Now open to Western New York nonprofits: 2023 Ford Friendship Express program application

Local nonprofits encouraged to apply for an opportunity to receive a new Ford van

Local Ford dealers in Western New York today announced that applications are now available for the 2023 Ford Friendship Express program. 2023 marks the 26th year for this philanthropic initiative, where community groups and charitable organizations apply for the opportunity to receive a new Ford van.

The Ford Friendship Express program was created by the Western New York Ford Dealers to share the gift of mobility with area nonprofits in need of reliable transportation. Since its inception in 1996, the program has donated 111 new vehicles to more than 70 local organizations.

The most recent local organizations to receive Ford vehicles as part of the 2022 Ford Friendship Express program include the ECMC Foundation, The Club of Springville, FeedMore WNY and the Buffalo City Mission. They join the ranks of previous organizations such as The Dale Association and Renaissance Addiction Services, Camp Good Days, Hearts and Hands, the Niagara SPCA and many more.

All nonprofit organizations operating within the counties of Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus or Allegany counties, or the Pennsylvania counties of McKean or Potter (the “Western New York area”), are eligible to apply.

Here are the details:

√ Applications and guidelines are available at www.buyfordnow.com under the “local events” tab.

√ The deadline to apply is May 31, 2023.

√ To be eligible for consideration in the WNY-area program, organizations must be located in one of the following New York counties: Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus or Allegany counties, or the Pennsylvania counties of McKean or Potter (the “Western New York area”).

√ Charities are encouraged to share stories that demonstrate their need for improved transportation.

All applications must be received by May 31, 2023, to be eligible for consideration for the 2023 program. Please send completed applications to: ATTN: Laurie Hebeler, c/o Mower, 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1300, Buffalo, NY 14202.

About the WNY Ford Dealers

The Western New York Ford Dealers are part of the Western New York Ford Stores, an advertising cooperative comprised of 39 dealer locations that provides support for Ford vehicle sales and service in the 13 counties of Western New York and Rochester, and three counties in Northern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.buyfordnow.com.