THE JOHN R OISHEI FOUNDATION

Supporting OrganizationIRS data 2022–2024

BUFFALO, NYEIN 160874319 Website

Annual Giving

$9.5M-15% YoY

Grants

168

Median Grant

$20K

Organizations Funded

155

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Foundation Overview

Mission

We work with communities to change systems and build financial prosperity for a racially just, vibrant Buffalo-Niagara region; Vision: A thriving, prosperous community for all, where diversity is our strength

Focus Areas

children's healthk-12 educationcollege access and scholarshipsyouth development and after-school programsworkforce and technical trainingarts and cultural institutions (museums, performing arts)homelessness and shelter servicesfood security

Grant Types

capital campaignnaming rightsscholarshipsgeneral operating supportcapacity buildingprogram supportgap fundingmicro grants

Funded Initiatives

Major strategic shift announced fall 2023 to focus entirely on addressing root causes of racial inequity and building financial prosperity through systems change, starting with Black communities on Buffalo's East Side; Rockwood Leadership Institute Art of Leadership programs for nonprofit leaders of color; Historical focus areas included community development, education, and healthcare before strategic shift

How to Apply

The foundation is NOT currently accepting new grant requests. At this time, only organizations with current or pending grants can access the portal. The foundation shifted focus in fall 2023 to address root causes of racial inequity in Black communities on Buffalo's East Side. Historical process: accepted unsolicited letters of inquiry (LOI) throughout year with no deadlines, grantseekers submitted LOI before full application, contact at info@oishei.org or 716-856-9490.

Does Not Fund

Currently not accepting new grant applications due to strategic shift focusing on East Side communities and racial equity systems change. Historical geographic restrictions limited to specific region with eligibility in Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties

Based on publicly available information from the foundation's 990 filings and website.

Giving History

2024-15%

$9.5M

Grants

168

Median

$20K

States

2023-6%

$11.2M

Grants

155

Median

$25K

States

2022

$11.9M

Grants

173

Median

$25K

States

Grant Size Distribution

$20K

Typical Grant (Median)

$750

Smallest

$10K

25th Pctile

$50K

75th Pctile

$930K

Largest

Excludes grants ≤ $5K. Half fall between $10K and $50K.

Largest Recent Grants

$930K

2024

EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE OF WNY INC

NY · 2024-2028 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

$500K

2024

BUFFALO CENTER FOR ARTS & TECHNOLOGY (BCAT)

NY · CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

$420K

2024

EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE OF WNY INC

NY · 2023-2024 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

$400K

2024

BUFFALO CENTER FOR ARTS & TECHNOLOGY (BCAT)

NY · GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT 2024-2026

$372K

2024

EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE OF WNY INC

NY · ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FOR ALL (DEI) 2024-2028

Geographic Focus

$9.5M168 grants

Top states by total grant dollars. Based on IRS filing data.

Financial Overview

YearTotal AssetsGrants Paid

2024

$330.0M

$9.5M(2.9%)

2023

$315.7M

$11.2M(3.5%)

2022

$299.6M

$11.9M(4.0%)

Grants paid shown as percentage of total assets

Network Intelligence

Funding follows networks, not keywords

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Data sourced from IRS 990 and 990-PF filings and publicly available foundation websites. Grant data, financial figures, and organizational details reflect historical filings and may not represent current operations or funding priorities. Verify directly with the foundation before applying. See an issue? Let us know.