Grigg Lewis Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,525,559 (2023)
• Total Assets: $49,749,882
• Average Grant: ~$23,000
• Grant Range: Up to $100,000+
• Number of Grants: 105 grants (2024 data)
• Decision Time: Quarterly board meetings (applications reviewed 2-8 weeks after deadlines)
• Geographic Focus: Eastern Niagara County, NY (with consideration for broader Niagara County and Western NY)

Contact Details

Address: 1 East Avenue, Suite 303, Lockport, NY 14094
Phone: (716) 478-0002
Email: grigglewis@grigglewis.org
Website: www.grigglewis.org

Staff Contacts:

• Chris Smith, Executive Director
• Brooke Burrows, Policy and Program Manager
• Carly Grimm, Communications and Engagement Specialist

Overview

The Grigg Lewis Foundation was established in 1968 by Henrietta Grigg Lewis, who believed in quiet, impactful philanthropy guided by her philosophy: "It is time now to think more seriously of the soul. Look up and not down to what you were made for." With total assets of approximately $50 million, the foundation distributes around $1.5-2 million annually across 67-105 grants supporting nonprofits in Eastern Niagara County. The foundation maintains its founder's legacy of modest, meaningful community support while addressing critical needs in arts and culture, community improvements, educational programming, health and wellness (non-clinical), local historical preservation, senior programs, and youth programs. Beyond grant funding, the foundation serves as an active advocate for local agencies, helping to strengthen nonprofits through program evaluations, relationship building, and promoting community partnerships.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation awards grants quarterly through an online portal system. Grant sizes vary widely based on project scope:

• Small to Medium Grants: Most awards range from $10,000 to $35,000
• Large Grants: Awards of $75,000 to $100,000+ (reviewed only at third quarter board meeting in July)
• Multi-year, Challenge, and Matching Grants: Considered and available

Application Method: Rolling quarterly deadlines via online Grant Portal

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on seven core funding areas:

1. Arts & Cultural Programs: Supporting arts organizations and cultural programming that enrich community life
2. Community Improvement: Projects that enhance the quality of life in Eastern Niagara County
3. Educational Programming: Youth and adult education initiatives
4. Local Historical Preservation: Protecting and celebrating regional history (including Erie Canal Bicentennial)
5. Health & Wellness Programs (non-clinical): Programs promoting health and well-being
6. Senior Programs: Services supporting elderly residents' independence and dignity
7. Youth Programs: Activities and services benefiting young people, including mentoring and recreation

Geographic Priority: Primary focus on residents of Eastern Niagara County, with consideration for broader Niagara County and Western New York projects that demonstrate regional benefit.

Special Considerations: The foundation values collaborative projects between nonprofit organizations and prioritizes programs that demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant period.

What They Don't Fund

• Grants directly to individuals
• Individual scholarships
• Religious organizations (with rare exceptions for organizations historically supported by founder Henrietta Grigg Lewis)
• Duplicative programs that replicate existing services without differentiation

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

The foundation is governed by seven well-respected, long-time Lockport residents with diverse backgrounds in business, banking, investments, law, and nonprofit leadership. The board meets at least four times annually to review grant requests:

• Dan Wilson, President
• Mary Murphy, Vice President
• Brian Costello, Secretary
• Eric Connor, Treasurer
• Paul Reid, Assistant Treasurer
• Joan Aul, Assistant Secretary
• R. Thomas Weeks, Director

The board oversees approximately $2 million in annual charitable contributions and maintains the foundation's mission of benefiting Eastern Niagara County residents while preserving Henrietta Grigg Lewis's philanthropic vision.

Foundation Staff

The professional staff develops relationships with community organizations, evaluates charitable programs, and assists nonprofits in improving their impact:

• Chris Smith, Executive Director
• Brooke Burrows, Policy and Program Manager
• Carly Grimm, Communications and Engagement Specialist

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Grigg Lewis Foundation uses an online Grant Portal exclusively and no longer accepts paper or emailed applications. Applicants that do not follow the foundation's specified process will be declined.

Two-Stage Process:

1. Letter of Inquiry: Create an account in the Grant Portal and submit a Letter of Inquiry by the quarterly deadline
2. Full Application: If invited to proceed after Letter of Inquiry review, you will receive email notification to submit a full application

Required Documentation:

• 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter
• Proof of additional funding sources
• Demonstration of program sustainability
• Details showing clear, proven community need

Important Notes:

• Only one account per lead organization
• Grants of $100,000 or more are only considered at the third quarter (July) board meeting
• Smaller grants are considered at all four quarterly meetings
• The foundation may collaborate with grant writers to strengthen applications
• Review "Tips for Completing Your Application" on their website before starting

Decision Timeline

2026 Quarterly Cycle:

Quarter	Letter of Inquiry Due	Application Deadline	Board Meeting	Decision Notification
Q1	January 11	February 1	March 26	After March 26
Q2	April 19	May 3	June 23	After June 23
Q3	July 12	July 26	September 25	After September 25
Q4	October 4	October 18	December 10	After December 10

Timeline: Applicants can expect decisions 2-8 weeks after application deadlines, following board review at quarterly meetings. Applicants receive email notification of board decisions.

Success Rates

While specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed, the foundation awarded 67 grants in 2023 and 105 grants in 2024, indicating steady grantmaking activity. With approximately $1.5-2 million distributed annually across 70-105 awards, the foundation maintains an active grantmaking program serving a significant portion of Eastern Niagara County nonprofits.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation accepts reapplications and supports ongoing relationships with grantees. Multi-year grants are considered, suggesting the foundation values sustained partnerships with effective organizations. No specific waiting period is mentioned for reapplication after unsuccessful proposals.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and funded projects, successful applications demonstrate:

Clear Community Need

The foundation values "clear, proven community need" for proposed programs. Applications should demonstrate how the project addresses specific gaps or challenges facing Eastern Niagara County residents.

Collaborative Approach

The foundation explicitly states: "The Foundation values collaborations between nonprofit organizations." Projects that involve partnerships or fill complementary roles in the nonprofit ecosystem are viewed favorably. The foundation promotes initiatives like Lockport Spokes, which brings together multiple organizations (Challenger Learning Center, Kenan Center, JT Sports and Recreation, Youth Mentoring Services, WAHI Studio).

Financial Sustainability

Applicants must identify additional funding sources and demonstrate how programs will be sustained beyond the grant period. The foundation looks for financial planning that ensures long-term impact rather than one-time activities.

Geographic Alignment

Strong preference for projects "primarily serving residents of Eastern Niagara County." While broader Niagara County and Western New York projects are considered, applications should clearly articulate benefits to Eastern Niagara County residents.

Alignment with Funding Areas

Projects must fit clearly within one of the seven priority areas. Recent successful grants include:

• HART, Inc.: $10,000 for caregiver recruitment supporting elderly residents remaining in their homes
• Pink Ribbon Good: $10,000 for breast and gynecological cancer patient support (meals, transportation, housecleaning, education)
• Junior Achievement of WNY: $12,000 for financial literacy and career preparation for young people
• SABAH, Inc.: Funding for programs serving 830+ athletes with disabilities
• Niagara County Historical Society: Support for Erie Canal Bicentennial Celebration

Foundation Support Beyond Funding

The foundation emphasizes: "Whether the Foundation provides your program with financial assistance or not, their staff is available to provide program evaluations and to assist in creating relationships, and promoting partnerships within the community." Applicants are encouraged to view the foundation as a potential partner beyond just funding.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

• Do not submit applications via paper or email—use only the online Grant Portal
• Do not apply for projects outside the seven priority areas
• Do not submit duplicate programs without clear differentiation from existing services
• Do not apply for grants over $100,000 in quarters 1, 2, or 4 (only Q3/July cycle)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Follow the process exactly: Use the online Grant Portal exclusively; applications submitted by other methods will be declined
• Start with Letter of Inquiry: The two-stage process means you must be invited to submit a full application—invest time in a compelling Letter of Inquiry
• Emphasize collaboration: Explicitly highlight partnerships with other nonprofits and how your project complements existing community services
• Demonstrate sustainability: Show additional funding sources and a plan for continuing the program beyond the grant period
• Focus on Eastern Niagara County impact: While broader regional projects are considered, strongest applications clearly benefit Eastern Niagara County residents
• Time your application strategically: For grants over $100,000, apply only during the July cycle; smaller grants can be submitted any quarter
• Build relationships with staff: The foundation offers program evaluation and partnership assistance—contact staff at (716) 478-0002 for guidance before applying
• Review application tips: The foundation provides specific application guidance on their website—review thoroughly before starting
• Consider multi-year or matching grants: The foundation welcomes these formats for projects with long-term community impact

References

• Grigg Lewis Foundation official website, "The Foundation" page: https://grigglewis.org/ (accessed January 2026)
• Grigg Lewis Foundation, "Application Process" page: https://grigglewis.org/apply/ (accessed January 2026)
• Grigg Lewis Foundation, "Board of Directors" page: https://grigglewis.org/board-directors/ (accessed January 2026)
• Grigg Lewis Foundation, "Staff" page: https://grigglewis.org/staff/ (accessed January 2026)
• Grigg Lewis Foundation, "Our History & Founder" page: https://grigglewis.org/history-founder/ (accessed January 2026)
• Grigg Lewis Foundation, "Testimonials" page: https://grigglewis.org/testimonials/ (accessed January 2026)
• Grigg Lewis Foundation, "Community Impact" page: https://grigglewis.org/community-impact/ (accessed January 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory, "GRIGG LEWIS FOUNDATION INC": https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=GRIG017 (accessed January 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report, "Grigg Lewis Foundation Inc": https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/grigg-lewis-foundation-inc (accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, "Grigg Lewis Foundation Inc": https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/161550858 (accessed January 2026)
• Cause IQ, "Grigg-Lewis Foundation": https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/grigg-lewis-foundation,161550858/ (accessed January 2026)