In establishing the foundation that bears his name, NFL team owner and life-long community pillar Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. had in mind something more than just giving, he had in mind transformation in those very communities that had made such an impact in his life. Today, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation (RCWJF) is indeed one of the largest supporters of community vibrancy, focusing on Western New York and Southeastern Michigan in their mission.
In this blog, what the foundation funds for, qualifications of eligible applicants, the application process, and some nonprofit fundamentals for aligning dynamically with the mission of RCWJF will be discussed.
What the Foundation Supports
RCWJF supports its funding in four bases:
- Active Lifestyles – Investments in youth sports and recreation facilities, trails, and park and physical activity programs that promote active and healthy lifestyles.
- Preparing for Success – Activities that promote skill development, building confidence and capacity in systems of adaptation, learning, and growth for children, youth, and adults.
- Caregivers – Efforts that recognize, support, and promote the important role of unpaid family members or caregivers of older persons or persons with disabilities.
- Entrepreneurship and Economic Development – Activities aimed at fostering business development and small business enterprise, talent retention, and place-based development in areas that have been historically underserved.
In addition, the foundation funds a Nonprofit Support & Innovation initiative, which aims at building the sector of those engaged in this kind of work and ensuring that the sector has the capacity to achieve results.
Geographically, the areas of preference for the foundation are very specific:
- Western New York (serving Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties) and
- Southeastern Michigan (serving Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Monroe, St. Clair, and Livingston counties).
Applicants from outside those regions are generally not encouraged unless their efforts are strategically aligned.
Who Can Apply?
Typically, the following are eligible applicants:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in the designated geographic areas
- Projects that fit within one or more of the areas of interest of the foundation (Active Lifestyles, Preparing for Success, Caregivers, Economic Development), and are of community relevance
- Organizations that demonstrate alignment with values that RCWJF holds: urgency, innovation, collaboration, and results
The foundation welcomes applications at any point in the year, apart from when certain RFPs or special programs have deadlines.
- Note: In some special initiatives or endowment funds, applications for funding can be made via regional community foundations or partner organizations, as appropriate for each initiative.
Before applying, it is encouraged that the organization review the eligibility questionnaire that can be accessed on the foundation’s online portal.
How to Apply: Process and Key Steps
Here is what has generally been expected for the application process timelines at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation:
1. Registration & Eligibility Check
Applicants are required to register on the online grants portal established by the foundation. During this process, you will be required to answer some questions to determine whether you are eligible.
2. Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
If you successfully pass the first review, you will be asked to submit a Letter of Inquiry. This should include:
- Brief description of the proposed request
- Description of the project or program and alignment to areas of focus
- Amount requested, timeframe, and budget breakdown
- Financial statements (audited), list of board and supporters, and annual report
3. Invitation for Full Proposal
If the LOI satisfies the interest and alignment parameters of the foundation, then you will be invited to submit a full proposal. This may include:
- Narrative or logic models
- Theory of change
- Budget and staffing
- Outcome measurements
- Sustainability plans
- Interviews or site visits
4. Review & Decision
Proposals are vetted by the foundation’s staff and board of trustees. Funding choices are made based on strategic prioritization, community impact potential, and readiness and collaboration.
Because RCWJF uses what it describes as a “spend-down” model (sunsetted around 2035), decisions emphasize rapid, meaningful results within the life course of the foundation.
5. Implementation & Reporting
Grants are entered into with the condition of reporting on outcomes, use of funds, and reflection on impact. The foundation encourages adaptive thinking and shifting course, as opposed to flawless execution.
6. Special Initiatives and Legacy Funds
In addition to the current grants stream, special initiatives and legacy funds are awarded (for example: Youth Sports and Recreation Grants, Design and Access Grants, Community Assets Grants, Grants for Caregiver Support). Some may be delivered in partnership with regional partners and may have different timelines or application processes.
Why This Grant Opportunity Matters
Place-based, Purpose-driven Investment
RCWJF’s regional approach to funding in Western New York and Southeastern Michigan provides a level of understanding of the region that is harder to achieve when operating on a national or statewide level. For nonprofits in these areas, this means having funders who understand the landscape and what can be accomplished.
Speed and Urgency
Because the foundation is operating in a limited-life model, it is very much driven to spend funds and effect change as fast as possible. This means that it can be opportunistic in terms of whether or not it can change course or capitalize on momentum.
Funding for Infrastructure and Innovation
In addition to just funding programs, the attention given to supporting and fostering innovation in nonprofits indicates that RCWJF understands that capacity and leadership are vital for success.
Cross-Sector Impact
Sports and recreation, workforce continuation, and supporting caregivers are areas in which the foundation appreciates the role of cross-cutting programs in building healthy communities. Nonprofit organizations operating at the nexus of sectors may be inspired.
Points for a Competitive Application
- Ensure strong alignment: Make sure that the proposed project directly aligns with one of the four core areas of the foundation and that it is recognized as important in the designated area.
- Show readiness and capacity: Because the foundation seeks projects that are able to be pursued now, be prepared to showcase organizational and project readiness in terms of capacity and budget.
- Quantify outcomes: Use facts and figures or specific milestones that demonstrate the outcome of the project in making a difference.
- Demonstrate innovation or urgency: Describe how your project addresses an unmet need or transforms the current system, rather than simply continuing what already exists.
- Highlight partnerships and leverage: Illustrate collaboration and how other parties are helping to amplify your proposed project or initiative.
- Be transparent about budget and sustainability: Although immediate impact is preferred, the foundation values applicants that demonstrate a long-term strategy beyond the grant period.
- Apply via the portal early: Register early, review the eligibility questionnaire, and have all the necessary documents (financials, board list, annual report) ready to submit.
- Remain aware of special initiatives: Although year-round applications are accepted, keep an eye out for any RFPs or special funds the foundation may post, as they can offer tailored alignment opportunities.
Shaping the Future of Region and Community
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is more than just a funding source, it is a catalyst for change. By focusing funds in Western New York and Southeastern Michigan and emphasizing speed and impact, this foundation presents nonprofits with an opportunity to be an integral part of change in the issues that affect their regions.
If your organization is based in the Foundation’s target area, is active in one of the Foundation’s areas of strategic focus, and is prepared to provide substantial momentum, this funding opportunity may be the platform that propels you and the issue you care about forward.
If you would like to pursue current opportunities or are interested in applying, you can go to their Foundation's Grants page.
