The Western New York Foundation has awarded Hilbert College and St. Bonaventure University $20,000 to support the two schools’ efforts to create a strategic alliance.

“The WNY Foundation is supporting Hilbert College and St. Bonaventure University and their efforts to create a strategic alliance, because we feel this process will help each institution build on their strengths and create more educational opportunities for students,” said Beth Kinsman Gosch, Executive Director of The Western New York Foundation.

The Western New York Foundation, incorporated in 1951, makes grants in the seven counties of Western New York State: Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua.

Under its Certificate of Incorporation, the Foundation has broad powers to assist all charitable agencies of Western New York other than churches or affiliated religious agencies. The corporate stated purposes are "to conduct and promote educational, charitable, philanthropic, eleemosynary and beneficent works only.”

The Western New York Foundation supports sustainable organizations that improve the quality of life in Western New York. The Foundation makes investments that build on nonprofits’ proven strengths in order to improve their effectiveness and their ability to fulfill their missions.

About St. Bonaventure 

The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. We are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition. Our students are becoming extraordinary.