Allegany County Area Foundation Grants

The Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) provides grant funding to tax-exempt, non-profit organizations that serve the residents of Allegany County, New York. With a commitment to community enrichment, ACAF supports initiatives that demonstrate a significant benefit to the local population. The foundation emphasizes a preference for non-recurring special projects rather than ongoing operational costs. Applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed quarterly by the foundation’s Grant Committee, with meetings scheduled in June, September, December, and March. Proposals must be received at least five days before the committee's scheduled meetings to be considered for review. In cases of urgent community need, applications may also be evaluated outside of the quarterly cycle. ACAF does not provide grants to individuals, nor does it support annual campaigns, building campaigns, or activities of a primarily political or religious nature. Religious organizations may be considered only if the proposed project serves a broad, nonsectarian public benefit. Proposals for artwork must include renderings or descriptions and may be declined if deemed offensive or not in line with community standards. All grant-funded programs must align with the foundation's charitable mission and comply with IRS regulations. Grant applications must be submitted in a physical or scanned format, as online submissions are not currently supported. Organizations may download or request the application form by mail. The application requires details about the organization, a description of the proposed project, a detailed project budget with revenue and expenditure breakdowns, and supporting documentation. Required attachments include a copy of the IRS tax exemption letter, a list of officers and directors, and the most recent financial statement or IRS Form 990. Eligible projects must show the capacity of the applicant organization to execute the program, the seriousness of the problem addressed, the breadth of impact, and the potential for future support. ACAF evaluates proposals based on their expected outcomes, the soundness of the implementation plan, and the availability of other funding sources. Grant recipients are expected to submit a final report evaluating the use of funds and the outcomes of the funded project or program. For assistance or questions related to the grant process, organizations are encouraged to contact ACAF’s Executive Director, Bruce Campbell, at 585-296-5616. The mailing address for submitting applications is 6087 State Route 19N, Belmont, NY 14813.

Focus on special projects that demonstrate broad community impact. Avoid recurring or operational funding requests.