The Kelly for Kids Foundation was established in 1987 by former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly to support organizations that assist children in the western New York State region. Since its inception, the foundation has raised nearly $5 million to that end.
Through its Community Grants program, the foundation is inviting applications from health and social service organizations serving the region’s disabled and/or economically disadvantaged youth. Grants will be awarded in support of innovative programs that directly assist children in need and/or provide equipment and physical improvements for organizations dedicated to serving disadvantaged children and teens.
To be eligible, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in and serving youth in western New York State.
See the Kelly for Kids Foundation website for complete program guidelines and application instructions.
Community Grants
The Community Grants Committee will review proposals and choose the 2016 recipients toward the end of the calendar year.
Community Grant Funding Guidelines
The Kelly for Kids Foundation Community Grants are awarded to charitable not-for-profit 501 (C)(3) organizations whose primary mission is to assist children in need in the Western New York area. In particular, it funds health and social service organizations that serve the disabled and/or economically disadvantaged youth.
All grant applications must be postmarked by October 21st, 2016. No exceptions.
KELLY FOR KIDS FOUNDATION’S AREAS OF FOCUS
- Innovative programs that directly assist Western New York children in need.
- Equipment and physical improvements for organizations dedicated to programs for disadvantaged children and teens.
- The Foundation gives priority to organizations that can demonstrate definitively how the funds will be used.
FUNDING LIMITATIONS
Kelly for Kids Foundation Community Grant DOES NOT:
- Provide grants to individuals.
- Purchase sponsorships (e.g., program advertising, corporate table, golf holes) at the organization’s special events.
- Provide funding for public playgrounds.
- Fund local chapters of national organizations that send a substantial portion of the grant to the national office.
- Fund governmental programs of lobbying efforts.
- Provide grants for overhead or general operating expenses.
Proposal Review & Evaluation
Foundation staff will conduct a screening of all proposals to determine eligibility. Organizations whose proposals do not meet initial criteria will be notified of that decision. The Foundation WILL NOT duplicate grant applications. Applications will not be considered of any of the criteria outlined is not included.
Eligible proposals will be evaluated more thoroughly by the Board of Directors. The committee may request additional information and a site visit or a meeting may be scheduled.
2015 Grant Recipient Luncheon
This year’s grant luncheon took place on Tuesday, January 19th at Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant. This year, we were able to grant over $190,000 to local charities in Western New York. Our grant recipients were given a check and selected organizations were asked to speak about their program. Not only does this luncheon draw organizations together and provide the opportunity to learn about each other’s charities, it also opens up the door for them to assist one another with their services.