Our Purpose
The Buffalo Together Community Response Fund (BTCRF) was formed in the aftermath of the racially-motivated killing to work towards a more just and equitable community. Initially a collaboration of 14 local funding organizations, BTCRF raised $6.3 million and provided emergency response grants in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy totaling $655,000 to 86 community-based organizations serving the East Side.
The remaining $6.1 million was designated for creating a long-term community investment strategy to address systemic issues on the East Side. Two co-chairs were appointed to lead this process, and they assembled a steering committee representative of the community. The steering committee hired Rainbow Research, an outside consulting firm, to facilitate the process of identifying critical issues and developing potential solutions.
Now called Buffalo Together, our work addresses conditions resulting from long-standing structural oppression and lack of investment that have harmed communities of color and blocked investment in East Side neighborhoods. As a community-led effort, the remaining funds will be invested in long-term initiatives to support and lift the neighborhoods east of Main Street.
The Buffalo Together Community Response Fund was one of several funds set up in the wake of the 5/14 tragedy to address community needs on the East Side. While many of our goals are aligned, Buffalo Together operates independently, is not affiliated with, and has no responsibility for any other funding initiative.
Community Fund Report
After a deep learning journey to better understand the best practices for dismantling conditions that have led to systemic oppression, disinvestment, and disenfranchisement, Buffalo Together released a report in February 2025, at a public meeting held at Elim Christian Fellowship. In the report, Buffalo Together shares the results of the learning and outlines specific strategies to transform our community, build generational wealth, and ensure development without displacement. The report details a long-term plan to uplift the East Side of Buffalo, primarily through community-led investment, racial healing, and sustainable economic development.
Progress since the Report’s Release:
The Buffalo Together Community Response Fund Steering Committee diligently and thoughtfully worked in partnership with Rainbow Research to develop the report released in February 2025. This outlines a long-term community investment strategy that is grounded in community engagement and will drive intentional development that cultivates ownership and creates generational wealth for current East Side residents.
Since the report’s release, several actions have been taken to develop the necessary infrastructure to move the priorities in the report forward including:
- In May 2025, a second round of grants, totaling $600,000 was awarded to 30 organizations dedicated to uplifting and serving the vibrant East Side community of Buffalo. The grants support a diverse array of projects and programs aimed at enhancing community well-being, promoting economic development, and providing essential services. With the release of these funds the Buffalo Together Fund has awarded a total of $1.255 Million to organizations located on the East Side of Buffalo or serving the East Side of Buffalo.
- A board of directors has been established to guide the implementation of the report’s priority strategies.
- In December 2025, the initiative gained approval from New York State to become a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to carry out the long-term strategies outlined in the report, including addressing housing, food access, fundraising and investment strategies for long term sustainability.
- In early 2026 Buffalo Together began a search for an Executive Director.
Upcoming Events
We invite you to join us for a free screening and panel discussion of the documentary:
5/14: The Journey Here, The Hope to Come
Saturday, February 21 at 2 p.m.
Buffalo Toronto Public Media Studios
140 Lower Terrace Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
This 30 minute documentary delves into the heart-wrenching aftermath of the tragic mass shooting on May 14, 2022 on Buffalo’s East Side. Through intimate interviews with survivors, loved ones of victims, and community leaders, this film explores the profound impact of the event and sheds light on systemic injustice.
The screening will be followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion.
You must register to attend.
The event is supported by: Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc., Buffalo Toronto Public Media and Buffalo Together, Inc. Refreshments courtesy of Tops Friendly Markets.
