Helping Nonprofits
Building a Community Together
Striving to make northern Chautauqua the best it can be is not something NCCF can achieve on its own. Alongside our valued donors and diverse stakeholders, we forge partnerships with organizations benefiting the region, empowering them to fulfill their missions and foster community growth. Through strategic grant-making, capacity building, networking, and leadership, we support nonprofit organizations in various ways, including serving as an essential funding source.
Grants
We offer a wide range of grant programs for various purposes, each designed to build the northern Chautauqua community.
The Capacity Lab
The Capacity Lab is a hands-on, supportive facilitator, convener, and strategic thought partner, aiming to help build a sustainable nonprofit sector that can meet the needs of all the residents in Chautauqua County.
Agency Funds
Our Agency Endowment Funds enable charitable organizations to generate continuous income and promote endowment giving to their constituents.
Grants Programs
Community Grants
Community Grants Program supports charitable programs that address current needs and opportunities within our community. Grants awarded generally range from $1,000 to $15,000.
Letters of Interest are due March 1 and September 1 of each year. Email Letters of Interest to eardillo@nccfoundation.org.
Service Learning Mini-Grants
Program encourages middle and high school teachers in northern Chautauqua County to add a community service component to classroom learning. Grants up to $1,000 are available.
Applications are due March 31 of each year.
Live Like Luca Youth Sports Grants
Program celebrates the life of Luca S. Callani by supporting WNY youth sports programs and educational opportunities for children and families in financial need. Generally, grants do not exceed $5,000.
Applications are due June 1 and December 1 of each year.
Northern Chautauqua Environmental Fund
Supports programs that promote local environmental education, particularly regarding Lake Erie and its watershed. Contact Eileen Ardillo, Program Coordinator, for details at 716-366-4892 or eardillo@nccfoundation.org.
Lake Shore Savings Community Reinvestment Grants
Help fund vital programs and support local non-profit organizations within Lake Shore Savings’ service area.
Applications are due June 1 and December 1 of each year.
DFT Communications Robert Maytum Memorial Golf Tournament Community Betterment Fund
Awards charitable grants within their service area.
Applications are due March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1.
Community Donor Advised Funds
- Ripley Community & Heritage Fund benefits charitable organizations serving the Ripley community. Grants generally do not exceed $1,000.
- Sheridan Community Fund is in the process of forming. Contact us if you would like to support the fund.
- Silver Creek Irving Heritage Fund funds charitable organizations, programs, and initiatives that address the most pressing needs of the Silver Creek-Irving communities. Grants generally do not exceed $500.
- The Westfield Fund enriches the quality of life for Westfield, New York residents. Grants generally do not exceed $500.
The Capacity Lab
The Capacity Lab is a hands-on, supportive facilitator, convener, and strategic thought partner aiming to build a sustainable nonprofit sector that can meet the needs of all the residents in Chautauqua County.
In 2018, six Chautauqua County foundations, including NCCF, convened to discuss the possibility of county-wide nonprofit capacity building. We formed a collective impact group and, with additional funding from the Gebbie and Lenna Foundations, pooled our resources to secure a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. This grant provided the capability for exploratory work, laying the groundwork for what would become The Capacity Lab.
The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, one of the original six foundations, remains a driving force behind this initiative as part of its commitment to building up regional nonprofits. We provide office and meeting space, operational support, and other resources as needed to ensure that The Capacity Lab’s Project Director, Noah Goodling, can work with the Chautauqua County nonprofit sector effectively.
For more information, visit: https://www.thecapacitylab.org
Empowering Your Organization with Enduring Support
We are here to help your organization stay focused on your vision, which is why we offer Agency Endowment Funds, a development tool designed to fuel your mission for years to come.
Agency Endowment Funds are permanent pools of money that are invested for long-term growth and income. They are created expressly to provide ongoing support to your organization. Agency Endowments are open-ended, so anyone can contribute once they are established.
We currently hold 23 Agency Endowment Funds with a total value of over $4 million.
Our staff is available to guide you through the process of building an Agency Endowment Fund for your organization. Contact Leslie Wille at lwille@nccfoundation.org or 716-366-4892.
Benefits
- Increased Rate of Return
- Expert and Professional Investment Management
- Long-Term Growth and Protection
- Increased Visibility for Your Agency
- Increased Giving Options for Your Donors
- Access to Planned Giving & Development Professionals
- Flexible Giving Opportunities
Our Agency Endowments
Audubon Community Nature Center
Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County
Brooks Memorial Hospital (7 funds)
Chautauqua County Agricultural and Fair Association
Chautauqua County Historical Society
Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care
Chautauqua Leadership Network
Dunkirk Free Library
First United Presbyterian Church of Dunkirk
Lakeshore Humane Society
Historical Society of Dunkirk
Sinclairville Free Library
United Way of Northern Chautauqua County
Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation
WNY Land Conservancy