Scott Bieler Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4,108,707 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not applicable - invitation only
• Decision Time: Not disclosed
• Grant Range: $100,000 - $1,000,000+ (estimated)
• Geographic Focus: Western New York exclusively
• Application Process: Does not accept unsolicited applications

Contact Details

Address: 3552 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park, NY 14127

EIN: 81-2815534

Website: Information available through West Herr Auto Group at www.westherr.com/scott-bieler-family-foundation/

Note: The foundation does not maintain public contact information for grant inquiries as they do not accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

The Scott Bieler Foundation Inc was established in 2016 as a private grantmaking foundation based in Orchard Park, New York. Led by Scott Bieler, President and CEO of West Herr Automotive Group, the foundation has rapidly expanded its philanthropic impact in Western New York. The foundation contributed $4,108,707 in grants during 2024 across 34 awards, demonstrating significant growth from just 7 awards in 2020. The foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life in Western New York through generous support of educational, health, and community service programs, with a particular emphasis on healthcare facilities, healthcare professional training, and services for vulnerable populations. Scott Bieler has been recognized by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership with the Industry Leader Award for his philanthropic impact and has been called "the godfather of Western New York" for his unparalleled commitment to the community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs with application cycles. Instead, it makes strategic investments in preselected organizations aligned with its mission. Known funding includes:

• Major Capital Projects: Multi-million dollar investments in healthcare facilities and educational institutions (facility naming opportunities)
• Healthcare Infrastructure: Support for medical centers, cancer care facilities, and training centers
• Community Health: Grants ranging from $100,000+ for community health centers and social service organizations
• Educational Institutions: Support for colleges, schools, and specialized learning environments

Priority Areas

Healthcare (Primary Focus):

• Cancer care facilities and services (Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center)
• Community health centers (Jericho Road Ministries, Rural Outreach Center)
• Medical professional training and innovation centers (Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center)
• Behavioral health services (BestSelf Behavioral Health)
• Children's healthcare (Oishei Children's Hospital)

Education:

• Health professions education (Daemen University College of Health Professions)
• Ethical leadership programs (Niagara University Institute for Ethical Leadership)
• Special needs education (Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center)
• Alternative education models (Aurora Waldorf School)

Vulnerable Populations:

• Child advocacy and protection (Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center)
• Asylum seekers and refugees (Vive Shelter)
• Visually impaired individuals (VIA: Visually Impaired Advancement)
• Neurodivergent children

Community Services:

• Food security and holiday assistance programs
• Infrastructure improvements for nonprofit facilities

What They Don't Fund

The foundation focuses exclusively on Western New York organizations. They do not fund:

• Organizations outside the Western New York region
• Individual requests
• Unsolicited applications from any organization
• Organizations not aligned with their healthcare, education, or community service priorities

Governance and Leadership

Scott Bieler - President of the Scott Bieler Family Foundation

• President & CEO, West Herr Automotive Group (since 1997)
• Board of Trustees, Daemen University
• Vice Chair, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation
• Board Member, Invest Buffalo Niagara
• Member, Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable
• Former board member: Visit Buffalo Niagara, Buffalo Niagara Partnership, Buffalo Zoo, Hilbert College
• Served five years on Upstate New York Federal Reserve Regional Advisory Board

Kathy Bieler - Active in foundation philanthropy alongside Scott

Leadership Philosophy

Scott Bieler has articulated a distinctive philosophy of "re-giving" rather than giving:

"I think we're re-giving. We do it because we should, because these people in this community have come back so many times. I say re-giving because I don't think anything we're giving is ours. It was given to us, so we're re-giving this benefit back to the community."

On long-term commitment: "As long as West Herr exists, you will see an effort made every year to make a noticeable difference in some way, shape or form in our community."

Bieler emphasizes that community giving is not charity but returning the support and loyalty that West Herr customers have shown over the years, creating a "ripple effect" of kindness throughout Western New York.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Scott Bieler Foundation does not have a public application process. According to their IRS Form 990-PF filing, the foundation "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

Organizations cannot submit applications, letters of inquiry, or funding requests through any formal channel. The foundation's trustees identify and select grant recipients based on their own research, community connections, and strategic philanthropic priorities.

Getting on Their Radar

While the foundation does not accept applications, organizations seeking to build long-term relationships with this funder should consider the following funder-specific strategies:

Board Connections: Scott Bieler serves on multiple boards in Western New York, including Daemen University, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, and Invest Buffalo Niagara. Organizations that interact with these institutions or participate in collaborative initiatives may gain visibility.

Capital Campaign Leadership: Bieler has served as chair of major capital campaigns (such as Jericho Road's Vive Shelter campaign). Organizations planning significant capital projects that align with the foundation's priorities may connect with Bieler through campaign committees or feasibility studies.

Healthcare and Education Networks: The foundation's focus on healthcare professional training suggests that organizations affiliated with medical education, nursing programs, allied health training, or healthcare innovation may align with their interests. Participation in Western New York healthcare coalitions or educational partnerships could provide exposure.

Community Impact Demonstration: Bieler's philosophy emphasizes making "a noticeable difference" in the community each year. Organizations that can demonstrate measurable community impact, particularly in healthcare access or educational outcomes for underserved populations, align with the foundation's values.

West Herr Corporate Programs: The foundation is closely connected to West Herr Automotive Group, which runs community programs including the annual "Pay It Forward" program (giving 100 employees $500 each to perform random acts of kindness) and the Thanksgiving Turkey Drive (donating to 45+ community organizations). Building relationships with West Herr's corporate giving programs may create awareness of your organization.

Existing Grantee Networks: Organizations that have received funding include Roswell Park, BestSelf Behavioral Health, Daemen University, Jericho Road Ministries, Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center, and Aurora Waldorf School. Networking with leaders of these organizations or participating in collaborative projects with current grantees may increase visibility.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. The foundation makes grants throughout the year based on trustee discretion rather than fixed funding cycles.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications or reapplications.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept applications, traditional success factors do not apply. However, organizations that have received funding share common characteristics:

Alignment with Healthcare Mission: The overwhelming majority of named gifts and major grants support healthcare delivery, healthcare education, or health-related services. Organizations in other sectors have received support when they serve health-related needs (e.g., behavioral health for trauma survivors, communication development for children with special needs).

Infrastructure and Capacity Building: The foundation has funded multiple capital projects that build long-term capacity: training centers, new facilities, renovations, and equipment. Projects that demonstrate how infrastructure improvements will expand services to more people appear to resonate.

Western New York Focus: 100% of identified grants benefit Western New York communities, particularly the Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Amherst areas. Regional impact and roots in the community are essential.

Vulnerable Populations: Grants frequently support services for children facing trauma, asylum seekers, individuals with disabilities, and medically underserved populations. Demonstrated commitment to equity and access appears to be a priority.

Sustainability and Scale: Major grants often support projects that will have lasting impact and serve large numbers of people (e.g., the largest asylum-seeking shelter in the United States, regional cancer care centers, college-wide naming). The foundation appears to seek transformational rather than incremental change.

Leadership Quality: Given Scott Bieler's extensive board service and business leadership, the foundation likely values well-governed organizations with strong executive leadership and strategic vision.

Collaboration and Partnership: Several funded projects involve partnerships between organizations or collaboration with educational institutions. The foundation appears to appreciate coordinated community responses to complex problems.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation does not accept grant applications - unsolicited requests will not be considered. Do not spend time crafting proposals or letters of inquiry to this funder.

• Relationship-building is the only pathway - the foundation identifies its own grant recipients through board connections, community leadership networks, and strategic initiatives. Focus on building visibility within Western New York healthcare and education sectors.

• Healthcare is the dominant priority - particularly healthcare infrastructure, professional training, cancer care, behavioral health, and access for vulnerable populations. Education grants focus heavily on health professions.

• Scale matters - average grant size exceeds $120,000, with many grants in the million-dollar range. This foundation funds transformational projects, not operational gaps.

• Geographic restrictions are absolute - only Western New York organizations are funded, with no exceptions identified in public records.

• Scott Bieler's personal involvement is key - as foundation president and active board member of multiple organizations, his direct knowledge of an organization significantly increases the likelihood of funding. Strategic board recruitment or campaign leadership roles may create these connections.

• The foundation is growing rapidly - grants increased from 7 awards in 2020 to 34 in 2024, suggesting expanding philanthropic priorities and potential new funding relationships. Organizations should stay aware of the foundation's evolving interests.

References

1. Scott Bieler Foundation Inc, Nonprofit Explorer, ProPublica. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/812815534 (Accessed February 25, 2026)

2. Scott Bieler Foundation, Cause IQ. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/scott-bieler-foundation,812815534/ (Accessed February 25, 2026)

3. Scott Bieler Foundation Inc, Instrumentl 990 Report. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/scott-bieler-foundation-inc (Accessed February 25, 2026)

4. Scott Bieler Family Foundation, West Herr Auto Group. https://www.westherr.com/scott-bieler-family-foundation/ (Accessed February 25, 2026)

5. "Scott Bieler honored by Partnership for guiding West Herr's generosity," Buffalo News, September 2024. https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/scott-bieler-west-herr-automotive-group-buffalo-niagara-partnership/article_b8c275a4-7c34-11ef-921d-bbf123095ec3.html (Accessed February 25, 2026)

6. "Scott Bieler's $100,000 surprise helps hundreds pay it forward in Buffalo," Buffalo News, May 2024. https://buffalonews.com/news/local/business/scott-bieler-west-herr-automotive-group-buffalo/article_fb222aa6-12c2-11ef-a42f-8738fb0cddf5.html (Accessed February 25, 2026)

7. "Future CAC will bear the name of the Scott Bieler Family Foundation," BestSelf Behavioral Health. https://www.bestselfwny.org/future-cac-will-bear-the-name-of-the-scott-bieler-family-foundation/ (Accessed February 25, 2026)

8. "Roswell Park Breaking Ground on Future of Cancer Care in WNY with Roswell Park Scott Bieler Amherst Center," Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, December 2021. https://www.roswellpark.org/newsroom/202112-roswell-park-breaking-ground-future-cancer-care-wny-roswell-park-scott-bieler (Accessed February 25, 2026)

9. "Scott Bieler Donation to Help Transform Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center's Auditorium," Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. https://nfmmc.org/scott-bieler-donation-to-help-transform-niagara-falls-memorial-medical-centers-auditorium-into-new-innovation-training-center/ (Accessed February 25, 2026)

10. "University to Name College of Health Professions After Scott Bieler," Daemen University. https://www.daemen.edu/news/university-name-college-health-professions-after-scott-bieler (Accessed February 25, 2026)

11. "West Herr Celebrates New Scott Bieler Family Foundation Rural Outreach Center," West Herr Auto Group. https://www.westherr.com/west-herr-celebrates-new-scott-bieler-family-foundation-rural-outreach-center/ (Accessed February 25, 2026)

12. Scott Bieler Foundation Inc - Capital Campaign for the Community Health Centers, Zeffy. https://www.zeffy.com/grant-programs/81-2815534_capital_campaign_for_the_community_health_centers (Accessed February 25, 2026)

13. "West Herr Automotive's Scott and Kathy Bieler Receive Socially Responsible Partner of the Year Award," VIA: Visually Impaired Advancement. https://viawny.org/west-herr-automotives-scott-and-kathy-bieler-receive-this-years-socially-responsible-partner-of-the-year-award-from-via-visually-impaired-advancement/ (Accessed February 25, 2026)

14. "Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center Featured on WGRZ-TV for Innovative New Classrooms," Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center. https://askbhsc.org/blog/buffalo-hearing-speech-center-featured-on-wgrz-tv-for-innovative-new-classrooms/ (Accessed February 25, 2026)

15. "Aurora Waldorf School celebrates exterior transformations funded by Scott Bieler Family Foundation," West Herr Auto Group. https://www.westherr.com/aurora-waldorf-school-celebrates-exterior-transformations-funded-by-scott-bieler-family-foundation/ (Accessed February 25, 2026)

16. "West Herr CEO Scott Bieler Elected New Trustee," Daemen University. https://www.daemen.edu/news/west-herr-ceo-scott-bieler-elected-new-trustee (Accessed February 25, 2026)