The Board of Directors of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation recently approved 15 grants totaling $44,016 through the 2018 Spring Community Grants Program. The Community Grants Program awards grants to nonprofit organizations seeking funds for projects that address northern Chautauqua’s current needs and opportunities.
The Community Grants Program is funded through the NCCF’s 70 Community Benefit Funds. These endowed funds have been established by individuals, families, and organizations who have a strong interest in the well-being of the community.
Special consideration is given to projects that leverage NCCF funding, such as Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program’s grant award to upgrade their commercial milkshake machines. Youth in the 4-H Program will use these new machines at the 4-H Snack Bar during the Chautauqua County Fair. The money earned each year supports 4-H activities. Over time, the funds raised through the sale of milkshakes will far exceed the amount of the NCCF grant award.
Listed are the other grants approved in April. Patterson Library, Makerspace Program. WCA Home, Air-Conditioning System. Southern Tier Health Care System, Cribs for Kids. Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County, “Ultimate Journey” STEM Summer Enrichment Program. Chautauqua Connections, Children’s Coalition Summer Professional Development Training. Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse, Gift Shop Improvements. Pet Pantry, Trap-Spay-Neuter Assistance Program. Greystone Nature Preserve, Sprucing Up Project. Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women, grants for northern Chautauqua County women. Chautauqua Alcohol & Substance Abuse Council, Hope & Healing Community Forum. Hispanic Education Coalition, Community Engagement Project. Juneteenth Festival Celebration Committee, Cultural Education and Entertainment. Chautauqua Adult Day Services, Enhanced Outdoor Recreation Program. Access to the Arts, Capacity Building and Adams Art Center.
NCCF’s volunteer grants committee of community representatives reviews each application submitted to the program, and in most cases agency site visits are conducted. After a thorough review process, funding recommendations are made to NCCF Board of Directors. Current Grants Committee members include Helen Baran, Jody Briggs, Jill Casey, Mac Crowe, Ann Eckman, Margaret Ferris, Virginia Harper, JoAnn Kaufman, Alex Moss, Alberto Rey, Peter Ryan, Rich Ryan and Kurt Warmbrodt. Pete Ryan serves as chairman of the committee, and Gina Paradis is the NCCF President.
The Community Grants Program awards grants twice a year. Letters of Interest for the next round of funding are due September 1, 2018. Visit the website www.nccfoundation.org/grants-programs for additional information on grant programs or contact Eileen Ardillo, Program Coordinator at 716-366-4892 or eardillo@nccfoundation.org.
To make a gift to one of the Community Benefit Funds, visit our website www.nccfoundation.org/community-funds or contact the office at 716-366-4892.
The NCCF, incorporated in 1986, is a tax-exempt charitable organization. Since its establishment, the NCCF has distributed more than $14 million in the community through its various grant programs. It is an organization inherently committed to enriching the northern Chautauqua community and encouraging local philanthropy. For more information on the NCCF, visit www.nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.