The mission of the Niagara Area Foundation (NAF) is to address the philanthropic void in Niagara County through charitable efforts. Established in 2000 by a collective of individuals from the private and nonprofit sectors, NAF aims to support and positively impact the community of Niagara County.
The grant program from the Legacy Funds at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo reflects Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.'s personal passions: Caregivers, Community Assets, Design and Access, and Youth Sports. It supports localized projects in the Western New York (WNY) region, providing essential funding where smaller grants can substantially impact. The program aims to support significant cultural and historic assets, increase long-term arts instruction access for youth in underserved communities, and restore important historic buildings and architectural landmarks, favoring projects that promote cultural tourism. This initiative is distinct from direct grants by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, allowing for pilot testing of innovative ideas and programs on a smaller scale.