Live Like Luca Youth Sports Grants

The Live Like Luca Youth Sports Grants program is administered by the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) and commemorates the life and legacy of Luca S. Callani. This initiative is centered on enhancing the lives of youth in Western New York by supporting sports programs and educational opportunities. In particular, the program aims to assist children and families who are experiencing financial hardship by providing resources that make youth participation in sports more accessible. The NCCF, a regional philanthropic organization committed to community-building in northern Chautauqua County, oversees the administration and distribution of this grant. Their work includes strategic grant-making, capacity building, networking, and supporting nonprofit organizations in the area. By working closely with donors and community partners, NCCF empowers local organizations to fulfill their missions and improve the well-being of residents across the region. The Live Like Luca Youth Sports Grants are typically limited to no more than $5,000 per award. These funds are intended to directly benefit youth athletic and educational activities. The foundation encourages the development of inclusive, impactful programs that foster personal growth, teamwork, and positive community engagement. While the specific allowable uses of the funds are not detailed in the source material, applicants are expected to align their requests with the goal of increasing access to youth sports among financially disadvantaged populations. Eligibility is targeted towards nonprofit organizations that serve children and families in Western New York, with particular focus on those located in northern Chautauqua County. There is no mention of eligibility for governmental entities, for-profit organizations, or individuals, suggesting that the program is restricted to nonprofits. This restriction aligns with the NCCF's broader strategic framework and their emphasis on supporting community-based, mission-driven entities. Applications for the Live Like Luca Youth Sports Grants are accepted biannually, with submission deadlines on June 1 and December 1 each year. The program is therefore recurring and provides multiple opportunities each year for eligible applicants to seek funding. However, the source does not include additional details about the application form, required documentation, or evaluation criteria. Similarly, there are no specifics on pre-application steps, such as letters of intent, or whether there is a formal review timeline for awards. No contact information is listed specifically for the Live Like Luca Youth Sports Grants, nor is a grant-specific webpage or PDF link provided. Interested applicants are encouraged to connect with the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation directly for more information. The organization’s broader capacity-building initiatives, such as the Capacity Lab, reinforce their ongoing commitment to nurturing a sustainable and effective nonprofit sector across Chautauqua County.