Frequently, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation receives inquiries from church representatives who are anguishing over financial assistance for very essential needs. CRCF is in the very unique position to be able to say, “Yes, we have grant opportunities for churches.”   CRCF has two endowment funds that provide income to churches and religious programs. Once those endowments were established, it became the Foundation’s responsibility to provide this funding forever.

 

Recently, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Board of Directors approved the 2008 Karl Peterson Fund and the 2008 Lynn Foundation Fund grant awards. Awards from both funds are for projects that are intended for the “benefit of such religious, educational, charitable, and scientific purposes as, in the judgment of the (committee), shall be in furtherance of the public welfare and tend to assist, encourage and promote the well-doing or well-being of mankind,” as noted by the criteria on the grant application. These grants will forever carry out the intention of the donors.

 

This year, 42 grants were awarded to religious and non-religious organizations through the Karl Peterson Fund and Lynn Foundation Fund grant process. A few of the organizations assisted were: Blockville United Methodist Church, Busti Church of God, Hillcrest Baptist Church Youth Ministry, Victory Tabernacle Church and Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center.

 

The ability to award grants to local religious groups is an added bonus for CRCF. Established in 1952, the Karl Peterson Fund was created by a prominent businessman in the community. In 1992, the Karl Peterson Fund merged with the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The criteria for Karl Peterson Fund grants were originally set by the founder who used his wealth for altruistic means when the Fund was established. It was Mr. Peterson’s intent “to serve religious, scientific, educational, or any cause that furthers the well-being of mankind,” and the Community Foundation continues to follow through with that philosophy today.

 

The Lynn Foundation was established in 2006 by the members of the Lynn family. The original contribution to this fund was made possible through the ongoing profitability of the family-owned business, Allied Fire Protection Systems.  By the year 2000, Allied had become one of the larger fire protection sprinkler contractors in the state.

 

In 1969, MRC/TRW, a local bearing manufacturer, provided Gary Lynn with a scholarship, even though he was not a star pupil in high school. Due to their investment in him, he has always had the desire to give back to others. According to Mr. Lynn, the Lynn Foundation Fund was established by the current owners who are Charles Lynn, Christopher Lynn, Scott Lynn, and Gary Lynn to aid those organizations that “continue to do God’s work.”

 

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation will assist religious and non-religious organizations through the legacy of Mr. Karl Peterson and the Lynn family forever and ever.

 

If you would like to help the area religious organizations, a gift to these funds would help them in the years to come. The staff of the Community Foundation is available to assist you in this effort.