Foundation Grants

Rutherford Pool

Grantmaking Focus Areas

Before you take the first step in applying for a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, we ask that you please review and explore the Foundation’s focus areas to see if your program aligns with our mission and current strategies.

Active Lifestyles

By supporting access to safe spaces and programs that get kids physically active and moving, the Foundation aims to introduce lifelong healthy habits through its Youth Sports & Recreation grantmaking. Spanning all generations, the Foundation’s investments in Parks, Trails & Green Design looks to connect people and communities to each other, nature and recreation.

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Caregivers

There are more than 40 million family members – spouses, daughters, sons, grandchildren – and friends in the United States caring for older adults, a number that will grow dramatically in the coming years. The Foundation aims to elevate caregivers’ critical roles by highlighting the often-hidden value and contributions they make to families and communities every day.

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Preparing for Success

Strong work ethic, confidence and a desire to learn are attributes that can be instilled at a young age and carried through adulthood. Our Preparing for Success focus area is centered on providing the communication, teamwork and critical-thinking skills people need to grow and adapt throughout their life and career.

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Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

Several years into recovery after a decades-long economic slide in both Southeast Michigan and Western New York, the Foundation’s investments in Entrepreneurship & Economic Development look to leverage this momentum by spurring small business growth, place-based community and economic development, and talent attraction and retention.

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Foundation Initiative: Nonprofit Support and Innovation

Without strong, healthy nonprofits that have the resources and support to meet their mission, none of the work the Foundation invests in across its focus areas can happen. While the Foundation works with individual grantees to help them build their own capacity through project-specific grants, it also is taking a sector view of nonprofit support as a special initiative of the Foundation in order to help strengthen communities.

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Geographic Focus

We accept grant applications year-round from nonprofit organizations impacting the communities in the following counties located in Western New York and Southeast Michigan and strategically working within one of our focus areas.

Southeast Michigan

Livingston
Macomb
Monroe
Oakland
St. Clair
Washtenaw
Wayne

Western New York

Allegany
Cattaraugus
Chautauqua
Erie
Genesee
Monroe
Niagara
Orleans
Wyoming

How do I apply for a grant?

All applications to the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation must be submitted through the Foundation’s Online Grants Portal powered by Fluxx. We do not accept applications or materials through the mail or email.

There are three (3) main steps to apply for a grant:

Step 1: Register your organization by creating an account on Fluxx – the Foundation’s Online Grants Portal through the following steps:
- Click the “Create an account now” button. Please note, Fluxx operates best by using the Google Chrome browser.
- Answer three questions to see if your organization meets the Foundation’s eligibility guidelines.
- If eligible, you will then be prompted to enter your organization’s information, Tax ID/EIN and the primary contact.
- After you submit the account request, you will be emailed a registration link and temporary password within 1-3 days to begin the application process.
Step 2: Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) with the following information:
- A brief summary of your request
- A description of your project or program
- Statement of purpose and need
- Project start and end date
- Total program cost and amount requested
- Budget and other funding sources
- Audited financial statements, annual report, board and supporters list
If upon review, the LOI meets the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation’s current program interests and strategies, Foundation staff will invite you to submit a Full Proposal.
Step 3: Upon notification, please complete the Full Proposal section with the following information:
- Organization overview
- Project description, including: target population and benefits; bios and partners; staffing and oversight; post-grant funding
- Programmatic support, including: sustainability for program and other program funding sources
- Plans for evaluation
- Complete budget details
How will I be notified of a decision?

Applicants should receive an email confirmation of receipt of the LOI. All further status changes related to your request will be communicated by email and via status updates on the Online Application “Dashboard,” which is visible upon logging in to your account on the Grants Portal.

Sample Grant Form Interim Report Form Final Report Form

Still have more questions? Read our FAQ.