DownRoot Fund
The DownRoot Fund exists to promote community ownership and community control. For too long, traditional economic systems have extracted resources, displaced communities, and concentrated wealth away from the people most impacted.
DownRoot takes a different approach.
By supporting community-driven initiatives, the fund helps lay down lasting roots in Buffalo and across Western New York. DownRoot invests in projects that build an economy where people have real control over their workplaces, neighborhoods, and economic futures.
Through strategic grants, the fund strengthens organizations and initiatives that advance shared wealth, democratic ownership, and community leadership.
Rooted in Place. Rooted in Purpose.
The DownRoot Fund provides targeted support for organizations, businesses, and artists working to strengthen community-based economic systems.
Our funding prioritizes initiatives led by individuals and groups from historically marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, and others who have been historically excluded from traditional economic opportunities.
Through four distinct grant programs, DownRoot supports both the preservation of existing institutions and the creation of new models for community ownership and shared prosperity.
Preserve Grant
Grants of up to $10,000
The Preserve Grant helps sustain existing businesses and nonprofits that serve and are led by individuals from historically disinvested communities.
These grants help organizations remain rooted in place while continuing to serve their communities.
Priority is given to organizations led by:
Black and other People of Color
LGBTQ+ leaders
Immigrant communities
Other historically marginalized groups
By preserving community-based institutions, the fund helps protect neighborhood stability and long-term economic resilience.
Build Grant
Grants of up to $25,000
The Build Grant supports new collaborative projects that expand shared ownership and democratic control within the local economy.
Funding may support initiatives such as:
Worker-owned or consumer-owned cooperatives
Community land trusts
Housing and real estate cooperatives
Nonprofit initiatives with democratic governance structures
Other projects that promote shared wealth and shared decision-making
The goal of the Build Grant is to help launch innovative models that strengthen community power and create lasting economic opportunity.
Startup Grant
Grants of up to $10,000
The Startup Grant supports the start-up of new businesses led by individuals from disinvested communities (i.e. Black, POC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized groups), to help these businesses take root and positively impact their communities.
Priority is given to startup businesses led by:
Black and other People of Color
LGBTQ+ leaders
Immigrant communities
Other historically marginalized groups
The Startup Grant is intended to support underserved entrepreneurs to start new ventures that have positive community impact.
Create Grant
Grants of up to $5,000
The Create Grant supports individual artists and collaborative arts projects that bring alive the vision and goals of the Just Transition Framework.
Frontline artists are those who are first and most impacted by climate, economic, and racial injustice, yet play a critical role in shaping culture, storytelling, and community expression.
Funding may support:
Creative projects led by individual artists
Collaborative cultural initiatives
Cultural work that uplifts frontline communities
Through the Create Grant, the DownRoot Fund recognizes the vital role of art and culture in building resilient and connected communities.
Application
To apply for a DownRoot grant, applicants must create an account through the Impact Charitable Online Portal.
Once registered, applicants can submit their project information, required documentation, and supporting materials through the portal during the open application periods.
Grant Timeline
The DownRoot Fund accepts applications during the following periods in 2026:
May 1 - May 31
Review Period: June
Award Decisions: July
September 1 - September 30
Review Period: October
Award Decisions: November
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the final day of each application window.
All applicants will receive a response once the review process is completed, whether their application is awarded or declined.
DownRoot FAQ
Click here to read answers to frequently asked questions about the DownRoot Fund: DownRoot FAQ
Contact Information
If you have questions about the DownRoot Fund or need assistance with your application, our team is here to help.
For time-sensitive projects outside the standard application cycles, please contact us to discuss your needs.
Email: downroot@crossroadscommunityfund.org
Phone: (716) 368-9297
