Fresh off of a great 2006, the Community Foundation looks to begin every New Year by doing one of the things that the Foundation Board and staff like to do most…give away money. This is accomplished through the first grant process of each New Year, which is the Karl Peterson Grant process. The Community Foundation is now accepting Karl Peterson Grant applications and the deadline for application is January 31^st.    

 

The purpose of the Karl Peterson Grants is to benefit religious, educational, charitable, and scientific causes. These causes must have the intent to further public welfare and must assist, encourage, and promote the well-being of mankind or the people of the community. There are three factors that organizations must consider when they apply: 1) The geographical area considered for grants is generally limited to the Jamestown and Chautauqua County area; 2) The grants committee is interested in unique projects or those not typically funded by other area foundations; 3) Most grants from the Karl Peterson Funds are under $1,000.

 

The main reason behind the criteria for these types of grants was due to the man for which this grant process was named, Karl Peterson. Karl Peterson was actively involved with churches, local charities, and other community-related organizations, while living in Chautauqua County. Additionally, he was a very successful businessman who contributed to and generously gave back to the Jamestown community. Because of his active role in charity within the community, the Karl Peterson Foundation was established in 1952 to allow Peterson to further his charitable works. In 1993, the Karl Peterson Foundation merged with the Community Foundation. The goals for which the Karl Peterson Foundation was established have been followed by the Community Foundation since acquiring the Karl Peterson Foundation funds. 

 

In 2006, the Community Foundation awarded over $18,000 to local organizations through the Karl Peterson Grant process. While not the largest of the Foundation’s grant processes, organizations that receive Karl Peterson funding would assure you that the grant monies go a very long way. A sample of some organizations that were awarded last year included: the Ashville United Methodist Church, Busti Federated Church, Camp Mission Meadows, Lakewood Baptist Church, Living Waters Open Bible Church, Trinity Relief Zone, Chautauqua County Water Emergency Team, Drama Enrichment Program, Family Services of the Chautauqua Region, IMPACT Club, Joint Neighborhood Project, and WRFA Community Radio. This is a small group of many who received an award, so take the time to research an application.          

 

If your organization is looking for some new funding ideas in 2007, take advantage of this great, early opportunity. For more information on the Karl Peterson Grant process, contact the Community Foundation staff at 661-3390. Applications can be downloaded at the Foundation website, www.crcfonline.org, or picked up at the Foundation office at 418 Spring Street, Jamestown. Remember to have your applications submitted by the January 31^st deadline. Some Karl Peterson grant funding might be exactly what your organization needs to start 2007 off on the right foot.