Lake Shore Savings Community Reinvestment Grants

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) plays a pivotal role in fostering community development and nonprofit sustainability in Northern Chautauqua County, New York. Founded with the mission to support charitable organizations and local initiatives, NCCF serves as both a philanthropic convener and a grant-making institution. Through a wide range of programs, NCCF collaborates with local stakeholders and donors to strengthen the region’s social infrastructure and ensure long-term viability of critical services and programs. NCCF’s grant programs support nonprofits working in diverse fields such as youth engagement, environmental protection, sports, education, and general community betterment. These programs include Community Grants, Service Learning Grants, Live Like Luca Youth Sports Grants, the Northern Chautauqua Environmental Fund, and the Lake Shore Savings Community Reinvestment Grants. Of particular note, the Lake Shore Savings program accepts applications biannually, with deadlines on June 1 and December 1 of each year, focusing funding within Lake Shore Savings’ service areas. Eligibility for these grant programs generally targets nonprofit organizations operating within Chautauqua County or specific regional service areas such as those defined by Lake Shore Savings Bank. NCCF emphasizes community-centered outcomes and prefers applicants that demonstrate sustainability, community impact, and alignment with local needs. All prospective applicants are encouraged to ensure that their programs directly benefit residents of the northern Chautauqua region. The application process and funding criteria vary by grant program. In general, organizations should submit proposals that align with the scope of the respective funding stream, be it environmental protection or youth sports development. Evaluation criteria include alignment with community needs, potential for long-term impact, organizational capacity, and clarity of proposal objectives. The foundation does not publish a uniform application form across all programs, so applicants must refer to individual program details. NCCF also supports long-term nonprofit financial health through its Agency Endowment Funds, which allow organizations to establish permanent, income-generating funds managed for growth and sustainability. These funds offer a variety of benefits, including professional investment oversight and access to planned giving expertise. As of the latest update, NCCF manages 23 Agency Endowment Funds valued at over $4 million. For more information, interested applicants can contact Leslie Wille at lwille@nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892. The foundation is located at 212 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, NY 14048. The Capacity Lab, an initiative also backed by NCCF, offers additional support for nonprofit capacity building in Chautauqua County. More details on its services are available at www.thecapacitylab.org. All grant application deadlines, eligibility rules, and strategic goals are subject to change and should be verified directly with NCCF.