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  1. What We Fund
    1. Overview: What We Fund
    2. Strengthening Neighborhoods & Building Communities
    3. Self-Sufficiency, Education & Employment
    4. Community Health & Medical Research
    5. Regional Assets
    6. Building Organizational Strength
  2. How to Apply
    1. Overview: How to Apply
    2. Eligibility
    3. Types of Support
    4. Medical Research & Biomedical Investments
      1. Medical Research Reporting
    5. Reporting
    6. FAQ
  3. Special Initiatives
    1. Overview: Special Initiatives
    2. Arts Services Initiative
    3. Mobile Safety-Net Team
      1. MSNT Mission
      2. MSNT Vision
      3. MSNT Strategic Direction
      4. MSNT Staff
      5. MSTN Partners
      6. Talking with Basic Human Needs Providers
        1. American Red Cross
        2. Buffalo City Mission
        3. CASH
        4. Catholic Charities
        5. Community Missions
        6. Food Bank of WNY
        7. Goodwill Industries
        8. Meals on Wheels
        9. Salvation Army
    4. Oishei Leaders
    5. Scholarships
    6. Collaborations
    7. Events
  4. About Us
    1. Overview: About Us
    2. Directors
    3. Staff
    4. History
    5. Mission and Values
      1. 2010 Grantee Perception Report
    6. Annual Reports
    7. News
      1. News Archive
      2. Blythe T. Merrill Promoted to Vice President of Oishei Foundation
      3. Public-Private Partnership Announces Creation of Buffalo Arts and Technology Center
      4. Oishei Foundation Wins 2012 Award for Philanthropy from the Council of
      5. Oishei Launches Online Grant Application
    8. Photo / Video Gallery
      1. Photo / Video Archive
    9. Media Room
  5. Knowledge Center
    1. Grantmaking
      1. 2011 Grantmaking Report
    2. Fast Facts on our Region

Home > What We Fund > Overview: What We Fund

Overview: What We Fund

The Foundation remains true to Mr. Oishei's original intent: To improve the lives of Western New York's residents. We focus our support on programs and organizations which are clearly based upon attainment of excellence both in concept and ultimate implementation.

In 2007, the Foundation adopted a strategic plan that serves as a framework for our funding and involvement. The key difference in our approach is shifting from “silo-based” funding (education, healthcare, arts, etc.) to “issues-based” funding. This approach recognizes that many sectors contribute to solutions of common issues or challenges, and strong and effective partnerships occur across sectors within the community.

In 2009, the Foundation reviewed and fine-tuned its strategic alignment and focus areas. Moving forward, the following key interrelated issue areas are where we will concentrate our grantmaking and leadership initiatives.  
  1. Strengthening Neighborhoods and Building Communities
  2. Supporting Self-Sufficiency, Education and Employment 
  3. Enhancing Community Health and Medical Research
  4. Expanding the Impact of Regional Assets
  5. Building Organizational Strength through Operational Improvements
Each of these areas is described in detail under the appropriate tab on this site. It will remain a priority for us to support creative programs and other initiatives which attempt to advance from the status quo, are strategically sound, and can effectively meet community needs. The Foundation remains supportive of initiatives that involve collaboration and those in which Foundation support can leverage support from other sources.
 
The Oishei Foundation is fully committed to bringing about marked improvements in the quality of life and economic well-being of residents of the Buffalo community. To this end, the Foundation seeks shared visions with community leaders and other funders that will lead to positive change in Buffalo and enhance its reputation as a locale of progress, imagination, and excellence. 

Click here to view our 2009 grants list.

Click here to view our 2010 grants list.

Click here to view our 2011 grants-to-date list.