The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) has awarded $39,261 to 17 different non-profit organizations through its Spring 2008 Community Grants Program.  The Community Grants Program is a biannual program that awards grants to non-profit organizations seeking funds to enhance the northern Chautauqua County community.

A volunteer committee of community representatives thoroughly reviews the applications submitted to the Community Grants Program.  In most cases, site visits are performed as well.  The committee then prepares recommendations to the NCCF Board of Directors.  Current Grants Committee members include Rosemary Banach, Jack D’Agostino, Rose Ann Falcone, Pete Holt, Kathy Kaus, Priscilla Koch, Carmen Llera, Kristine Morabito, Debbie Pacos, Jerry Rocque, Carter Rowland, Monica White and Mike Williams. Rose Ann Falcone serves as chairman of the committee and Kurt Maytum is the NCCF President.

Agencies that have been approved by the NCCF Board of Directors for funding are listed below with their project titles.  Community Grants Program Awards include:  Adams Art Gallery for roof repairs; Allegheny Highlands Boy Scouts for 2008 Camperships; Alonzo Cushing Memorial Civic War Education Committee for Cushing’s Battery Community Presentation; Brooks Memorial Hospital for implementation of a Pediatric Weight Management Program at Dunkirk Central School; Chautauqua Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council for north county Awareness Theater expansion project; Chautauqua Children’s Safety Village for whiteboards for classroom instruction; Chautauqua County 4-H Program for storage building and announcer stand; Chautauqua County Historical Society for a “Treasury of American Song” performance collaboration with the Fredonia Opera House and SUNY Fredonia ; Chautauqua Works for “Aspiring Young Professionals” internships; Dunkirk First United Methodist Church for the Angel Food Ministries Program;  Dunkirk Historical Society for “Seasons of Celebration” folk arts program; Jamestown Audubon Society for youth educational programs; Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County for capacity building; Meals on Wheels of Chautauqua County for a copier machine; Ripley Free Library for roof repairs; SUNY Fredonia Early Childhood Program for early childhood nature education program; and the Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation for a Quick Books program.

The Community Grants Program awards grants twice a year.  The next application deadline is September 1, 2008.  For more information on making a gift to one of the NCCF’s unrestricted funds or to obtain a Community Grants Program application, visit the NCCF’s Web site, www.nccfoundation.org, or contact the NCCF office at 366-4892.            

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation was incorporated in 1986 as a tax-exempt charitable organization.  Since its establishment, the NCCF has distributed over $6.7 million into the community through its various grants programs.  It is an organization inherently committed to furthering its mission of enriching the northern Chautauqua community and encouraging local philanthropy.