Paul J. Lancaster

A Dunkirk High School graduate and Class of 1971 valedictorian has not forgotten his early years.

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation last week announced the establishment of the Paul J. and Christine K. Lancaster Fund, created through a generous gift of $250,000. Grants from the fund will support environmental and community-building projects and opportunities within the city of Dunkirk and its adjacent Lake Erie waterfront. Lancaster established the fund with his wife, Christine, as a way of giving back to his hometown.

“I grew up when Lake Erie was declared ‘dead’ from pollution, and Dunkirk had begun its long, painful decline due to lost manufacturing jobs and urban renewal,” said Lancaster. “This fund is our way of helping Dunkirk recover and grow. It’s what we can offer to make a positive difference in the place I still call home.”

Organizations may submit funding requests to NCCF on a rolling basis. Projects may also be recommended by NCCF committee members, staff, or Board members. Funding decisions will be made by the NCCF Board of Directors with input from Lancaster.

“Paul and Christine are an extraordinarily thoughtful and generous couple; their gift reflects both vision and heart,” said Diane Hannum, NCCF Executive Director. “The Lancaster Fund will create meaningful opportunities to strengthen Dunkirk and its waterfront, ensuring a healthier, more vibrant future for the community.”

The Paul J. and Christine K. Lancaster Fund is permanently endowed, ensuring that grants will be available for generations to come. Their generosity reflects the power of philanthropy to shape the future of our region. Like all of NCCF’s funds, additions can be made to the fund by anyone, at any time and in any amount.

For others who wish to make a lasting difference in northern Chautauqua County, NCCF offers the opportunity to establish a Community Fund. The cornerstone of NCCF’s work, Community Funds support local grantmaking, local economic development, nonprofit capacity building, and more. Community Funds are at the heart of NCCF’s Today. Tomorrow. Together. campaign, a $10 million initiative to build flexible resources that support a wide range of needs and opportunities across the region, today and for generations to come.

For more information about the Lancaster Fund, Community Funds, or the campaign, visit www.nccfoundation.org or contact the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation by phone at (716) 366-4892 or by email at nccf@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.