Niagara Area Foundation celebrates 25 years of impact in Niagara County, announces major multi-year gift to support Say Yes Niagara Falls

Niagara Area Foundation Press Release & Photos

To celebrate 25 years of transformative impact in Niagara County, the Niagara Area Foundation invited current and past council members, community partners and clients to a special event on Oct. 23 in Lewiston to mark the anniversary and to share an exciting announcement about a major, multi-year gift to support Say Yes Niagara Falls.

“Building connections and supporting critical needs in Niagara County is what we do at the Niagara Area Foundation, and we are honored to do this work today just as we did 25 years ago,” said Jennifer Pauly, Niagara Area Foundation chair and executive director of the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center. “Since 2000, the Niagara Area Foundation has been committed to improving lives in Niagara County through the generosity of individuals and families who care deeply about their community, bringing people together to address Niagara County’s most pressing needs, and creating lasting change where it matters most.”

In addition to supporting dozens of local nonprofits each year through its annual competitive grant process, the Niagara Area Foundation announced it is the first supporter of Say Yes Niagara Falls, which is working to remove barriers to educational and economic attainment for youth. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the Niagara Area Foundation committed to supporting Say Yes Niagara Falls with $50,000 per year for the next five years – a $250,000 investment in Niagara Falls students. 

"We’re thrilled to have the Niagara Area Foundation’s support," said Say Yes Buffalo CEO David Rust. “There wouldn’t be a Say Yes Buffalo or a $60 million-plus endowment fund for Buffalo students without the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s leadership and vision. The Niagara Area Foundation is a critical cornerstone for the Niagara Falls scholarship endowment fund, and we’re very grateful for their continued commitment to young people in Niagara Falls.”

Established in 2000 as a geographic affiliate of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, the Niagara Area Foundation – led by a council of dedicated and knowledgeable local residents – is committed to improving lives in Niagara County through the generosity of individuals and families invested in their community. The Niagara Area Foundation has awarded nearly $6 million in grants and scholarships since 2000. Learn more about the Niagara Area Foundation at http://www.TheNiagaraAreaFoundation.org.

The Niagara Area Foundation committed to supporting Say Yes Niagara Falls with $50,000 per year for the next five years – a $250,000 investment in Niagara Falls students. Pictured are Allen P. Booker, Niagara Area Foundation council member; Daphne Ross, chief impact officer at Say Yes Buffalo; and Jennifer Pauly, Niagara Area Foundation council chair.