FAQs

  • 1. What are the Foundation's interest areas?

    The Foundation invests in organizations that improve the lives of vulnerable adults and children predominantly in Erie and Niagara counties in NYS with a special emphasis on older adults.

  • 2. Where does the Foundation make grants?

    Erie and Niagara Counties in New York State.

  • 3. What is the average grant size?

    While there are no minimum or maximum size requirements, most Foundation grants fall between $25,000 - $100,000.

  • 4. How much does the Foundation award in grants on an annual basis?

    Approximately $1,000,000.

  • 5. Does the Foundation make multi-year years?

    The Foundation will consider multi-year grant requests.

  • 6. Does the Foundation make general operating grants?

    The Foundation will consider grant requests for general operating funds.

  • 7. Does the Foundation fund capital campaigns or equipment requests?

    The Foundation will consider grant requests for capital campaigns and equipment expenses.

  • 8. Will the Foundation fund matching grant requests?

    The Foundation will consider requests for matching grant funds.

  • 9. What is the due date for letters of inquiry?

    The Foundation accepts letters of inquiry through May 31. Applicants will be notified by July 15 if a full application is desired.

  • 10. May I submit more than one letter of inquiry?

    No, only one letter of inquiry per organization annually is accepted. 

  • 11. May I submit a letter of inquiry if my organization currently has an active grant?

    No, an organization may only have one active grant at any given time.

  • 12. What is the due date for grant applications?

    The due date for grant applications is August 31.

  • 13. Are grant reports required?

    Yes, grant reports are required. A report template will be provided.

  • 14. May I invite Board Members for a site visit prior to submitting a grant request?

    No, due to the volume of grants requests received, Board Members are not available for site visits to organizations that are considering submitting a request.

  • 15. May I present my idea to Board Members prior to submitting a grant request?

    No, only projects submitted through the letter of inquiry process are considered for funding.

  • 16. Who do I contact if I have a question?

    Please submit your question to durbank@churcos.com  You will receive a reply within five working days.