Buffalo Together Community Response Fund: A Long-Term Investment Strategy to Tackle Deep-Rooted Issues
By: Buffalo Together Community Response Fund Steering Committee
For nearly two years, the Buffalo Together Community Response Fund (BTCRF) Steering Committee has been on an insightful and emotional listening and learning journey to find new solutions to address systemic issues on the East Side of Buffalo. The BTCRF was established, and a Steering Committee was formed to inform the spending of that fund, in response to the hateful incident that took the lives of 10 community members, left three people wounded and changed countless lives forever on May 14, 2022. The Steering Committee is now in the final stages of developing a long-term community investment strategy that is grounded in input from East Side residents and leaders and prioritizes representation of the local community in its implementation.
In the Fall of 2022, following an extensive national search, Black-led firm, Rainbow Research was selected by the Steering Committee to create a detailed investment strategy that directly confronts racial inequities on the East Side of Buffalo. This strategy is rooted in research and analysis, highlighting the great work that is already happening in our community, while also leveraging proven models to ensure that initiatives are well-informed.
As we share more about our journey to date, it is also important to share that the development of the investment strategy with Rainbow Research was funded by additional dollars outside of the money raised for the BTCRF. This investment strategy will help inform how the fund will be spent in the future.
The original fund, enriched by $6.3 million from local and national donors and private funders, has been responsibly managed to maximize its impact. Initially, $655,000 was allocated to support Black led organizations that promptly addressed the immediate needs following the tragedy on May 14th, showcasing the fund’s responsive and purposeful resource allocation.
The fund was not set up for rapid depletion but is instead designed for sustained engagement with community impact as the goal. This approach aligns with long-term goals for community rebuilding and systemic change, ensuring that financial resources are strategically used to foster enduring community benefits and ensuring community input and voice is included. As of December 2023, we are proud to say that the fund balance was approximately $6.1 million. We will continue to act responsibly with the original donations and provide careful stewardship to ensure that each dollar is dedicated to initiatives that contribute to long-term benefits and bolster community resilience on the East Side of Buffalo.
The Steering Committee also expanded its learning beyond Western New York, as members participated in discussions and connected with several best practice communities. These meetings were designed to gather a range of community driven strategies that effectively address systemic challenges. By understanding diverse approaches, the Steering Committee aims to consider similar strategies tailored to meet Buffalo’s unique needs.
Our journey has been characterized by deep emotional engagement and reflection, acknowledging the profound impacts of systemic racism and hate, but also the ability to push forward towards greater healing and rebuilding of the community. This empathetic approach is vital for community healing and for developing effective, long-lasting strategies.
This summer, the findings from Rainbow Research will be presented, with the intent of mobilizing community leaders, stakeholders, and residents towards collective action. The release of the investment strategy will mark a pivotal moment in the committee’s journey following the events of May 14, 2022, and is expected to propel the implementation of strategic initiatives designed to transform the East Side through community-led efforts.
This comprehensive approach by our BTCRF Steering Committee demonstrates an intentional effort to find solutions to deep rooted issues that were alive and well on May 13, 2022, and before - fostering a resilient, inclusive community and our ability to carry the legacy of those ten lives lost through the investment in long-term, sustainable change.
The Buffalo Together Community Response Fund Steering Committee is led by Dr. LaVonne E. Ansari and Thomas Beauford, Jr., and is made up of numerous community members with expertise in key