Through strategic partnerships with Say Yes Buffalo, Buffalo Prep and BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund, Rich’s deepens investment in Western New York
BUFFALO, N.Y., Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rich Family Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Rich Products, today announced the commitment of more than $2 million in philanthropic support for educational opportunities across Western New York through partnerships with Say Yes Buffalo, Buffalo Prep, and the BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund. The investment marks the largest education-focused commitment in Rich’s history and reflects the company’s belief that one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen the future of Buffalo is by investing in its next generation.
“Buffalo has been Rich’s home for more than 80 years, and we believe one of the best ways to invest in its future is by investing in its young people,” said Ted Rich, chief growth officer, Rich Products. “Say Yes Buffalo, Buffalo Prep and the BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund are opening doors that can change the trajectory of a student’s life. By supporting these organizations, we’re helping create opportunities for the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of Western New York. We’re proud to be part of that.”
As nonprofits face increasing demands and a challenging funding environment, Rich’s commitment provides both immediate and long-term support for three critical organizations that help students and families access educational opportunities and build brighter futures. More than financial contributions, these commitments reflect long-standing partnerships grounded in a shared commitment to help students learn, grow and succeed through volunteerism, mentorship and community engagement.
Investing in Opportunity Across Western New York
Each organization advances a different aspect of educational success. From academic enrichment and college readiness to scholarship assistance, their collective impact helps create stronger pathways for students and families throughout the region to learn, grow and thrive.
Say Yes
Since its launch in 2012, Say Yes Buffalo has helped expand access to higher education and support services for students and families across Western New York, serving more than 20,000 community members annually and helping more than 4,300 students complete college degrees or certificate programs.
Over the next five years, Rich’s will invest $1.25 million in Say Yes Buffalo, providing long-term operational support and funding to help students navigate education, stay on track academically and prepare for a career. With 85% of Say Yes Buffalo scholars choosing post-secondary schools in Western New York, the need for sustained support is significant. Rich’s funding will ensure students and families continue to have access to these resources for years to come.
“We are extremely grateful for the investments that the Rich Family Foundation and Rich’s continue to make in the talented young people of this city,” said Say Yes Buffalo CEO David Rust. “Their visionary leadership is helping transform educational outcomes for Buffalo students by fostering a college-going culture and ensuring young people have the support they need to succeed once they arrive on campus. This funding will help more students navigate challenges, remain on track toward their degrees, and ultimately realize their dreams. There is no better investment in Buffalo’s future than helping more students cross the finish line to a rewarding career.”
This commitment builds on a longstanding relationship between Rich’s and Say Yes Buffalo. In 2021, Rich Family Foundation committed $1 million to Say Yes to support programs that provide students with access to education, mentorship and career coaching. Since 2022, Rich’s has also partnered with Say Yes and CareerWise Greater Buffalo to provide youth apprenticeships that connect classroom learning with real-world work experience. Rich’s currently has two students completing their Say Yes apprenticeship with the company.
Buffalo Prep
For more than 35 years, Buffalo Prep has helped students prepare for academic success through enrichment programming, mentorship, and college preparation. Serving 750 scholars and alumni annually, Buffalo Prep has a 100% graduation rate, and over the last 10 years, 84% of high school Prep graduates have earned or are on track to earn a bachelor’s degree.
To advance Buffalo Prep’s mission, Rich’s will invest $750,000 over the next five years to support academic enrichment programs and the Illuminate the Future Fund, helping strengthen opportunities for current and future students.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Rich Products and the Rich Family Foundation for their generosity and continued support of Buffalo Prep,” said David Johnson, executive director, Buffalo Prep. “Their longstanding commitment to our scholars and our community helps us expand educational access and opportunity for young people across Western New York and provide the programs and experiences that help them thrive. We’re proud and grateful to have their continued partnership in this work.”
BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund
Founded in 1995, the BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund helps low-income families access educational opportunities through K-12 tuition assistance and scholarship support across Western New York. Since its founding, the organization has awarded 46,000 scholarships, including support for 1,800 elementary and high school students in the 2026-27 school year.
To help sustain BISON’s efforts, Rich’s will provide $50,000 in scholarship funding over the next two years, helping more students access the educational opportunities, resources and experiences that can shape their future success.
“Rich Products’ commitment to BISON is an investment in the future of Western New York,” said Clara Moran, executive director, BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund. “At BISON, we believe that where a child comes from should never determine where their education can take them. This generous support will help us provide more students with access to high-quality educational opportunities and give families the resources they need to choose the best educational path for their children. We are incredibly grateful to Rich Products for recognizing the power of education and for partnering with us to help more students thrive.”
Together, these investments reflect Rich’s longstanding belief that strengthening Buffalo’s future begins with creating opportunities for the next generation.
MEET RICH’S
Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $5.8 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that families make possible.
Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
About Say Yes Buffalo
Say Yes Buffalo’s mission is to advance economic mobility for Buffalo students through cradle-to-career supports and a postsecondary tuition scholarship promise. Launched in 2012, the Say Yes Buffalo partnership is a community collaboration dedicated to strengthening the city’s public school system and increasing high school and postsecondary graduation rates. Our key partners are the Buffalo Public School District, City of Buffalo, Erie County, the Buffalo Teachers Federation, several parent groups, and more than one hundred funders and community-based organizations. More information at SayYesBuffalo.org.
About Buffalo Prep
Buffalo Prep is a nonprofit organization that works to expand educational access and opportunity for students across Western New York. Since 1989, Buffalo Prep has provided academic enrichment, college preparation and ongoing support to scholars from middle school through college and beyond. Today, Buffalo Prep serves more than 750 scholars and alumni each year and has a network of more than 1,100 alumni. Through its programs, Buffalo Prep nurtures scholars’ brilliance, supports their growth as leaders and helps ensure they have the resources and opportunities to pursue their goals.
About BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund
Founded in 1995, BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund is a privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping break the cycle of poverty through access to high-quality education. BISON provides tuition assistance to low-income children throughout Western New York, helping families access educational opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.
For more than 30 years, BISON supporters have helped provide more than 46,000 scholarships, representing over $51.1 million in private investment in Western New York education. Today, BISON partners with 74 schools across the region, supporting students from kindergarten through high school and working alongside families, schools, and community partners to help students reach their full potential.
For more information, visit bisonfund.org.
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