New Era Cap Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,296,950 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Monthly review cycle
• Grant Range: $450 - $1,000,000
• Geographic Focus: Western New York and regions where New Era Cap operates

Contact Details

• Website: neweracapfoundation.org
• Address: 160 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202-2404
• Phone: Not publicly listed
• Email: Apply through online portal only
• Application Portal: Available on foundation website

Overview

Established in 2016, the New Era Cap Foundation is the philanthropic arm of New Era Cap, LLC, with over $20 million in assets and annual grant distributions exceeding $1.2 million. The foundation operates under the philosophy that "impact thrives when people unite," focusing on fostering community resilience and collective strength. Led by fourth-generation family member Christopher H. Koch as President/CEO, the foundation has demonstrated significant commitment to Western New York communities, including over $2.4 million donated to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center partnerships alone. The foundation received recognition through major partnerships with healthcare institutions and sports figures, including recent collaborations with Josh Allen for Children's Hospital fundraising.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Impact Grants: $450 - $1,000,000 (monetary awards, rolling basis)
• Product Donations: Headwear, apparel, and accessories (in-kind support, rolling basis)
• Event Sponsorships: Variable amounts (rolling basis)

Priority Areas

The foundation supports five primary pillars:

1. Health & Wellness / Cancer Patient & Family Care - Supporting patients and families through difficult medical circumstances
2. Military & First Responders / Patriots - Honoring service members and first responders
3. Youth Sports - Providing opportunities for children (Note: Little league applications currently suspended)
4. Women's Empowerment - Uplifting women regardless of circumstance
5. Arts & Education - Providing equal access to arts and education programs

What They Don't Fund

• Religious organizations for non-secular purposes
• Political organizations
• Individuals
• Private foundations
• Individual youth sports teams (particularly little league teams currently)
• Organizations that discriminate

Governance and Leadership

Christopher H. Koch - President/CEO (4th Generation)

• CEO of New Era Cap since 2002
• Trustee at Elmwood Franklin School
• Board member of Buffalo Sabres Foundation
• Appointed to University at Buffalo Council by Governor Andrew Cuomo (2013)
• Recipient of Canisius College Distinguished Citizen Award (2017)

Lorrie Turner - Director/Secretary

Kevin Wilson - Director/Treasurer

All officers serve without compensation. Christopher Koch has stated: "When we come together to support our community, it fosters resilience, empowers individuals and creates a collective strength that drives positive, lasting change for everyone involved."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through the online portal at neweracapfoundation.org. The foundation does not accept applications via mail or email, and meetings cannot be scheduled until proposals are received through the online portal. Applications saved as drafts expire after 30 days.

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed monthly on a rolling basis. Specific notification timelines are not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 23 grants in 2023 from their total giving of $1,296,950. Application volume and success rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions are published. However, organizations should note that little league applications are currently suspended due to high volume.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and stated priorities:

• Strong Western New York connection: Major recipients like Roswell Park and Oishei Children's Hospital demonstrate preference for regional organizations
• Clear alignment with pillars: Successful grants show direct connection to one or more of the five focus areas
• Established 501(c)(3) status: Required for all applicants
• Significant community impact: Large grants ($500,000-$1,000,000) go to transformative projects like hospital wings and cancer care facilities
• Partnership potential: Long-term relationships valued, as evidenced by multi-year Roswell Park partnership
• Non-discriminatory practices: Must demonstrate inclusive approach in all programming

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation operates on a monthly review cycle, allowing for timely funding decisions throughout the year
• Despite IRS filings indicating no unsolicited applications, the foundation maintains an active online application portal
• Median grant size of $5,500 suggests accessibility for smaller organizations, while capacity for $1M+ gifts exists for transformative projects
• Product donations offer alternative support avenue for organizations needing branded merchandise for fundraising
• Strong family business heritage (4th generation leadership) indicates stable, long-term funding source
• Western New York organizations have clear geographic advantage, though foundation funds beyond immediate region
• Healthcare, particularly cancer care, receives significant portion of large-scale funding

References

• New Era Cap Foundation website (neweracapfoundation.org) - accessed February 2025
• IRS Form 990-PF filings for New Era Cap Foundation (EIN: 81-1548325) - 2023 and 2024
• Candid/Foundation Directory Online profile - accessed February 2025
• Buffalo Business First: "New Era Cap Foundation donates $1M to Roswell Park" - January 18, 2025
• Buffalo News: "New Era Cap Foundation announces $500,000 donation to Oishei Children's Hospital" - 2024
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer database - accessed February 2025
• Christopher H. Koch leadership profile via University at Buffalo Council appointment records
• Foundation grant recipient announcements and press releases - 2023-2025