The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation will accept letters of interest for the Community Benefit Grants Program through March 1. Please visit nccfoundation.org/grants-programs for full eligibility requirements and guidelines.

The Community Benefit Grants Program considers grant proposals from nonprofit organizations biannually in March and September. In 2021, the NCCF’s Community Benefit Grants Program distributed $236,378 through 41 grants to local organizations. Grant proposals must efficiently and effectively address identified community needs or encourage new opportunities. Letters of interest should not exceed two pages in length and should include the following:

¯ A brief project description, including how this project furthers the organization’s mission.

¯ What the anticipated and measurable impacts of the project are, including the number of people who might benefit, specific community benefits, or both.

¯ The total project cost and specific amount requested from the grants program.

¯ The signature of the Executive Director or President of the organization and the name and contact information of the primary person responsible for the proposal.

After review by the grants committee, selected organizations will be invited to submit full grant applications. Letters of interest should be forwarded to NCCF Program Coordinator Eileen Ardillo via email at eardillo@nccfoundation.org. For more information, visit nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.

The Community Benefit Grants Program is made possible through the generosity of donors who have established or contributed to Community Funds at the NCCF. Community Funds allow the flexibility to address the community’s emergent needs and maximize opportunities as they arise. To contribute to an already existing fund, visit nccfoundation.org. If you are interested in establishing a named Community Fund or contributing to a fund, please call the office at 716-366-4892.

Since its incorporation in 1986, the NCCF has invested more than $17 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 their community. For more information on the NCCF, visit www.nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.