Hidden Opportunities
Beyond formal RFP cycles, several quieter revenue streams can bolster BUL’s FY2026 fundraising mix.
Corporate Micro-Streams
- Re-engage National Fuel Gas Foundation for housing counseling and utility-assistance collaborations—they regularly back weatherization and stabilization projects across WNY.
- Tailor sponsorship decks for Rich Products Corporation and Delaware North to underwrite youth leadership or hospitality training summits that align with their corporate priorities.
- Partner with Verizon/SkillForward champions and other employee resource groups to nominate BUL for internal giving campaigns and digital-skills lab sponsorships.
Quiet Family Foundations
- Leverage existing relationships with visible Buffalo philanthropies (e.g., Wendt and Cullen Foundations) to secure introductions to trustees and share updated outcomes briefs.
- Surface under-the-radar family funds such as the Vogt or Marks foundations by tapping alumni, estate attorneys, and board networks; follow up with tight two-page concept notes and invite-only site tours.
- Keep a library of customizable impact packets (equity, workforce, housing) to deploy quickly when a family office signals interest.
Government Earmarks
Coordinate with Representative Brian Higgins’ office and the New York Senate delegation early in the FY2027 budget cycle to pitch a $500K Workforce Training & Entrepreneurship Hub renovation. Prepare a one-pager, line up community endorsements, and request staff meetings in January–February 2026; replicate the approach with state legislators for potential member items tied to foster-care prevention or housing stability.
Collaborative Bids
- Join coalitions led by Northland Workforce Training Center, Catholic Health, or Goodwill on large workforce and health equity opportunities.
- Position BUL as the wraparound or scholarship partner when peers pursue state or federal funding requiring community implementation.
- Coordinate with universities (e.g., Buffalo State) for evaluation-led proposals where BUL supplies participants and workforce expertise.
Emerging Philanthropic Initiatives
Monitor post-2022 Buffalo Together Community Response Fund developments and the proposed East Side Legacy Fund, and position BUL for Blue Meridian, MacKenzie Scott-style place-based investments, or National Urban League pilot programs. Assign a staff or intern lead to scan philanthropy news monthly so BUL can pitch timely concept notes when new corporate resilience or first-responder philanthropies surface.