2022 Annual Report

During the darkest of times, a visionary voice can inspire hope, courage and an unwavering sense of community. 

Through our collective heartbreak and anger following the hate-filled mass shooting on May 14, 2022, we are more unified in our determination to create meaningful change in the wake of this unthinkable tragedy. 

By lifting up visionary voices, we can amplify how individuals, families and organizations are sparking purposeful and transformative change to make our region brighter. That includes the voice of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s innovative and inspiring leader, Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, who retired at the end of 2022. 

Each year, our Annual Report gives us the opportunity to showcase just some of the year’s many highlights. As always, but especially throughout these challenging times, we are grateful for our clients’ steadfast commitment to moving our community forward today, tomorrow and forever. Your generosity speaks volumes. 

 

In the minutes, hours and days following May 14, 2022, there was a resounding collective desire to accelerate our commitment to achieving racial equity. The Community Foundation was flooded with emails and calls from partners across our community and the country asking, “How can we help?” and “What does your community need?” 

The Buffalo Together Community Response Fund (BTCRF) was established by 14 local funders and is coordinated by the Community Foundation and United Way of Buffalo & Erie County to support our Jefferson Avenue community in the wake of this horrific racially motivated hate crime. Click here to learn about the progress of the work to date. 

 

“In each war, African Americans had to fight for freedom and to defend this nation, and then returned home and fought against segregation and discrimination, yet they still answered the call,” said Robin Hodges, Vice Chair of African American Veterans Monument (AAVM) Inc. “With this monument, we will educate and inspire people to look deeper into the major role that African American veterans played.”

Click here to learn how the African American Veterans Monument Inc. leverages its fund at the Community Foundation to honor the voices of those who have served.

 

 

 

Hy Scheff was known for his sharp wit and generosity. “He was very charitable because he came from such modest means,” said his wife, Marjorie. “It was always important to him to give back.” 

“My dad taught me to help people, and that is what I hope to do,” said Alan Scheff, Marjorie and Hy’s son.

Click here to read about how the Scheff family hopes to inspire the voices of future generations.

 

 

 

Click here to learn how the Youth Employment Coalition, an initiative of the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable, is building a canopy of opportunity for youth ages 16-24 to apply their talent and creativity to our economic growth.