - Youth Enrichment: To build stronger communities through the enrichment of youth, positive youth development, and equity and inclusion. - Environment: To support and enhance education and awareness about the importance and creation of a healthy, vibrant, and safe ecosystem for Niagara County residents. Click the link for more information: https://lnkd.in/gAbBWdRd

“The Niagara Area Foundation does such wonderful things for this community,” said Marianne Koenig, an attorney and partner with George and Koenig, dedicated to serving the people of Niagara County and beyond from her Lockport office. Marianne first became familiar with the Niagara Area Foundation (NAF) about a decade ago through her business partner and aunt, Patricia George, a former NAF Council member. Inspired by Patricia's dedication, Marianne embraced the opportunity to join the Council herself in 2022. Today, Marianne appreciates how her role on the Council has enriched her professional perspective. “Now I am able to see how things are done from behind the scenes and see how clients’ gifts are impacting the community,” she said. “Being a Niagara Area Foundation Council member helps me do my job because I feel confident referring clients to the Foundation for their charitable goals.” Marianne also enjoys the chance to work alongside individuals who share her passion for Niagara County. “The people involved in making Niagara County a better place are some of the best people I've met. They really care about this area, and they genuinely want to make this a better place,” she noted. We are thankful for Marianne’s commitment and the significant difference she makes through the Niagara Area Foundation!?

Last call for applications across all eight counties of Western New York plus Monroe County! Process closes Monday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. $500,000 in annual funding to be awarded primarily to support small to mid-sized arts and cultural 501(c)(3) organizations in the nine counties. The Community Foundation is managing and operating the endowment and grants program. There are two funding opportunities for 2024: 1. Combined Capacity-Building and General Operating Funds: $15,000 for organizations with at least one full-time (or one FTE) staff member to help organizations build the solid foundation necessary to pursue an ambitious mission and vision; 2. General Operating Micro Grants: up to $2,500 for organizations with less than one full-time staff member to execute immediate programming. Click the link for more information: https://lnkd.in/gcECwast

Help us spread the word across all eight counties of Western New York plus Monroe County… The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is now accepting applications for the 2024 Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Arts & Culture Initiative competitive grant process in two categories and the deadline to apply is September 16, 2024, at 4 p.m. $500,000 in annual funding to be awarded primarily to support small to mid-sized arts and cultural 501(c)(3) organizations in the nine counties. The Community Foundation is managing and operating the endowment and grants program. There are two funding opportunities for 2024: 1. Combined Capacity-Building and General Operating Funds: $15,000 for organizations with at least one full-time (or one FTE) staff member to help organizations build the solid foundation necessary to pursue an ambitious mission and vision; 2. General Operating Micro Grants: up to $2,500 for organizations with less than one full-time staff member to execute immediate programming. Click the link for more information, including open virtual office hours: https://lnkd.in/gfrXKcZn