DFT Communications Robert Maytum Memorial Golf Tournament Community Betterment Fund

The DFT Communications/RMM Golf Tournament Community Betterment Fund provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations to support initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the communities served by DFT Communications. This philanthropic effort is administered through the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation and aims to uplift projects that yield substantial community benefits, especially for underserved populations. Funded primarily through proceeds from the annual RMM Golf Tournament, this fund reflects DFT Communications' commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and investment in regional betterment. The fund prioritizes programs that demonstrate measurable impacts and reach broad community segments. Special consideration is given to proposals that introduce innovative or cost-effective solutions to unmet community needs. Collaboration and resource sharing among organizations is also favored, particularly when such partnerships help eliminate service duplication and expand program reach. Projects that encourage community engagement, including volunteer participation, are aligned with the fund's mission and receive preference in the evaluation process. Grant awards from the Community Betterment Fund are intended for programmatic use and do not typically support operating costs such as salaries, general travel expenses, or recurring annual appeals. Furthermore, political entities, lobbying efforts, and individuals are not eligible for funding. Applicants must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to qualify and must demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed project and the betterment of the local community. Programs affiliated with national or international organizations must show significant local impact to be considered. Applications are accepted quarterly, with deadlines falling on the 1st of March, June, September, and December. Applicants are required to complete a straightforward application that captures organizational background, a detailed description of the proposed project, intended beneficiaries, and requested funding amount. Supporting documentation, including the organization's IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, is mandatory. The fund also inquires whether the applicant is currently a customer of DFT Communications or its internet service, netsync. All grant applications must be submitted by mail or delivered in person to the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. Each application must be signed both by the applicant and an authorized representative of the organization. No online submission option is mentioned, indicating a traditional paper-based process. While the review timeline is not explicitly defined, the quarterly deadlines imply a regular review and award schedule aligned with these cycles. Organizations seeking to apply are encouraged to highlight alignment with the fund’s priorities—impact, innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Although no contact email or phone number is specified for grant inquiries, all applications are directed to the foundation’s physical address in Dunkirk, NY, suggesting that logistical and grant-related inquiries may also be handled through that office.

Prioritize community impact, innovation, and collaboration with other agencies; avoid requesting salary or travel funding.