The John R. Oishei Foundation works with communities to change systems and build financial prosperity for a racially just, vibrant Buffalo-Niagara region
External link for The John R. Oishei Foundation
or
726 Exchange Street
Suite 510
Buffalo, NY 14210, US
The Power & Possibilities Summit is two weeks from today. Learn more and make plans to attend!
The Power & Possibilities Summit brings together leaders from Buffalo's East Side for a day of shared learning, meaningful connection, collective action, and personal restoration. Bring what you know, what you've experienced, and what you're imagining for your organization and your community. The event is free, and space is limited. Learn more and express your interest today: https://lnkd.in/gJ6HB_HN
The Power & Possibilities Summit brings together leaders from Buffalo's East Side for a day of shared learning, meaningful connection, collective action, and personal restoration. Bring what you know, what you've experienced, and what you're imagining for your organization and your community. The event is free, and space is limited. Learn more and express your interest today: https://lnkd.in/gJ6HB_HN
The stories we tell—and who gets to tell them—matter. Through StoryGrowing WNY, nonprofit organizations build the skills and confidence to tell their own stories, elevate the experiences of the communities they work alongside, and use communications as a tool for advocacy and change. We’re proud to partner once again with the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York to support StoryGrowing, beginning with a free kickoff this October.
📅Save the date! StoryGrowing WNY returns for 2027, and it’s kicking off with a free event on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Buffalo Toronto Public Media. This year’s kickoff is built around the power of voice. You’ll leave with practical tips for using your organization’s story to drive narrative change and inspire community participation. Registration opens Thursday, October 1. More details to come. StoryGrowing has always been shaped around the challenges and opportunities unique to nonprofits. What are you hoping to see in this year’s kickoff? StoryGrowing WNY is presented by the Health Foundation and The John R. Oishei Foundation
Our final Lunch & Learn of 2026 is coming up! On September 17, join Gizelle Hinson of The Mindful Institute for The Adaptable Leader: Healing-Centered Leadership & Organizational Culture. This interactive session will explore how leaders can create organizational cultures that support staff well-being, strengthen retention and relationships, and help people doing challenging, community-facing work thrive without burning out. We’re grateful to have partnered with Perrin Associates throughout this year’s Advancing Diverse Leadership for Lasting Impact Lunch & Learn Series, and we hope you’ll join us as we close out the 2026 series. September 17 | 12–1:30 p.m. Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers Register today: https://luma.com/31ws06by
We're excited to welcome Shatorah R.oberson as our new Vice President of Strategic Communications & Advocacy. Shatorah brings deep experience in civil rights advocacy, public policy, coalition building, and economic development, as well as a personal connection to this work as a Buffalo native. We're thrilled to welcome her to the Oishei team! Learn more about Shatorah and this newly-created role: https://lnkd.in/gqkXEmbM 📷 : Onion Studio
We’re excited to welcome Jason Bird, CFP®, CAP®, CEPA®, Darren Brown-Hall, Ed.D., and Raymond Ganoe to the Oishei Foundation Board of Directors. Their experience across education, financial strategy, health, and community leadership will bring valuable new perspectives to our Board as we continue working toward lasting systems change and financial prosperity across the Buffalo-Niagara region. Get to know our newest Board members: https://lnkd.in/gSiiEUCD
What does Juneteenth have to do with joy, entrepreneurship, and financial prosperity? In a recent University at Buffalo alumni webinar, our Manager of Administration, Sonya A. Tareke, MBA explored the history and significance of Juneteenth, and discussed the connections among Black joy, entrepreneurship, and the many forms of wealth that contribute to long-term financial prosperity. We hope you'll take a few moments to watch and reflect. https://lnkd.in/gcYagXD2 📷 : Get Fokus'd Productions
Strong organizations are essential to strong communities. We’re proud to partner with the Western New York Forward Fund to support nonprofits across our region as they explore new ways to strengthen their work, navigate change, and plan for long-term sustainability. This new round of Strategic Realignment Exploration grants can help organizations examine possibilities like shared services, partnerships, restructuring, mergers, and other approaches to building resilience for the future. Applications open now.
A new funding opportunity through the WNY Forward Fund opens June 22 and closes July 24. The WNY Forward Fund is a collaborative effort of 14 Western New York funders working together to strengthen our region's nonprofit sector and support organizations navigating an evolving funding landscape. This second round of Strategic Realignment Exploration grants will provide $2,500 to $25,000 to help nonprofits explore partnerships, shared services, mergers, restructuring, dissolution planning and other innovative approaches to long-term sustainability and resilience. Funding is intended to support planning and exploration efforts, including legal, financial and consulting services that help organizations develop a clear path forward. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/ggTXzDxe
Behind every example in this story are partners bringing deep experience, trusted relationships, and a long-standing commitment to Buffalo's East Side: Aitina Fareed-Cooke, Tanya Staples, & Rahwa Ghirmatzion Our latest blog highlights early work taking shape through collaboration with community-rooted leaders working to strengthen organizations, advance community ownership, and create space for joy, healing, and community voice. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gFezstMa
Thriving communities require thriving organizations. As part of the Organizational Power focus area of our Community Power-Building Framework, we're pleased to once again partner with Perrin Associates to offer "Building for the Long Term: Financial Sustainability & Operations Strengthening", the second in our Lunch & Learn workshop series for nonprofits serving Buffalo's East Side. Led by Nakiea Cook, MBA, CFEI®, DBA(c), participants will explore practical tools for strengthening financial sustainability, improving operations, and building a stronger foundation for long-term impact. FREE to attend; registration required. https://luma.com/4lusif2o