The board of directors at the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation recently awarded $ $88,628 in grants to 14 local charitable organizations. The Community Grants Program is a biannual program that awards grants to local nonprofits seeking funding for projects that address northern Chautauqua’s current needs and opportunities.

Diane Hannum, NCCF Executive Director, said: “By partnering with local agencies and with the support of our many donors, the NCCF is helping to build and maintain a strong and vibrant northern Chautauqua community.” The Community Grants Program is funded through the NCCF’s over 70 Community Benefit Funds. Individuals, families, and organizations who have a strong interest in the well-being of the community have established these endowed funds.

The Board of Directors awarded the following grants:

¯ Food Bank of WNY — Allocation of food to 15 Chautauqua County food pantries and distribution programs

¯ Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County — Podcast project and computers

¯ Jamestown YWCA — Supervised Visitation Program

¯ Northern Chautauqua Soccer Association – TOPSoccer Program equipment

¯ Junior Achievement of Western NY — Expansion of JA Programs throughout Chautauqua County.

¯ Lake Shore Center for the Arts — Multimedia “Creativity Innovation Lab.”

¯ Town of Hanover — Boat Launch Fish Grinder.

¯ Chautauqua Child Advocacy Program — Enhanced Technology Project.

¯ Dunkirk Camp and Conference Center — Playground Equipment.

¯ Greystone Nature Preserve — Mobile Education and Outreach.

¯ Chautauqua Hometown Heroes Veterans Memorial — Veterans Mayville Memorial Project support.

¯ Cassadaga Cemetery Association — Tool House Addition.

¯ Roger Tory Peterson Institute — Merlin Tuttle Bat Conservation Photos.

NCCF’s volunteer Grants Committee of community representatives reviews each application submitted to the program, and in most cases, conduct agency site visits. After a thorough review process, the committee makes its funding recommendations to the NCCF Board of Directors. Current Grants Committee members include Helen Baran, Jill Casey, Ann Eckman, Jody Falkner, Margaret Ferris, Alex Moss, Peter Ryan, Rich Ryan, and Kurt Warmbrodt. Pete Ryan serves as chair of the committee, and Rick Ketcham is the board president.

Visit the NCCF website www.nccfoundation.org/grants-programs for additional information or contact Eileen Ardillo, program coordinator at 366-4892 or eardillo@nccfoundation.org.

To make a gift to one of NCCF’s community benefit funds, visit the NCCF’s website www.nccfoundation.org/community-funds or contact the NCCF 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 $15.5 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 366-4892.