The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund for Western New York was created as part of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation’s commitment to the sustainability of regional trails and greenways in Western New York. This fund originated from the foundation’s $100 million Parks & Trails Initiative announced in 2018 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Ralph Wilson, Jr.’s birth and his dedication to community development. In 2022, the foundation fulfilled this commitment by establishing an endowment fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to support trail maintenance and restoration projects in the region.

The primary objective of this fund is to provide financial assistance for reconstruction, restoration, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects that ensure trails and greenways remain functional and accessible. This funding addresses critical intervention needs to maintain a high-quality recreational experience and preserve community connectivity through these outdoor spaces.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities, Tribal Entities/Nations, governmental agencies, municipalities, governmental units, and school systems. Additionally, collaborative partnerships between these organizations are encouraged and eligible to apply. Organizations must be located in or serve one of the following counties in Western New York: Allegany, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming.

Funding from this grant can be used primarily for construction costs but may also cover habitat restoration, planting of native species, waterfront restoration, and installation of trail amenities such as lighting, benches, educational kiosks, and other essential features that contribute to a complete restoration project. There is no maximum request for funding.

Application and Selection Criteria
Applications open on February 25, 2025, and the submission deadline is April 4, 2025, by 4:00 PM EST. Decision notifications will be sent in late May 2025. Projects funded through this grant must be completed within 36 months.

Selection criteria include:

Matching Funds: Projects must provide at least $1 in matching funds from their own resources or external sources for every $1 received from the Trails Maintenance Grant.
Preferred Trails: Preference is given to projects benefiting the Shoreline Trail, Empire State Trail, Genesee Valley Greenway, Southern Tier Trail, Northeast Greenway and Tonawanda Rail to Trail, and Scajaquada Creek Trail.
Public Support: Projects must demonstrate community endorsement.
Connectivity & Importance: The project’s role in regional trail restoration and its connectivity to the larger greenway system will be evaluated.
Land Control & Environmental Considerations: Applicants must have control over the land, ensure it is noncontaminated, remediated, or safe for public use, and demonstrate the feasibility of public access.
Project Timeline & Maintenance Commitment: Applicants must show a clear timetable for project completion within 36 months and a commitment to long-term maintenance.
Project Completion Capability: The strength and reliability of project partners will be assessed.
Impact of Funding: The significance of grant funding in the success of the project will be reviewed.
Grantor Contact Information
For questions regarding the application process, applicants can contact:

Colin Perry
Email: colinp@cfgb.org
Phone: (716) 852-2857
Fax: (716) 852-2861
The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo manages the fund and is located at:

Larkin at Exchange
726 Exchange Street, Suite 525
Buffalo, NY 14210

All grantees are required to display signage along funded trails, including at intersections, gateways, and mile markers, and must use logos and branding approved by the Community Foundation. Evidence of signage will be required in grant outcome reporting.