The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) has awarded $8,602 to five non-profit organizations through its Spring 2010 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 Jack D’Agostino, Rose Ann Falcone, Pete Holt, Kathy Kaus, Priscilla Koch, Carmen Llera, Kristine Morabito, Debbie Pacos, Alberto Rey, Jerry Rocque, and Monica White. Rose Ann Falcone serves as chairman of the committee and Pete Holt is the NCCF President.

Applications that have been approved by the NCCF Board of Directors to receive a grant from this program are:

• Boys and Girls Club for “Kids Café Nutrition Education Program”;
• Center For Family Unity for “Parent Education Program”;
• Foster Grandparent Program for “Volunteer Transportation Expenses”;
• Meals on Wheels for “Electric Food Delivery Bags”; and
• Chautauqua County Rural Ministry for “Cookware and Dishes”

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The Community Grants Program awards grants twice a year. The next letter of interest deadline is September 1, 2010. 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 $7.5 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.