Funding Strategies for Buffalo Horizons

To achieve our vision of revitalizing Buffalo’s economic landscape, empowering youth, and fostering community growth, diverse and sustainable funding streams are essential. The following strategies combine public, private, and community-based support to provide stability and flexibility for our programs.

1. Local Business Partnerships & Sponsorships

Purpose: Engage local businesses as partners who benefit from economic growth and visibility.

What We’ll Do:

• Offer Sponsorship Packages for key programs, events, or initiatives.

  • Example Tiers:

    • Gold Sponsor: $5,000+ (Logo on major events, mentions in press, featured in newsletters).

    • Silver Sponsor: $2,500+ (Event signage, social media recognition).

    • Community Partner: $500+ (Name listed on the website and local promotions).

• Develop a Business Investment Program where local businesses can contribute small, recurring monthly funds that directly support Buffalo Horizons' mission.

Benefits to Businesses:

• Enhanced visibility in the community.

• Opportunities to contribute to Buffalo’s economic and workforce growth.

• Positive brand association with a forward-thinking initiative.

2. State, Federal, and Rural Development Grants

Purpose: Access available public funding to support economic development, workforce training, and infrastructure projects.

What We’ll Do:

• Apply for grants targeting rural revitalization, small-town development, and youth engagement, such as:

  • USDA Rural Development Grants for community infrastructure or business development.

  • Wyoming Business Council Grants for economic initiatives and revitalization.

  • EDA (Economic Development Administration) Grants for job creation and economic growth.

  • Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to support infrastructure and public spaces.

• Collaborate with local government to identify co-funding opportunities for larger infrastructure projects (e.g., broadband, parks).

Quick Win: Hire or partner with a local grant writer to identify and apply for the most promising grant opportunities.

3. Community Fundraising Campaigns

Purpose: Foster community buy-in and raise funds directly from residents, families, and small donors.

What We’ll Do:

• Launch “Invest in Buffalo Horizons” campaigns where residents can contribute to specific initiatives, such as:

  • Youth programs.

  • Family-friendly events (e.g., movie nights).

  • Revitalizing a specific downtown space or project.

• Offer branded merchandise (e.g., T-shirts, hats, mugs) featuring the Buffalo Horizons logo and slogan.

• Create an Annual Community Fundraiser Event to celebrate progress, recognize sponsors, and raise funds.

Examples: A dinner gala, silent auction, or outdoor community fair where proceeds support Buffalo Horizons initiatives.

4. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Purpose: Leverage collaboration between Buffalo Horizons, local government, and private investors for larger-scale projects.

What We’ll Do:

• Partner with private investors and developers to co-fund revitalization projects, such as:

  • Transforming vacant buildings into business hubs, coworking spaces, or community centers.

  • Developing infrastructure improvements like parks, trails, or community gathering spaces.

• Use Buffalo Horizons as a platform to align private-sector contributions with community-focused outcomes.

Example: A local developer invests in repurposing a building, while Buffalo Horizons manages community programming within the space.

5. Program-Specific Revenue

Purpose: Generate sustainable revenue through key programs and initiatives.

What We’ll Do:

• Introduce participation fees for specialized programs, such as:

  • Business Accelerator Workshops (minimal fees to cover materials and expert speakers).

  • Youth Entrepreneurship Challenges (entry fees for competitions).

• Host ticketed community events, such as outdoor movie nights, festivals, or seasonal markets.

• Launch a Micro-Grant Fund where businesses contribute a small fee to apply for grants or services provided by Buffalo Horizons.

6. Local and Regional Foundations

Purpose: Secure funding from foundations focused on community growth, education, and economic development.

What We’ll Do:

• Partner with regional philanthropic foundations, such as the Wyoming Community Foundation, for grants supporting:

  • Youth workforce programs.

  • Business incubation and mentoring initiatives.

  • Community space development.

• Reach out to local family foundations or charitable trusts that prioritize small-town development.

7. Crowdfunding for Specific Initiatives

Purpose: Use platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter to fund specific projects that resonate with the community.

What We’ll Do:

• Launch online crowdfunding campaigns for high-visibility projects like:

  • Revitalizing a key downtown space.

  • Sponsoring a Youth Apprenticeship Program.

  • Hosting a signature annual event.

Quick Win: Promote these campaigns through social media, newsletters, and local media to encourage broad community participation.

Why These Strategies Work

1. Diverse Funding Streams: Reduces reliance on a single source and ensures financial stability.

2. Community Buy-In: Engages businesses, residents, and stakeholders who directly benefit from Buffalo Horizons.

3. Scalable: Strategies can grow as Buffalo Horizons’ programs and influence expand.

4. Immediate & Long-Term Impact: Combines quick fundraising wins with sustainable, long-term grants and partnerships.

Next Steps

1. Identify local businesses and stakeholders for initial partnerships and sponsorships.

2. Prioritize grant applications for programs with the greatest short-term impact.

3. Launch the first community fundraising campaign with a clear project goal.

4. Set financial goals and timelines for each funding stream to ensure accountability.