FAQs

  • 1. What are the Trust’s interest areas?

    The Trust 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 Trust 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 Trust grants fall between $25,000 - $100,000.

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

    Approximately $1,000,000.

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

    The Trust will consider multi-year grant requests.

  • 6. Does the Trust make general operating grants?

    The Trust will consider grant requests for general operating funds.

  • 7. Does the Trust fund capital campaign or equipment requests?

    The Trust will consider grant requests for capital campaign and equipment expense.

  • 8. Will the Trust fund matching grant requests?

    The Trust will consider requests for matching grant funds.

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

    The Trust 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. How often may my organization apply for funding? (think we should take out)

    Beginning in 2026, the Trust will consider requests every other year. 

  • 12. 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.

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

    The due date for grant applications is August 31.

  • 14. Are grant reports required?

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

  • 15. May I invite Trustees for a site visit prior to submitting a grant request?

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

  • 16. May I present my idea to Trustees prior to submitting a grant request?

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

  • 17. 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.