Some of the more than 30 students from Cassadaga Valley Central School District’s Key Club who stepped into the role of philanthropists.

The future of community leadership was on full display in Cassadaga recently, driven by the insight, compassion, and determination of local students who proved they are not only ready to be part of the conversation but to lead it.

Through an initiative led by the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF), made possible by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, more than 30 students from Cassadaga Valley Central School District’s Key Club stepped into the role of philanthropists. Their task was simple, but powerful: identify the most pressing needs in their community and decide how to invest real money.

What followed was a dynamic process rooted in collaboration, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of their community.

Students began by identifying the needs they see every day: mental health and substance use concerns, the need for stronger community connection, food insecurity, access to basic necessities, care for the elderly, and transportation barriers.

Working in small groups, they shared perspectives, asked thoughtful questions, and reflected on both the challenges and the organizations working to meet them. As ideas filled the room, common themes emerged. With support from NCCF, students carefully considered impact, reach, and need — ultimately making intentional, informed decisions about where funding could do the most good.

By the end of the session, they directed $2,000 in grant funding to three organizations:

— Park Methodist Church — $1,000

— Cassadaga Valley S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) — $500

— Cassadaga Valley Key Club — $500

Their selections reflected a strong awareness of the organizations that serve as anchors in their community. It’s important to recognize that to them, school is a major part of their community. Learning how to make an impact at school translates to their ability and drive to impact wherever they go on to live.

Reflecting on the role of Park Methodist Church in the community, Xabrina Szablewski said, “I swear it’s like the heart of our community. It is behind so many things, and it doesn’t even get recognized for half the things it does. It is such a big part of the community,”.

Students also recognized the importance of prevention and education through S.A.D.D., as well as the opportunity to expand the reach of their own service work through Key Club.

“We also hope to start a middle school branch of S.A.D.D. that focuses more on bullying prevention,” said Szablewski.

“For us, the funding opens up more opportunities to do bigger things,” said student Austin Gloss. He spoke passionately about his time in Key Club, the projects he’s been a part of, and the impact he has made during his service.

For Key Club advisor Karen Schrader, the experience was both inspiring and affirming.

“I was beyond impressed with the needs and areas that the students came up with. Many I had never even thought of. Sometimes the youth of today get a bad rep, but that’s not what I saw and heard in the room. I saw passion and compassion. I saw energy. I saw the future in these kids,” she said. “The Key Club exceeded my personal expectations. While I have not been to Park Church, I sure did learn at this meeting that they seem to be the pillar of our community, servicing enormous numbers of our youth in several capacities. I can say with sincerity, it has been an honor to work in Cassadaga my entire career and my entire adult life.”

At its core, the regranting initiative is about more than funding; it is about connection, trust, and possibility. By engaging students in real decision-making, NCCF is helping to build understanding of what a community foundation is, and what it can do through the power of Community Funds established by generous, forward-thinking donors. The process connects people to organizations, highlights needs and opportunities, and strengthens partnerships across the community.

It also empowers young people to see themselves as part of the solution. Students are not only learning about philanthropy, they are practicing it. They are identifying needs, aligning resources, and making decisions that create real, tangible impact.

That is the goal of NCCF’s campaign, “Today. Tomorrow. Together. The campaign for northern Chautauqua.” The five-year campaign, currently in its final year, strives to raise $10 million for the benefit of the community, with a focus on Community Funds. It is a commitment to building stronger communities by bringing people, ideas, and resources together for a more prosperous northern Chautauqua County – not only today, but for generations to come.

From students to nonprofit organizations to funders, the impact of regranting is shared. It builds awareness, fosters collaboration, and creates pathways for continued growth and connection.

In just under an hour, these students demonstrated something powerful: when given the opportunity and trust, they don’t just rise to the occasion, they lead the way.

To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit nccfoundation.org/ today-tomorrow-together-campaign or contact NCCF at 716-366-4892 or nccf@nccfoundation.org. If your student or community group is interested in participating in a regranting initiative, email Jeannie Gallaway, jgallaway@nccfoundation.org.

Since its incorporation in 1986, the NCCF has invested nearly $25 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.