The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) is pleased to announce the formation of the Lyford-Gugino Endowment for Inclusive Classroom and Community Experiences. Established in January of this year by Joe and Jessica Gugino, this Field of Interest Fund is dedicated to enhancing opportunities and fulfilling needs that directly benefit individuals with disabilities in northern Chautauqua County.

This new fund provides grant support to nonprofit organizations and both public and private schools. Eligible programs, organizations, and classrooms must be inclusive in nature, ensuring that at least 20% of participants, or a ratio of 1:5, are individuals with disabilities. Applications will be accepted and reviewed annually, with funding recommendations made by a designated committee. Preference will be given to funding requests that include matching funds.

Potential funding opportunities include support for unified sports teams, inclusive camp experiences, classroom equipment that enhances the education or experience of students with disabilities and is not otherwise funded, and specialized programming designed for individuals with disabilities.

“The donors hold a strong commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that all have access to meaningful classroom and community experiences,” said Diane Hannum, Executive Director of NCCF. “We are honored to help facilitate this important endowment.”

NCCF is currently accepting applications for the first round of grants from the Lyford-Gugino Endowment for Inclusive Classroom and Community Experiences. Applications should be submitted by Tuesday, Sept. 30. Grants will be awarded in October 2025. Grants will not exceed $1,000. Organizations interested in applying can submit an application online at nccfoundation.org/helping-nonprofits, or download an application. Please contact NCCF at 716-366-4892 or nccf@nccfoundation.org with questions or for more information.

NCCF is grateful to the Guginos for their generosity and vision in creating this endowment, which will have a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities in our community. To make a contribution to the Lyford-Gugino Endowment for Inclusive Classroom and Community Experiences or to any other fund, visit www.nccfoundation.org.

Since its incorporation in 1986, the NCCF has invested nearly $23 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.