Rural Library Grant Program - Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation

This program is currently in development. The 2026 application period will be announced in February 2026. For more information, contact Tammy at WNYLRC.

Rural Library Grant Program

The Rural Library Grant Program will provide support for rural public libraries and library systems, tied to the interests of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation (RCWJRF). The Western New York Library Resources Council (WNYLRC) and Rochester Regional Library Council (RRLC) will manage the program in Western New York on behalf of RCWJRF. 

Qualifying rural libraries in the following counties are eligible: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming. Eligible libraries are noted in the Rural Libraries spreadsheet. All eligible libraries in Western New York have been vetted and approved by the RCWJRF, RRLC, and WNYLRC.

Defining Rural

While there is no formal national or state definition of “Rural”, for the purposes of this library grant program, the RCWJRF provides the following definition that has been adopted. Both bullets must be true to be eligible for grants:

• Any library facility physically located in a city, town, or village with a population base of 25,000 or less.
• Libraries must be 5 miles from an urbanized area.

About the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect the devotion of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his beloved Buffalo Bills NFL team. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson provided that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a lifelong generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation began with a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson's desire for the Foundation's impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable, and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information about the Foundation or other grants, visit ralphcwilsonjrfoundation.org.