Building a Just Economy: The Crossroads Community Fund and Just Transition in Buffalo

Buffalo, New York, is a city with a rich history of industry, community activism, and resilience. Yet, like many post-industrial cities, it faces significant challenges: systemic economic inequality, environmental degradation, and disinvestment in historically marginalized communities. In response, the Crossroads Coalition has emerged as a transformative force, championing a just transition in Buffalo that prioritizes equity, sustainability, and community empowerment.

A “just transition” refers to a strategic shift from an extractive, environmentally harmful economy to one that is sustainable, equitable, and centered on community well-being. In Buffalo, this vision has found a tangible expression in the establishment of the Crossroads Community Fund, a fund designed to channel resources directly to those on the frontlines of community leadership. Over the next decade, the Fund will distribute approximately $1 million annually through three grant programs, supporting residents, nonprofits, cooperatives, and arts organizations led by historically marginalized individuals.

The Importance of Community-Led Leadership

Historically, decisions about economic and social development in Buffalo have been made without meaningful input from frontline communities. The result? Neighborhoods left behind, insufficient access to resources, and limited pathways for residents to influence policies affecting their lives. Recognizing this, the Crossroads Coalition has committed to community grants for frontline leaders, ensuring that those who understand the lived realities of these communities are empowered to shape their futures.

The Fund’s three programs—the People’s Fund, DownRoot Fund, and Power Up Fund—are designed to address the diverse needs of the community:

• The People’s Fund provides mutual-aid style support, offering direct resources to residents during crises or emergencies.
  
• The DownRoot Fund builds the capacity of local nonprofits, cooperatives, small businesses, and arts organizations led by historically marginalized individuals.
  
• The Power Up Fund promotes civic literacy, helping residents engage meaningfully in local governance and decision-making.
  

By investing in grassroots leadership, the Fund embodies a model of governance rooted in trust, collaboration, and empowerment.

Early Impacts of the Fund

To kick off its work, the Crossroads Coalition donated $130,000 to the Refugee Partnership’s Crisis Response Fund. These funds have provided essential assistance—food, shelter, and healthcare—to 731 refugee families who were denied federal support. This immediate impact demonstrates the Fund’s commitment to equity and the well-being of frontline communities.

Beyond emergency relief, the DownRoot Fund supports projects that are building a just economy in Buffalo. From community-owned businesses to cooperative ventures and arts organizations, these initiatives foster economic opportunities, creative expression, and social cohesion. Leaders using these resources are not just surviving—they are thriving and reshaping the city’s economic landscape.

Voices from the Movement

The voices of community leaders reflect the transformative potential of this initiative:

“This is our moment to demonstrate courageous leadership for communities that have been disinvested from and harmed for decades… With these funds, we have an opportunity to show WNY what real people power—community-led governance and design—can look like.”
— Dawn Wells-Clyburn, Executive Director of PUSH Buffalo

“The Crossroads Community Fund is a bold investment in Buffalo’s people, neighborhoods, and grassroots organizations—a historical shift from top-down philanthropy to a community-driven model that builds real power from the ground up.”
— Franchelle Parker, Executive Director of Open Buffalo

These statements underscore the Fund’s commitment to empowering those closest to the challenges, creating a culture of shared leadership and accountability.

A Vision for the Future

The just transition in Buffalo is not merely about funding—it is about reshaping the economic, social, and environmental landscape of the city. By investing in community grants for frontline leaders, the Crossroads Community Fund is building a city where economic opportunities are equitable, environmental justice is prioritized, and residents have the tools to shape their own futures.

In practical terms, this means supporting community-controlled infrastructure, cooperative businesses, and initiatives that create local employment while addressing environmental and social justice concerns. It also means fostering collaboration among local organizations, ensuring that knowledge, resources, and opportunities are shared.

Conclusion

Buffalo stands at a crossroads. By supporting the Crossroads Community Fund, donors, volunteers, and civic leaders can contribute to a just and sustainable future where communities have both the resources and the authority to lead. This approach to economic development—rooted in equity, empowerment, and long-term sustainability—is a model for cities across the nation seeking to implement a just transition.The Fund demonstrates that when community grants for frontline leaders are prioritized, transformative change is possible. For Buffalo, this is just the beginning of building a resilient, equitable, and thriving city for all residents.