KeyBank celebrates bicentennial with $200,000 foundation grant to Launch New York in Buffalo

Grant is part of program designed to strengthen community development financial institutions & foundations that play critical role in fostering economic opportunity & strengthening communities

KeyBank Press Release & Photo 

To celebrate 200 years of KeyBank’s service to communities across the nation, the KeyBank Foundation is awarding a $200,000 philanthropic grant to Launch New York Inc. in Buffalo.

This is part of Key’s special bicentennial grant program designed to strengthen community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and foundations that play a critical role in advancing affordable housing and small business development. It was awarded during KeyBank’s bicentennial celebration in Buffalo on July 30. KeyCorp Chairman and CEO Chris Gorman and KeyBank teammates attended the event.

Launch NY is a nonprofit based in Buffalo with a mission to identify, support and invest in high-growth, high-impact companies to create jobs and wealth and catalyze the entrepreneurial ecosystem in upstate New York. The nonprofit provides its startup client companies with pro bono mentoring services and access to seed capital. The grant funding from the KeyBank Foundation will support Launch NY’s Western New York Small Business Growth and Sustainability Project.

“Supporting organizations like Launch NY is a big part of KeyBank’s purpose of helping the communities we serve thrive,” Buffalo Market President Michael McMahon said. “We are here not only to serve our clients, but to invest in neighborhoods where we live and work – providing opportunities and making a difference in people's lives. As we celebrate our bicentennial, we’re proud to partner with Launch NY and support their work to empower individuals with the tools and support they need to build bright futures.”

“KeyBank’s commitment to supporting CDFIs that advance small and startup business development aligns directly with Launch NY’s mission to drive the growth of our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and new economy,” said Marnie LaVigne, Ph.D., president and CEO of Launch NY. “We’re deeply grateful for this award, which will enable us to expand access to mentorship and financing programs for entrepreneurs growing their businesses, ultimately catalyzing job and wealth creation in our communities.”

The KeyBank Foundation is donating $200,000 to community development efforts in each of KeyBank’s 27 markets. These milestone grants, totaling $5.4 million, reflect KeyBank’s enduring legacy of service, resilience, and commitment to fostering economic opportunity and strengthening communities. They will provide flexible funding to help CDFIs and community foundations achieve their broader mission – whether through expanding services, enhancing infrastructure, or deepening their community impact – ensuring long-term sustainability.

“As KeyBank marks two centuries of service, we are proud to invest in organizations that share our mission of creating lasting, positive change in the communities we serve,” said Eric Fiala, chief corporate responsibility officer at KeyBank and CEO of the KeyBank Foundation. “These grants celebrate these organizations that foster economic empowerment, business growth, and financial stability, and help build and sustain neighborhoods block by block.”

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion on June 30.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the U.S. under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation that supports organizations and initiatives aimed at improving financial wellness, education, and community development. Through strategic philanthropy, KeyBank Foundation works to create thriving communities and drive meaningful, lasting change.