Community Fund Grant Program

The Community Fund is a locally focused grant opportunity administered by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation (CRCF) to support innovative projects that address key community needs in Cattaraugus County, New York. This unrestricted fund aims to be highly responsive to the most pressing or promising developments in the community. Applications are accepted in two annual cycles: April 15 for review in May, and October 15 for review in November. The fund prioritizes new, impactful initiatives over recurring or operational expenses and is designed to catalyze community improvement through targeted, charitable support. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and religious organizations, provided the proposed project aligns with a charitable purpose. The program specifically supports initiatives across diverse focus areas such as animal welfare, arts and culture, community and economic development, education, environment, health and wellness, human services, mental health, recreation, and youth development. While broad in its areas of support, the program maintains strict ineligibility criteria to ensure that its funding is applied to public benefit rather than private or administrative gain. Funding requests must not exceed $2,500 per cycle, and only one proposal per organization may be submitted annually. Applications are reviewed by a committee composed of local professionals and engaged community members. This committee evaluates proposals based on organizational strength, the relevance and urgency of community need, project feasibility, the potential impact, and the justification of the project budget in relation to the requested funds. A detailed assessment rubric guides this evaluation process. To enhance the quality of submissions and alignment with fund priorities, applicants are encouraged to contact CRCF prior to applying. This engagement allows prospective grantees to clarify eligibility and expectations. CRCF also requires all successful grantees to submit a final report upon completion of their funded activities, ensuring transparency and accountability for the use of funds. There are several exclusions in the funding guidelines to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the Community Fund. These include ongoing operational needs, salaries and fringe benefits, marketing or advertising expenses, fundraising event sponsorships, endowment building, religious or political activities, and any discriminatory practices. Additionally, proposals aimed at reimbursing expenses incurred prior to the Foundation's decision date are not eligible for funding. The Community Fund plays a vital role in supporting grassroots solutions and encouraging creative problem-solving at the local level. By limiting awards to small, one-time amounts and focusing on catalytic projects, the CRCF ensures that limited resources generate meaningful impact across a broad range of charitable areas.