The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo is now accepting letters of intent for 2012 grants through its website at www.cfgb.org. Letters of intent are due Feb. 1. This will be the only granting cycle for 2012.

The foundation will review the letters of intent and invite proposals from selected nonprofits in May 2012. Awardees will be notified in early August.

Competitive granting will continue to support the following four focus areas as identified in the foundation’s five-year strategic plan:

Increasing economic self-sufficiency for low-income individuals and families.

Reducing racial and ethnic disparities.

Enhancing and leveraging significant natural, historic and architectural resources.

Strengthening the region as a center for arts and culture.

Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located within the eight counties of Western New York: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming. Nonprofits should review eligibility requirements and specific solutions under each of the four focus areas at www.cfgb.org prior to submitting a letter of intent. Questions on the process or eligibility requirements can be directed to the foundation’s Program Department at 852-2857.

For more information about The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, which was established in 1919 to enhance and encourage long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community, visit www.cfgb.org.