The Lyford-Gugino Endowment for Inclusive Classroom and Community Experiences is dedicated to enhancing opportunities and fulfilling needs that directly benefit individuals with disabilities in northern Chautauqua County. Numerous applications were received for the fund’s first round of grants, demonstrating the need for such support in our area.

Qualified organizations for grants from this fund are inclusive in nature, with a minimum of 20% of participants being individuals with disabilities.

After careful review of all applications received, grants were awarded to the Chautauqua Children’s Gym and Centaur Stride as follows:

— $1,000 to Chautauqua Children’s Gym for the purchase and installation of an accessible ball pit, which will allow for easier access for children with disabilities, and full integration and inclusivity for all children.

Dawn Manzella, executive director, and Jessica Gugino at the Chautauqua Children’s Gym, where a new, accessible ball pit will soon be installed.

— $400 to Centaur Stride to support the Volunteer Transitions Program, providing mentorship to individuals with disabilities as they participate in a hands-on role at the barn, developing life and work skills.

Grants from the Lyford-Gugino Endowment for Inclusive Classroom and Community Experiences will be awarded annually. Applications for the second round of grants will be accepted beginning in October. For more information about the fund or grants, please contact NCCF at 716-366-4892 or nccf@nccfoundation.org. To contribute to the fund, visit nccfoundation.org or contact NCCF directly.

NCCF connects people with purpose, providing the opportunity to achieve your charitable goals while working hand in hand to realize our vision of a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua, rich in opportunity for generations to come. Endowments at NCCF directly benefit our community in perpetuity. If you are interested in establishing your own fund at NCCF, whether for a specific interest area or to support the greatest needs in our community as they arise through a Community Fund, please get in touch with the office.

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.