The Rev. Clifford K. Cliver and his sister Lucy Cliver Sumsky grew up as foster children. In 2015, Rev. Cliver established the Reverend Clifford K. Cliver and Lucy Cliver Sumsky Scholarship to provide financial assistance for higher education to adults who, like them, spent time in the foster care system as a child.

Rev. Cliver said of the scholarship, “Together, we wanted to increase the resources given to students who have been in foster care, as it is vital to their well-being and improving their opportunities.” He created the scholarship to help those who have spent time in the foster care system reach their full potential by empowering them with educational skills and the tools they need to succeed.

The Reverend Clifford K. Cliver and Lucy Cliver Sumsky Scholarship is awarded annually without regard to the student’s financial circumstances. Graduates from a school district within Chautauqua County who have spent time in foster care during any period in their youth are eligible to apply. Applicants must also be at least 17 years old and be currently attending or accepted to a university, college, or trade school.

To download an application or learn more about this scholarship, please visit nccfoundation.org/cliver-scholarship. Return completed applications with the required essay by April 1, 2023 to NCCF, 212 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, NY 14048, or fax to 716-366-3905. Questions should be directed to scholarship coordinator Michele Starwalt-Woods at 716-366-4892 or scholarships@nccfoundation.org.

Since its incorporation in 1986, the NCCF has invested more than $20 million in northern Chautauqua County through strategic grantmaking, targeted scholarships, and leadership and community collaborations. The NCCF is a tax-exempt charitable organization inherently committed to enhancing the northern Chautauqua community and encouraging local philanthropy. As a nationally accredited community foundation, the NCCF has proven compliance with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, demonstrating integrity, equity, accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in meeting the needs of its community. For more information on the NCCF, visit www.nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.