Community Donor Advised Funds

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF), headquartered in Dunkirk, New York, offers a variety of grantmaking initiatives aimed at empowering nonprofits and enhancing the quality of life in the northern Chautauqua region. NCCF operates as a local, private community foundation that collaborates with donors, stakeholders, and other foundations to foster community development. The foundation not only provides funding opportunities, but also engages in strategic partnerships, capacity-building programs, and technical support for nonprofit growth, sustainability, and innovation. One of the foundation’s prominent initiatives is the Community Grants Program, which provides financial support to nonprofit organizations for projects that positively impact the northern Chautauqua area. Additional grant programs administered by NCCF include the Service Learning Grants, Live Like Luca Youth Sports Grants, Northern Chautauqua Environmental Fund, Lake Shore Savings Community Reinvestment Grants, and the DFT Communications Robert Maytum Memorial Golf Tournament Community Betterment Fund. These programs serve various focus areas such as education, youth development, environmental sustainability, and community improvement. Community Donor Advised Funds target specific localities. For example, the Ripley Community & Heritage Fund supports nonprofit initiatives in the Ripley area, with grants generally not exceeding $1,000. Similarly, the Silver Creek Irving Heritage Fund supports critical needs in the Silver Creek-Irving area with grants typically capped at $500, while The Westfield Fund benefits Westfield, New York, with a similar award cap and an annual deadline of April 1. Each of these funds is tailored to address localized priorities within their respective communities, ensuring resources are equitably distributed and strategically deployed. In addition to grantmaking, NCCF plays a leadership role in nonprofit sector development through The Capacity Lab, a regional initiative aimed at strengthening nonprofit infrastructure across Chautauqua County. Launched in 2018 through collaboration with five other foundations and funding from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, The Capacity Lab provides organizational development support, strategic planning, and technical assistance. NCCF provides physical space and operational support for this initiative, ensuring nonprofits have access to needed resources and leadership guidance. Grant eligibility varies by program but generally includes charitable organizations serving the northern Chautauqua County region. Grant amounts vary, with community donor advised funds generally offering modest grants up to $1,000 or $500 depending on the locality. Application procedures and timelines differ across programs, with some funds like The Westfield Fund adhering to annual deadlines. Specific criteria or additional application materials may apply depending on the program. Interested applicants are encouraged to review individual grant guidelines and reach out to the foundation for support. For inquiries or assistance, contact Leslie Wille at lwille@nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892. The NCCF office is located at 212 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, NY 14048. For more information about The Capacity Lab and its services, applicants may visit www.thecapacitylab.org.