Interactive Online Treasure Hunt!   NCCF and CRCF are partnering for the Amazing County project. Join in the treasure hunt~ Click to go to website>>

The Trustees of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation have approved a $94,400 challenge grant to the partnership of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

The project, AmazingCounty, is among the second-year winners of the Knight Community Information Challenge, a five-year, $24 million contest that helps community foundations find creative ways to use new media and technology to keep residents informed and engaged.

A total of $4.3 million has been awarded to twenty-four (24) innovative ideas during this second round. While projects range from a digital media center to a 21st century virtual public square, each focuses on meeting America’s information needs.

“Information is as important to a thriving democracy as clean air, jobs and schools. As leaders, local community foundations are taking the initiative to meet those information needs,” said Trabian Shorters, Knight Foundation’s Vice President for Communities Program, who leads the challenge. “These projects help ensure that everyone has the information necessary to make decisions about their governments and their lives.”

Among the winners are community foundations rural and urban, large and small. For the first time, several foundations joined to create regional projects for greater impact.

The Agreement signed by the local community foundations and the Knight Foundation explains the intent of the grant:

“To raise awareness of local history, needs and resources, this grant to the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation and the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, will help create an online treasure hunt in Chautauqua County, New York. A sprawling rural area with 44 municipalities, communities tend to be insular, which impedes regional progress. Many residents are unaware of the area’s rich history and cultural assets. Brain drain is a concern, with many younger residents moving away. AmazingCounty, an online treasure hunt, will showcase the county and increase community pride while aiming to engage and retain residents under 40.”

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation advances journalism in the digital age and invests in the vitality of communities where the Knight brothers owned newspapers. Knight Foundation focuses on projects that promote community engagement and lead to transformational change.

For more, visit www.knightfoundation.org>>