The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation is accepting grant applications to the Northern Chautauqua Environmental Fund. Applications must be received by Jan. 10 at 4 p.m.

The fund was established in 1999 to increase the community’s knowledge of local environmental issues, particularly those related to Lake Erie and its watershed. Funding is available for a broad range of environmentally related educational activities, including awareness building events, hands-on educational experiences, and stipends for internships and lectures. Previous grants have supported the annual Envirothon, the purchase water testing supplies, the planting natural grasses and trees, STEM projects, student-led research, and a wide variety of environmental projects.

“At the Soil and Water District, we deal with all the natural resources in the county. Environmental education is a big part of our goals,” said Dave Wilson. “We could not do a lot of the things we do with the schools if it wasn’t for the grant foundations that we deal with, and Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation is one of them.”

Grant awards typically average $500. All nonprofit organization with educational projects related to Lake Erie and its watershed are encouraged to apply. Educational institutions and other public agencies are also invited to apply.

For more information or to obtain an application, contact Eileen Dunn at 366-4892, edunn@nccfoundation.org, or visit the NCCF website at www.nccfoundation.org/grants-programs.

The NCCF, incorporated in 1986, is a tax-exempt charitable organization. Since its establishment, the NCCF has distributed more than $12.9 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.