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Home > What We Fund

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 new 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. The new approach recognizes that many sectors contribute to solutions of common issues or challenges, and strong and effective partnerships occur across sectors within the community.
 
The following are the six key interrelated issue areas where our grantmaking and leadership initiatives will be concentrated. 
  1. Promoting stable neighborhoods
  2. Increasing the economic self-sufficiency of low-income residents
  3. Raising the academic performance of economically disadvantaged and lower-performing students
  4. Improving the health of residents
  5. Supporting and expanding the medical research industry
  6. Strengthening and leveraging our regional assets in arts and culture and in higher education
Each of these areas is described in detail under the appropriate tab. It will remain a priority 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.
Beyond these areas, we will continue to expand our support of capacity-building and organizational development activities, leadership development and succession planning, and a variety of other special initiatives as described throughout this website.
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.
 

Investments to date: